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Sandy Journal

Patrons Get Wise About Water And Gardening At Annual Fair

May 22, 2015 08:43AM ● By Aimee L Cook

Patrons attending the annual garden fair to learn about water-wise plants and landscapes. Photo courtesy of Sego Lily Gardens

Each year Sandy City hosts the annual garden fair at the Sego Lily Gardens, located at 1472 E. Sego Lily Drive, during the first week of May, which is designated Water Week in Utah.  Living in the desert can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden, and this year is no exception: our water totals are at just 22 percent of normal statewide due to the mild winter.  

The fair offers booths filled with educational handouts on water-wise plants, and specialists are on hand to help patrons understand and implement water conservation. Sandy City has done such an outstanding job with this program that the City was awarded a Best of State award in 2011 for their Public Utilities Department and its conservation efforts.

“The annual fair is a way to encourage residents to come learn more about water-wise plants and sprinkler systems,” Kimberly Bell, Sandy City Public Utilities, support services manager, said. “At this event we discuss how to repair and replace sprinkler heads and how to plant in similar watering zones to reduce over watering. We have over 1,100 species of plants, shrubs and trees in the garden that help demonstrate how you can have a colorful and beautiful landscape while still conserving water. Having the garden fair brings people together to visit with experts in many fields. We also have a children’s event to help grow interest in gardening and landscaping for the future.”
Colorful groundcover abounds in the Sego Lily Gardens. Photo courtesy of Sego Lily Gardens

 Sego Lily Gardens, named after the state flower, is located on 2.5 acres of land surrounding an underground water storage tank that can hold 5 million gallons of water. The idea was the brainchild of Judith M. Bell, public utilities director from 1995-2004, and was designed to educate the public on how to use water conservation practices while still creating a beautiful landscape. Throughout the garden are interpretive signs and identification tags to further public education on the various plants. 

Throughout the year, local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and church groups volunteer at the gardens, maintaining the grounds and helping with planting. Patrons visiting the garden learn the importance of improving soil, plant selection, practical turf areas, irrigating and how to use mulch while maintaining your landscape. It’s nice to know that being water wise does not mean you have to sacrifice a beautiful and colorful yard.