The Agency water efficiency garden was designed to illustrate varieties in form, texture and color of plants available for low water use gardening in Amador County.

The garden contains only a sampling of the many plants available for this use.  All plants and plant materials used were obtained locally.The plants are categorized as California natives or genuses of natives which require good soil drainage and little to no water once established.  You may recognize some natives to Amador County such as Hetermeles (Toyon), Arctostaphylos (Manzanita), and Quercus (Oak). Most are considered Deer Resistant Plants (reasonably safe bets).

The island in the center of the pathway contains a sampling of the many drought tolerant herbs available for use.  This selection provides not only foliage and flower color, but many culinary uses as well.

The remainder of the garden, as well as those surrounding the building, illustrates a variety of ornamental drought tolerant trees, shrubs, grasses, perennials and ground covers.

Amador County has a wide range of climates.  So while these plants may be hardy here on a warm ridge top, some may not do their best in cooler areas.  Check with you local nursery for those plants that are best suited to your climate and area.This community service garden is provided for your enjoyment and education by the Amador Water Agency through joint volunteer efforts of the Mule Creek State Prison inmates and faculty and the Amador County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, in coordination with Agency personnel. For further information regarding drought tolerant landscaping, please contact your local nursery or the University of California Cooperative Extension. 

Amador County Master Gardeners can be reached directly by phone on Tuesdays through Fridays from10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 209-223-6838 or by email at mgamador@ucdavis.edu.  You can also find them at local nurseries throughout the County on the first Saturday of the month (April-September) from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m.  Check their calendar for locations.

Click Here for a list of plants you will find in the garden:

Check out our Conservation page for water conservation tips inside and outside your home.