Click here for the Civic Green Garden Layout

The City of Redondo Beach recently completed a Water Wise Demonstration Garden in the Civic Center courtyard (415 Diamond Street).  This area was formerly an underutilized area of lawn that required constant watering, weeding, fertilizing and mowing.  It has since been transformed into a beautiful, water-efficient garden to be enjoyed by City employees, residents and visitors alike.  Small groups, especially school children, are encouraged to visit the garden to learn about water wise gardening and the recycling of some of our precious natural and manmade resources.

The objective of this type of garden is to reduce water usage and minimize maintenance with respect to weeding, mowing and the use of chemical fertilizers, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.  Simply put, sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their own needs.

Our Water Wise Garden consists of the following features:

• Water Wise Plants:  The garden is planted with water wise plants including trees, palms, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers, plants that are native to Southern California and Northern Mexico regions. These plants need far less water than other non-native plants. The most prominent specimen in our garden is a Moreton Bay fig tree that is approximately 65 feet in height and has a spread of 80 feet.  To the best of our knowledge, this tree was planted as a mature tree at its present location 44 years ago.

• Mulch:  Mulch is a gardening term that refers to any loose, usually organic material that is placed over the soil primarily to reduce the evaporation of moisture from the soil and the growth of weeds.  Our garden uses a variety of mulches including wood chips, decomposed granite, and decorative stones.

• Drip Irrigation System: The garden is designed with a drip irrigation system, which allows water to seep into the ground at various locations.  This irrigation system is more efficient than other spray irrigation systems.

• Walkways:  The garden features both a formal and an informal system of permeable walkways.  Permeable walkways allow water to flow directly into the ground where the water is naturally filtered and retained in the garden.  The formal walkways consist of a decorative pattern of colored pavers set on layers of gravel and sand.  The informal walkways are made of discarded, broken pieces of concrete from the Citys public sidewalks.

• Fountain: A circulating triangular fountain, provides a visual and audible focal point for the garden. 

• Benches:  Three small benches are located on each side of the triangular fountain.  These benches are constructed of Teak wood that is highly regarded for its natural beauty as well as its ability to withstand the outdoor elements.  A circular bench is located around our featured Moreton Bay fig tree.  Sit on the benches and enjoy the beautiful setting.

• Trash/Recycling Clusters:  Several trash/recycling clusters made of recycled plastics are located at the edge of the Civic Green. Use them to dispose of bottles, cans and trash. 

Click here for the Civic Green Garden Layout

WATER WISE FACTS:

• The majority of all water in Redondo Beach is used by residential consumers.

• More than half of that amount is used to water gardens & lawns.

• Reducing the use of water and fertilizers will help protect the quality of our local ocean.

• The conservation of water today will help ensure the supply of water for future generations.

This garden was made possible, in part, through grants provided by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the West Basin Municipal Water District; the California Water Service Co. and the California Department of Conservation.  Thank you for your generous support of this project.

This garden was entirely conceived of, designed, constructed and planted by City Staff members from the Public Works Department, Engineering Department, the Planning Department and the City Managers Office with the support of the Mayor and City Council.

Want to be "water-wise"?