According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Hawai'i has been experiencing abnormally dry to drought conditions. The decrease in rainfall and the increase in water usage impacts our water supply. While we do our part to conserve water indoors, did you know about 50 percent of the average homeowner's total water consumption is used outdoors, mainly for the landscape? Gardens and landscaped areas can offer a respite from the heat of the day, but they can also use a lot of water if they are not planned or maintained correctly. Xeriscaping is a concept that has been around for decades and can reduce the amount of water used by incorporating the following seven principles:

1. Proper planning, design

2. Limited grassy areas

3. Well-planned irrigation system

4. Soil improvement

5. Mulch

6. "Less-thirsty" plants

7. Proper maintenance

Twenty-one years ago, the Halawa Xeriscape Garden was created to provide a place for the public to learn about water conservation and xeriscaping principles. Like any garden, this one is constantly changing thanks to the dedicated people who take the time to help beautify the grounds. A devoted group of volunteers from the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden gather every Wednesday to grow a variety of unthirsty plants. This group was recently recognized by Scenic Hawaii Inc. at the seventh annual Betty Crocker landscape awards, as a winning "volunteer group of the year for 2009" for all they have given back to our green and sustainable community.

PLANT SALE TODAY

Their plants, along with those from a dozen other local vendors, will be for sale at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden's 21st open house and "unthirsty" plant sale today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will be selling their hearty, drought-tolerant plants and can help you find the right plant for your landscape. But don't think this is only a plant sale; there will be so much more going on. There will be keiki activities, a variety of xeriscape workshops, guided tours, and free mulch to take home. Also, the Extreme Xeriscape Garden Makeover was such a hit at last year's plant sale that it will be coming back. Homeowners can enter to win this makeover only during the plant sale.

The Halawa Xeriscape Garden is at 99-1268 Iwaena St. in 'Aiea. Parking is available along Iwaena Street and free shuttle service is available at the designated signs.

For more information about the plant sale, visit the Board of Water Supply's Web site, www.boardofwatersupply.com, or call the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041.