Garden Inspiration
Sometimes a little help from others can get the ideas flowing for your own water-wise garden or landscape project! These resources may provide you with some great inspiration as well as helpful guidance for your project design and maintenance.
Landscape Design
Watershed Approach to Landscaping
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/watershed%20approach_3.jpeg)
Includes how to, design info, and plant selection guides.
By Marin Water
Landscape Design Templates & Maintenance Manual
![](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%206LAndscapeTemplate.jpg)
Use any of these 8 free, scalable, water-efficient, front-yard landscape design templates and their related garden maintenance manual.
Bloom - Simple and Elegant Garden Designs
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2015Bloom_1.jpg)
Great garden designs well suited to landscaping beginners.
Calscape - Garden Planner
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/DSCF2016-2.png)
Find the perfect native plants for your garden by answering 4 questions.
By Calscape
Technical Assistance
WaterSmart Plant Labels + Nursery List
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/WaterSmartPlant%20List_3.jpeg)
WaterSmart plant labels highlight low water use plants to nursery customers.
Marin Master Gardeners - Garden Walks
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2016MarinMAsterGardeners_1.jpg)
Free garden consultation with a Marin Master Gardener for residential customers
By the Marin Master Gardeners
Marin Master Gardeners - Webinars
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2022-09/Asset%209AugustWaterSavingsTrackers.jpg)
Marin Water partnered with UC Marin Master Gardeners to offer educational webinars on WaterSmart gardening practices
By the Marin Master Gardeners
Demo Gardens & Tours
Eco-Friendly Garden Tour - 2022 Videos
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2017garden%20tour%20event.jpg)
Tour Eco-Friendly gardens in Marin and Sonoma County.
Eco-Friendly Garden Tour - 2021 Videos
![](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2015ecofriendlygardentour.jpg)
Youtube playlist of gorgeous eco-friendly gardens in Marin and Sonoma County.
Demo Garden - Marin Art and Garden Center
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Screen%20Shot%202022-02-15%20at%203.42.41%20PM_1.png)
Historic demonstration garden located in Ross. Open from sunset to sunrise.
Photo Galleries - California Native Gardens
![](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%206NativeGardensMarin_1.jpg)
Local Marin County garden galleries demonstrating the versatility of California native plants.
Demo Garden - Falkirk Cultural Center
![](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/340271display.png)
Falkirk Cultural Center garden showcases sustainable landscaping practices.
By the Marin Master Gardeners
Demo Garden - Harvey's Garden at Blackie's Pasture
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/331571display.jpeg)
Demonstration garden in Tiburon featuring a variety of drought-tolerant plants.
By the Marin Master Gardeners
Water-Smart Plants
Whether you choose native plants or imports, make sure you select plants that are compatible with Marin's Mediterranean climate. Mediterranean plants require warm, dry summers, and receive most of their moisture during the winters. These resources provide guidance on the right fit for your property!
Water use classification of landscape species
![](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/DSCF3569.png)
Find out the water use needs of almost any plant (Marin is in region 1)
By UC Davis
Invasive Plant List - Marin Water
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/fTzSa_fg_2.png)
List of invasive plants to avoid when considering adding to your garden.
By Marin Water
WaterSmart Plant Picker
![](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Anigozanthos-spp_Kangaroo-Paw_1.png)
Plant list for Sonoma and Marin counties that contains mostly native species.
Marin Master Gardener Recommendations
![](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/DSCF1210_1.png)
Marin Master Gardener plant recommendations organized by category.
By the Marin Master Gardeners
Bloom!
![](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2018native%20plant%20list.jpg)
A Collection of native plants curated by Bloom of California Native Plant Society.
Arboretum All-Stars
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%209WaterSmartGarden.png)
Search the Arboretum All-Star plant database to find the plant perfect plant.
By UC Davis
Fire-Safe and Fire-Prone Plants
![](https://marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/aloe-spp.png)
Fire Safe Marin's list of plants to keep your yard safe from fire dangers.
Irrigation Tips and Tools
Not sure how much water your garden needs? The biggest water savings that can be made in our daily life can be found outdoors. Make sure you are maximizing your outdoor water-savings while still ensuring plant health with these resources.
Weekly Watering Schedule - Marin Water
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/DSCF1996_1.png)
Scheduling your irrigation system with info tailored to the weather in Marin County.
By Marin Water
Irrigation Scheduling Tool - Sonoma Marin Water-Saving Partnership
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2015Sonomarinschedule_1.jpg)
Create an irrigation watering schedule that is customized to your landscape.
Fire Safe Landscaping
When selecting plants, there are many factors that should be considered in addition to water conservation, including avoiding invasive plants and reducing the chance of a brush fire. Invasive plants introduced into local landscapes often end up invading surrounding natural areas, choking out natural plant communities and sometimes creating fire hazards. This guidance will help you make the right plant choices to mitigate these hazards and better protect your property.
Fire Resistant Mulch
![Photo of mulch on fire](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-06/mulch_fire_shredded_redwood_1.png)
Information about the combustibility of different types of mulch.
Firescaping
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/landscaping_mosaic_1.png)
Learn about fire-resistant landscape design materials from Fire Safe Marin.
Plant and Tree Spacing
![Marin Master Gardeners](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/tree_height_1.png)
Information about plant spacing with respect to fire safety.
How to Create a Fire-smart Landscape
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2018firesmart_1.jpg)
Marin Master Gardeners fire-smart landscaping resources.
By the Marin Master Gardeners
Sustainable Defensible Space & Resilient Landscapes
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/DSC00585.png)
Great article with lots of visuals focused on defensible space zones.
Hiring a Professional Landscaper
Maintaining or designing a water-wise landscape is not always a DIY endeavor and may sometimes requires the support of a professional landscaper. Use these resources for help with selecting a qualified contractor for your project.
Qualified Water Efficient Landscapers (QWEL)
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2016Professionals_1.jpg)
Search this database to find a qualified water-efficient landscaper (QWEL) in your area to ensure there is a focus on maximizing water-saving strategies when implementing your project.
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD)
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2017Professionals_1.jpg)
Directory of members of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.
California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2018Professionals_1.jpg)
Professionals that are certified to install landscape projects.
ReScape
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2015Professionals_1.jpg)
ReScape provides a regenerative, whole systems foundation to landscaping education, workforce development and policy, addressing climate change earthscape and land use issues.
Resources for Landscape Professionals
Add value to your services by providing clients with information on the most up-to-date water cons ervation practices and technologies through these training opportunities and other resources.
Qualified Water Efficient Landscapers (QWEL)
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2016Professionals_1.jpg)
The Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) program is an extension of the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership and provides a WaterSense certification in irrigation systems auditing.
ReScape - Regenerative Landscape Training
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2015Professionals_1.jpg)
ReScape provides a regenerative, whole systems foundation to landscaping education, workforce development and policy, addressing climate change earthscape and land use issues.
Fire Safe Marin - Wildfire Education
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/cropped-FireSafeMarin-Logo-HorizontalWithTagline-FullColor-@2x.png)
The program includes a basic introduction to wildfire science and recommendations for creating fire-smart landscapes. The program can be conducted in person or online.
Irrigation Association (IA)
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/shutterstock_156930869%20(1).png)
The Irrigation Association (IA) is dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation technologies, products, and services.
American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA)
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/shutterstock_1998927569%20(1).png)
ARCSA is an international nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable rainwater harvesting practices and provides training and certification opportunities for professionals.
Graywater & Rainwater Harvesting
Graywater is household water from showers, bathtubs, bathroom sinks and washing machines. Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting rainwater from rooftops and storing it for later use. Learn more about the different types systems, and which might be right for you.
Graywater Systems
About Graywater Systems
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/About%20Graywater%20Systems.jpg)
An overview of graywater systems and how to install them.
By the County of Marin
Laundry-to-Landscape Graywater System Example
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/Laundry-to-Landscape%20Graywater%20System%20Example.jpg)
Gain greater understanding of how the systems works through a detailed diagram and descriptions.
Graywater Stub-Outs
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/Rainwater%20Stubouts.jpg)
Learn more about greywater-harvesting stub-outs, which are built-in plumbing connections that allow for easy future access to a home’s drain-water stream.
Graywater Rebates
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/flmngr/Artboard%2018Grwaterillustration.jpg)
Marin Water partners with the Urban Farmer Store to offer $125 discounts on the purchase of a graywater kit.
By Marin Water
Rainwater Harvesting
Chapter 16 of the 2019 California Plumbing Code
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/2019%20California%20Plumbing%20Code.jpg)
Current state requirements for installation of non-potable rainwater catchment systems.
Rainwater Capture and Management
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/Rainwater%20Capture%20and%20Management.jpg)
Minimize stormwater impacts on the surrounding area through a natural system approach.
Rainwater Harvesting Manual
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/RainWaterHarvestingManual.jpg)
A technical guide for residential rainwater harvesting.
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/Rainwater%20Harvesting%20for%20Drylands%20and%20Beyond.jpg)
Guidance to help you better collaborate with, and contribute to, many living systems that spark and regenerate life for all.
Rain Barrels and Cisterns Rebates
![](https://www.marinwater.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/Rain%20barrel%20photo.jpg)
Marin Water offers up to 50 cents per gallon of storage, not to exceed actual cost.
By Marin Water