Peterborough Utilities Water Wise Landscaping Recognition Program
The Peterborough Utilities Water Wise Landscaping Recognition Program showcases a wide array of landscaping methods and local resources to make taking water wise steps in your garden easier than ever!
In the summer months, demands on water from activities such as watering lawns and gardens can significantly increase outdoor water consumption. One way to curb water use is to rethink the way we landscape our front yards to create water wise landscapes that reduce water demands.
GreenUP, with support from Peterborough Utilities Group, would like to recognize the efforts of citizens and business owners in the City of Peterborough who are taking water wise steps on their residential properties to conserve water through alternative landscaping methods in their front yards.
Do you have, or know of a front yard, or a business in the City of Peterborough that appears to be Water Wise?
If so, it may be eligible for recognition.
Plus, everyone who nominates a garden, and is nominated, will be entered into a draw to win a rain barrel.
You can nominate a home or business’ front garden, rain barrel, or lawn OR if you have already been recognized and you’ve made some changes since you were nominated, then nominate your front yard, again!
Some signs that a front yard may be Water Wise:
- Lack of a lawn, opting for the use of native/drought tolerant plants instead
- A lawn that is mowed higher, de-thatched, and left brown (when needed)
- Use of captured rain water (For example, watering with rain captured in a rain barrel)
- Use of ground cover / mulch
- Use of efficient watering methods, if watering is required (For example, use of drip hoses)
- A tree or two (or more)
- Natural pest control measures (no use of pesticides)
- Other unique measures
Water Wise landscaping methods work to conserve and protect water, help to reduce outdoor water use, restore the natural hydrological cycle, protect our drinking water, and more!
Nominate a garden today by clicking on the button.
2022 Pre-Sales: Water Wise Garden Starter Kits
2022 pre-sales for Water Wise Garden Starter Kits are open! Click here to order yours now. Please REMEMBER pickup is at Ecology Park NOT at the GreenUP Store.
Missed your chance this year? To be the first to know when pre-sales open, please sign up for our e-newsletter here and follow @ptbogreenup on social media.
Peterborough Utilities Water Wise Garden Tour
Hop on your bike or take a stroll and tour a variety of recognized Peterborough Utilities Water Wise gardens in Peterborough City! Gain some inspiration, learn about Water Wise techniques, and see what your neighbours are doing to reduce their reliance on municipal water, while beautifying their front yards.
Share photos of your self-guided tour in Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #WaterWiseWednesdays to have your name entered for great draw prizes!
Program History
Piloted in 2015, and launched in 2016, the Peterborough Utilities Water Wise Landscaping Recognition Program is modelled after the City of Brantford’s Waterwise Landscape Recognition Program.
GreenUP was able to start this landscape recognition program with the generous support of Peterborough Utilities Group. Since its inception, the Peterborough Utilities Water Wise Landscaping Recognition Program has nominated over 20 gardens. Each of these gardens acts as a demonstration garden to inspire others and showcase solutions. This program has also developed local resources, hosted workshops, and provided garden tours.
The Peterborough Utilities Water Wise Landscaping Recognition Program continues to this day and is available to customers of Peterborough Utilities Group.
This program has inspired GreenUP to grow these programs to meet the demand for similar programming across the greater Peterborough area. Click here to learn more about other Water Wise programs.
Program Services
Looking for a quick way to get your own Water Wise garden started?
Program Contact Information
Name: Heather Ray
Position: Water Programs Manager
Phone: 705-745-3238 ext. 204
Email: heather.ray@greenup.on.ca