Any time of the year is a good time to visit Bellevue’s Waterwise Garden.

The Waterwise Demonstration Garden is located on the north and west sides of the Bellevue Botanical Garden Visitor Center at 12001 Main Street. Open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is always FREE.

For more information, visit Bellevue Utilities’ Natural Lawn and Garden website at www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/natural_lawn_intro.htm or call 425-452-6932.

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02/10

BELLEVUE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Bellevue’s Waterwise Garden. It’s beautiful.... it’s enlightening....it’s yours to explore.

The Waterwise Garden is full of water-saving and work-reducing tips for gardens of any size, age or style. Visit the Waterwise Garden, and see what’s growing on.

One short visit and you’ll

be waterwise.

for growing healthier plants, saving time and resources,

and protectng the environement.

CIT

Y OF BELLEVUE

W

AS H I N G TON

To learn more: •Pick up FREE gardening guides in the Visitor Center. They provide valuable tips on planning gardens, choosing the right plants, keeping soils healthy and watering wisely.

•Enjoy FREE classes by respected garden authorities on garden design, soils, plants, drip irrigation and natural yard care techniques. Classes vary with the seasons. Call for schedule.

•Find the right plants for your garden using the Botanical Garden’s plant collection search tool. Use this on-line search feature to identify favorite Waterwise Garden plants, and then match plant needs with what you and your garden can provide. Visit www.bbg.cityofbellevue.net to learn more.

•Get hands-on experience by joining the Waterwise Volunteer Program. You’ll be trained by experts and meet others who share your interest in gardening. New and experienced gardeners are welcome.

•Arrange group tours by calling the Bellevue Utilities at 425-452-4127.

Better gardening is a walk in the park.Stroll through the Waterwise Garden and see good gardening in action. Discover the textures, flowers, foliage and fruits that make this garden an interesting place all year. Watch for interpretive signs and learn how easy it is to be waterwise.

Why be wise? Waterwise gardening gives you lower water bills, healthier plants and more time to sit back and enjoy the beauty. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to conserve water for the community and minimize runoff that pollutes our lakes and streams. Be water smart.

Learn how you can:

Grow lush, colorful gardens year-round with a minimum of water.

Protect plants from disease and drought with proper selection and placement.

Reduce the time you spend mowing, watering, weeding and controlling pests.

Wise gardening in action: •Siteassessment and planning before planting.

•Carefulplantselectionandplacement,goodsoil preparation and wise watering to prevent pests and diseases without the use of pesticides.

•Replacementofhardtomaintain,strugglinglawns on slopes, poor soil or in shady areas with more colorful, lower care plants.

•Amendingthesoilwithcomposttostoremore moisture for plants and to feed the soil life that supports the garden.

•Compostinggardenclippingstocreateavaluable soil amendment and reduce waste.

•Mulchingtoconservewaterandpreventweeds.

•Useofdripirrigation,andwateringbasedon observing plants and weather to reduce water waste.