To further encourage customers to reduce outdoor water use, Vallecitos participates in a regional "WaterSmart" landscape contest to award customers whose yards best exhibit the beauty of California-friendly, low-water gardening. Vallecitos' first place winner receives a $250 gift certificate to a local nursery and recognition at a Vallecitos Board meeting. Second and third place winners also earn gift certificates (in lesser amounts).  If you're proud of your water-wise yard, we encourage you to enter the contest! The submission deadline for the next contest is May 10, 2026. 

 Click on the videos below to view award-winning yards from previous years:  

More information on how to enter the contest. 

Need water-smart landscape ideas before the next landscape contest?  Visit the Landscape Contest website for many resources including landscape design templates that provide ideas and inspiration, particularly for do-it-yourselfers.