News Release

For Immediate Release
July 17, 2017

BWS To Hold 29th Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale August 5

HONOLULU – Have the dog days of summer taken a bite out of your garden? The Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) 29th Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale will have plenty of drought-tolerant plants available that will stand out beautifully during the hottest season of the year. The event will be held on Saturday, August 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All of the activities at this admission-free event will be focused on xeriscape, an innovative way to conserve water through efficient landscaping. By incorporating xeriscaping techniques, BWS customers can reduce water consumption outdoors!

“To secure Oahu’s water future, we all need to be willing to take action to reduce water use at home,” said BWS Deputy Manager Ellen Kitamura. “The Plant Sale provides event goers with numerous opportunities to gain a wealth of knowledge they can take home to practice conserving water outdoors. No effort is too small when it comes to preserving our water supply now and for future generations.”
 
Plants for sale include the Hoya, Talinum, Resnova, Stephanotis and more. More than a dozen local nurseries will be participating to provide a large variety of less-thirsty and native plants. Grand champion cacti and succulents will be on display in a dedicated space for the Cactus and Succulent Society of Hawaii’s show. Activities to be offered include xeriscape workshops by garden experts, a social media contest, keiki activities, educational booths, plant crafts, and free compost. Concessions will be provided by Water for People; proceeds from food sales will support safe drinking water and sanitation to third world countries.

Xeriscaping is based on seven fundamental principles that serve as guidelines on how to plan, plant, and maintain a garden that takes advantage of natural climate conditions to make efficient use of irrigation. Some of the principles include growing “unthirsty” plants, using mulch, and installing proper irrigation. To learn more about xeriscaping, the Halawa Xeriscape Garden, or water-saving tips, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Proceeds from the plant sale will help support beautification and educational activities at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden. The open house is co-sponsored by the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden, a non-profit community group that supports educational programs related to water conservation in the landscape.

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Contact:

Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui
Information Officer
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Phone: (808) 748-5319

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About the Board of Water Supply

The Board of Water Supply (BWS), a semi-autonomous agency of the City and County of Honolulu, manages Oahu’s municipal water resources and distribution system. As the largest water utility in the State, the BWS serves approximately one million customers on Oahu. The BWS embraces its mission of "Water for Life – Ka Wai Ola" – to provide a safe, dependable, and affordable water supply, now and into the future. Uwē ka lani, ola ka honua – "When the heavens weep, the earth lives."