The California True Colors Garden and Learning Center in Thousand Oaks

The California True Colors Garden and Learning Center in front of the Goebel Senior Adult Center in Thousand Oaks is a cooperative project with the University of California Master Gardener Program, Calleguas Muncipal Water District, Conejo Recreation and Park District and the City of Thousand Oaks.

The Garden, located at 1385 East Janss Road in Thousand Oaks, is adjacent to the Thousand Oaks Library and surrounded by plenty of parking. It was established in 2011 to provide the public with examples of plants and practices to conserve water, reduce maintenance and pollution, while offering beauty and a habitat for wildlife.

The mission of the University of California Master Gardener Program is “To extend research based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California and be guided by our core values and strategic initiatives." Learn more about the Ventura County Master Gardeners Program at ucanr.edu/sites/VCMG.

The Garden contains plenty of California "all star" plants that are well suited to our dry environment. You will find truly "water-wise" plants, grasses and trees here. It is also a training ground for the Master Gardener program. Go check it out next time you're over there!

Camarillo Water-Wise Gardening Website a Great Resource for All Local Residents

The City of Camarillo sponsors an excellent website, Camarillo Water-Wise Gardening, as a resource for local residents looking to create water-wise, drought tolerant landscaping for its residents. But the site is free of charge and available to anyone looking for information.

The site has information about how to design and install a water-wise garden, irrigation methods and equipment that will help you to water your landscape more efficiently, and suggestions on how to easily and effectively maintain your garden.

The Garden Tours section of the site contains hundreds of photos from 24 different gardens. If there is a particular plant you'd like more information about, simply click the box and the next screen will have detailed information, including plant name, size, color(s), sun/water requirements and more. Click the "Add" button and the plant will be added to your "List." You can also click the Add button on any of the garden photos to be added to your List (described more below).

The Plants section includes plants categorized by Low Maintenance Trees, Low Maintenance Shrubs, Vines, Ground Covers, Low Water Perennials and Ornamental Grasses/Clumping Plants.  Again, there are literally hundred of photos in this section of the site. Click an item of interest and add it to your List.

The "My List" section of the site contains the various photos you clicked in other sections of the site. Click one of the report formats and you'll see a printable report you can bring on your next trip to the nursery.

The Garden Resources section of the site has extensive information about how to design a garden, including design principles, a questionnaire, creating the design, drainage, plant design, installation and working with professionals. The irrigation section discusses plant water needs, smart controllers, irrigation systems and eliminating overspray and runoff. The maintenance section covers mulch, irrigation maintenance and other tips.

Overall, this is remarkably useful, informative and easy to use website! Check it out at www.camarillogardening.com.