Tropical Landscape Wins Padre Dam’s 2024 WaterSmart Landscape Contest

At first glance, you might mistake Jason McAllister's thriving green landscape as a water-thirsty garden. Look closer though, and you'll see that the plants in this tropical oasis are anything but water hogs.

Jason inherited his home in 2020, and while he wanted to be water-efficient, he also hoped to create a tropical oasis in the heart of Santee. With that vision in mind, he worked with his spouse Taylor and landscape designer Sara Bendrick to select low-water use plants that would remain lush and vibrant year-round. They chose a drip irrigation system to keep the landscape healthy while limiting water waste.

When you step onto the property now, you will immediately notice the rich textures of the wide selection of plants, including a variety of palms. In additional to the many shades of greens, color pops from the lantana, kangaroo paw, gazania and angel's trumpet. The landscape is tied together by a ground cover, ruschia nana, a water-efficient succulent that can be walked on.

A nice seating area provides a quiet spot for Jason and Taylor to relax and enjoy their garden oasis, which has become a refuge for more than just the couple. "We have become a central haven for countless butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and dragonflies, just to name a few," Jason said. "You'd almost think that our property has become a branch of the San Diego River."

Padre Dam's Board of Directors recognized Jason as Padre Dam's 2024 WaterSmart Landscape Contest Winner at a Board Meeting in June. Customers interested in entering next year's WaterSmart Landscape Contest can sign-up to be notified when entries open by emailing [email protected].