SPOKANE — The spring gardening season is approaching, and a city program wants to help homeowners transform their yards while conserving water and earning money back on utility bills.
SpokaneScape encourages residents to replace traditional grass lawns with water-wise plants and native plants. The program addresses Spokane’s significant water usage as the city uses approximately 19 billion gallons annually, with most of it going to landscaping.
Homeowners who participate can receive up to $500 in utility credit from the city for each project through an application.
“Anybody can do it, it is great. It is a residential program that you can gain up to 50 cents per square foot for turf replacement,” said Cathy Spokas, a SpokaneScape designer.
The program requires participants to complete their front yard first before moving to other areas of their property.
Beyond reducing water usage and saving money, SpokaneScape says its program creates beautiful, colorful landscaping while supporting pollinators and beneficial insects that birds and wildlife depend on.
Those interested in the program can attend water-wise workshops held every Wednesday through April 22. After that date, SpokaneScape 101 classes will be offered monthly from May to September.
There will also be a garden fair and plant sale on April 24th and 25th that is by appointment only. You can find more information on that here.
You can learn more about SpokaneScape and other Water Wise Spokane events here.
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