Lake County to dedicate new ‘Water Wise Garden’

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners, in conjunction with The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension in Lake County and the Lake County Water Authority, is inviting the public to a dedication ceremony for a new Water Wise Garden demonstration exhibit on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. The ceremony will be held at Discovery Gardens at the Lake County Agricultural Center, located at 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares.

The Water Wise Garden demonstrates efficient ways to irrigate, while conserving water through micro-irrigation, the drip tape technique and a properly calibrated irrigation system.

“Low-volume irrigation systems, which are displayed at the garden, offer alternatives to conventional irrigation, which helps improve landscape quality while saving water,” said UF/IFAS Extension Agent Brooke Moffis. “The precise application of water to the root system of plants reduces the occurrence of disease and pest problems, and this approach can create a healthier landscape.”

With 92 percent of Florida’s population dependent on groundwater for drinking and nearly 15 million gallons of water withdrawn in Florida per day in 2010, micro-irrigation is one way individuals can conserve water. Moffis says while switching to micro-irrigation systems may appear daunting to some, the techniques used are actually quite simple, and the UF/IFAS Extension in Lake County is available to offer tips on how to create a more “water wise” and cost efficient garden.

For more information on irrigation or the Water Wise Garden dedication, call the UF/IFAS Extension in Lake County at 352-343-4101.