In our current drought conditions, using water-wise plants for landscaping and gardening has become crucial. Collecting the best plants for a Fresno-friendly garden will be easy and rewarding at the Water-Wise Plant Exchange on May 16 at the Fresno State Horticulture Greenhouses.

Gardeners are being encouraged to donate water-wise plants at the exchange, from 8 a.m. to noon at 3150 E. Barstow Ave., just east of Chestnut Avenue. Cuttings, bulbs and seeds will be available and gratefully accepted throughout the event. A limited supply of free, water-wise potted plants also will be available, and other water-wise plants can be purchased from Fresno State students.

Master Gardeners, and others with expertise in native and water-wise plants, will be on hand to offer advice for nurturing yards and gardens that are beautiful and can thrive with a minimal amount of water.

May is Water Awareness Month and the Water-Wise Plant Exchange underscores the need to conserve our precious natural resources. Partners in the plant exchange include: the City of Fresno Water Conservation Program, Central Valley Water Awareness Committee, California State University, Fresno’s Horticulture Unit, Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce, University of California Cooperative Extension, Master Gardener Program, California Native Plant Association, Clovis Botanical Gardens, Tree Fresno, Water-wise Landscape Design, International Center for Water Technology at CSUF.

For a list of water-wise plants, gardening tips and ways to protect our water supply visit www.fresnowater.org or request a free brochure by calling the City of Fresno Water Conservation Program at (559) 621-5480.

CONTACT: Ann Kloose, Department of Public Utilities (559) 417-4291 Nora Laikam, Water Conservation Supervisor (559) 960-4374

# # #

Fresno, a culture of excellence where people get the best every day.