Water authority launches Yard of the Month contest

James and Cynthia Hughes converted their once-thirsty landscape into a water-efficient oasis.

As a result, the Southern Nevada Water Authority selected the Summerlin-area residents as the first winners of its new Yard of the Month competition , which acknowledges residents who combine plants, elevations and hardscapes to create beautiful yards.

"I didn't want just a bunch of rock, just a 'replace the grass and be done with it' approach," James Hughes said.

The Hugheses were inspired by Red Rock Canyon, where they like to hike. They visited with the Master Gardeners of the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., for input on what plants they could use. D & K Landscape had input on the final design and installed it. Pete Battisti, lead designer, worked with the couple.

James Hughes said Battisti took about a month to complete the project.

"His vision was to incorporate what was already there, rather than ripping everything out," he said.

Some of the plants used were agave, spurge, P ink L ady Indian Hawthorn , silverberry, English ruellia and coral fountain. The couple also put in a vegetable garden.

The Hugheses said different plants began blooming soon after they were planted and neighbors' responses have been only positive.

The Hugheses said they saw a substantial reduction in their water bill with the water-conserving yard. Their highest pre-grass removal bill was $250 a month. They have been enjoying water bills of less than $60 and are awaiting summer's heat to see how things compare.

The w ater a uthority still will hold its annual water smart landscape competition to select the best water-efficient yards.

This new, monthly one just nudges people in that direction, the water authority said.

"This one is based on whether its aesthetically pleasing," said Tom Bradley, information officer for the water authority. "It takes into consideration how hardscapes are used ... a yard can have some grass in it; it doesn't solely have to be water-efficient."

The contest was created last year and implemented after the first of this year so that February was the first month.

Homeowners can send photos to the w ater authority for the Yard of the Month competition. A team of anonymous judges selects the winner.

For more information, visit snwa.com.

Contact Summerlin and Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.