One of my goals as a gardener is balance. I strive to balance my dream garden and the one I have time to plant and maintain. I seek harmony between what is beautiful in the landscape and what is functional there. I think every gardener shares the quest for balance. For example, a friend of mine holds a yearly argument with herself pitting her desire to grow every single variety of heirloom tomato versus her family’s capacity for tomato consumption. Nevada’s drought provides area gardeners with another balancing act to consider: the equilibrium between beautifying, enjoying and cooling our urban environment and responsible water use.

A thought that runs through my mind as I walk the water-wise tightrope is this: enriching our city with gardens and landscapes to improve quality of life is not an irresponsible use of water. What is irresponsible is excessively or improperly irrigating them. Responsible water use is achieved through proper water management, and that can be attained without changing a single plant. Extreme makeovers are not needed; it is possible to save water and your garden and landscape. To learn how, contact Cooperative Extension.

We can help you discover how much water your plants need, the most efficient delivery method for that moisture and the proper schedule on which to irrigate. Our Master Gardener Volunteers are available for consultations Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno. Stop by, call 775-336-0265, send an email to mastergardeners@unce.unr.edu or visit our website, www.livingwithdrought.com.

We also offer educational events to foster proper water management.

Andrews, A. 2015, Save Water and Your Garden and Landscape, Reno Gazette-Journal

Extension Associated Contacts

Buddy Borden

Joseph Lednicky

Also of Interest:


Nevada Farmers Markets Strategic Marketing Plan Discover how Nevada’s farmers markets can thrive through digital, community, and on-site marketing. This plan equips markets with tailored strategies, tools, and messaging to boost visibility, vendor success, and community impact. A. Andrews, S. Park, G. Yun, S. Purnell, T. Felts, S. Malik, A. Lopez, C. Holden 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada Economic Assessment Project Presentation (1 21) Process to develop and maintain an extensive data repository and set of analytical tools that are meaningful, consistent, and verifiable. This can be used by Nevada Counties and Communities for various types of planning and policy assessments. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, L. Thomas 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada Economic Assessment Project Socioeconomic Baseline Report for Lyon County, Nevada This report will be used by local, state, and federal agencies as a tool for future planning, aiming to assist the communities of Nevada. It will help readers understand their community’s social, demographic, economic, and environmental trends. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, M.Rebori 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada Economic Assessment Project Socioeconomic Baseline Report for Pershing County, Nevada This report will be used by local, state, and federal agencies as a tool for future planning, aiming to assist the communities of Nevada. It will help readers understand their community’s social, demographic, economic, and environmental trends. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, M. Rebori 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada Economic Assessment Project Socioeconomic Baseline Report for Washoe County This report will be used by local, state, and federal agencies as a tool for future planning, aiming to assist the communities of Nevada. It will help readers understand their community’s social, demographic, economic, and environmental trends. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, M. Rebori 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno

Associated Programs

Thomas Harris speaking to group of Nevada Economic Assessment Project Stakeholders at an update meeting

Nevada Economic Assessment Project (NEAP)

The Nevada Economic Assessment Project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal and environmental characteristics, trends and impacts. The data can be used for land use and project planning, grant writing and overall policy assessment.

Save Water and Your Garden and Landscape

We also offer educational events to foster proper water management.

Published by: Andrews, A., 2015, Save Water and Your Garden and Landscape, Reno Gazette-Journal