Colleyville, Texas

            Colleyville’s winning entry was its ongoing program of using native and drought-tolerant landscaping in public areas to reduce water dependency, while maintaining a superior level of aesthetics within the community. The landscaping at the Public Works Service Center on Hall-Johnson Roadis an example of the city’s native plant/water conservation program. 

            “North Texas is in the middle of a drought, so water conservation is critical to preserving our most essential natural resource. The city encourages its citizens to actively participate in conservation efforts, so it’s important that we play a leadership role in setting the example for conservation efforts that save water, yet still have an aesthetically pleasing appearance,” remarked Steve Chuchian, public works director.

            City crews worked with Emma Sheared, a horticulturist and master composter from the Trinity River Authority’s Tarrant County Water Supply Project, to design the Service Center landscaping. Her design featured blooming plants for color in every season, and plants to attract butterflies in spring and summer. Crown zoysia was utilized for turf grass because of its low water needs and resistance to drought. The bedding areas consisted of various native and adapted plants, including verbena, fall asters, rosemary, and salvia.

            After the project was installed and all plantings were established, the lush landscape required less than an inch of water per week. The city uses organic fertilizer to treat the landscape annually, eliminating the need to increase the volume or frequency of watering.