August 2026 Greenovation Winner

A man holds a wrapped gift basket with a blue container, standing in front of a brick wall with plants around.

Congratulations to James Reswick for winning the LVMWD August 2026 Greenovation Award! 

The LVMWD Greenovation Award recognizes outstanding customers who utilized LVMWD's Landscape Transformation Program to replace their thirsty lawns with beautiful water-conscious landscapes. Winners are chosen based on 4 main criteria: aesthetics, functionality, biodiversity, and water budget impact.   

James felt his turf lawn was not only water-intensive, but unappealing – he knew he had to make a switch. Coming from Portland, he was familiar with the importance of native plants and a diverse yard, especially in a region where rain gardens are so popular. While rain gardens are not as popular in Southern California, he was determined to make every drop count; however, he faced a unique challenge. His yard sits on a steep slope. James had to approach his transformation differently than some of our other community members. 

A wooden pathway leads to a house with green siding and a brick base, surrounded by gravel and plants in a landscaped garden.
The image shows a tree with branches and some green leaves, beside a home with a green wall and red brick accents.
The image features decorative metal elements resembling leaves or flowers, placed among pebbles and leaves near a brick wall.
A green plant with small leaves and bright orange flowers against a red brick wall background.
A beautiful rose bloom with a blend of orange and yellow petals, surrounded by green leaves and stems.
A cluster of pale green plants with spiky leaves growing on a bed of brown mulch.
A wooden pathway leads to a house with green siding and a brick base, surrounded by gravel and plants in a landscaped garden.
The image shows a tree with branches and some green leaves, beside a home with a green wall and red brick accents.
The image features decorative metal elements resembling leaves or flowers, placed among pebbles and leaves near a brick wall.
A green plant with small leaves and bright orange flowers against a red brick wall background.
A beautiful rose bloom with a blend of orange and yellow petals, surrounded by green leaves and stems.
A cluster of pale green plants with spiky leaves growing on a bed of brown mulch.

To work with the terrain, James installed rock beds around his house that soak up runoff and excess water from gutters, even using a beautiful rain chain to help direct some of the flow. Alongside these rock beds, absorbing water and preventing erosion, he also created berms that protect plants and further manage excess water. In addition to all of these water management strategies, James also included a selection of native plants for his drought-tolerant landscape.  To gather a collection of plants that can survive both the hot Southern California weather and abundant seasonal flows, he made the journey to the Theodore Payne Foundation, a nursery known for their wide selection of California native plants. 

While James is still at the beginning of his transformation journey, he expresses newfound love for his turf lawn alternative. Now, hummingbirds are constantly hanging around his yard, and he has a beautiful variety of plants, including a young oak tree that is beginning to flourish. 

Even if you have a unique yard like James, you can join our Landscape Transformation Program and get a discounted design from YourSmartYard. 

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