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  Neal Klassen, Water Smart Coordinator. watersmart@look.ca Phone: (250) 868-3339 
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Irrigation System and Landscape Assessment Free Drought Tolerant Eco-Lawn Cost-shared Incentive In 2006 we experimented with Eco-Lawn, a drought tolerant grass grown from seed. The grass has thin blades that transpire less moisture than traditional grass and a deep root system that holds moisture. It is slow growing which means less mowing. The Water Smart program is bringing in a large shipment of seed in spring, 2007. If you are interested in trying out this grass, call the Water Smart program. If you pay for the seed, we will take care of the shipping. For more information on Eco Lawn, visit here.
Compost Tea Alternative to Nitrogen Fertilizer Cost-shared Incentive High nitrogen fertilizer stimulates short-term growth that requires excessive watering. There is also the environmental damage created by this introducing excessive nitrogen into the Water Shed. Compost Tea is an organic alternative to nitrogen. We simply brew compost in water, and then spray the resulting mixture on the lawns. Beneficial bacteria in the compost revitalize soil and create optimal growing conditions for grass, requiring less water. Use of Compost Tea is still in an experimental phase, but if you would like information on taking part in a cost-shared incentive, contact the Water Smart program.
Water Retention Amendments for Soil In 2006 we tested a variety of soil amendment product designed to increase moisture retention. The three products tested were:
 This test was conducted over a two-month period so the long term moisture retention capabilities of each product are unknown; however, in the short-term, Zeba clearly retained the most moisture. Water Lok and Glenmore Grow are true soil additives, in that they break down and add organic content to soil. The grass was greener and the roots measurably longer where Glenmore Grow was applied. Zeba acts more like a sponge, absorbing water, but adding nothing to the soil as it breaks down. Yearly applications may be necessary to maintain moisture retention. Zeba is available from: Nature's Reflections Inc. Contact - Gary Roos 250-448-4868 (office) 250-878-4114 (cell) Email - naturesreflections@cablelan.net
Soil Amendment Program Program Discontinued The soil amendment program has been discontinued except for residents who applied in 2006. There are now private companies in Kelowna who offer this service.
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