The Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale is important in promoting the Board's overall mission of 'Water for Life-Ka Wai Ola' as it helps residents understand how they can do their part to help preserve our precious water supply for future generations.
   
With xeriscaping, conserving water through the landscape, residents can often reduce time spent towards garden maintenance and care.  Because an estimated 50 percent of water consumption in the average single-family home is used outdoors, xeriscaping offers an ideal way to minimize water waste while maintaining the beautiful landscapes of our island. Outdoor water use in a xeriscape can save anywhere from 30 to 80 percent in water consumption. This means comparable savings in water and sewer charges, as well. 

Visitors to the daylong event are able to purchase a variety of drought-tolerant and native Hawaiian plants from more than 10 local nurseries and growers.  Activities include workshops and classes on xeriscape plant crafts and native plant propagation.  Children and adults can reinforce their water conservation knowledge with trivia questions and conservation games held throughout the day.  Free native Hawaiian tree packets and a bag-your-own-mulch are also available. 

Visitors are treated to tours of the 3-acre garden, located at 99-1268 Iwaena St., providing them the opportunity to pick up new ideas and tips for their home gardens. 

Proceeds support educational programs and classes at the garden. The open house and plant sale is sponsored by BWS and the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden, a non-profit group that supports educational programs related to water conservation in the landscape.