Plan a visit to the Utilities Kingston award-winning Water Conservation Garden at 1211 John Counter Blvd. to see more than 100 types of plants that require less water. Free tours also show gardeners how to save water, time and money by building a water-wise garden that ‘makes every rain drop count’ and that can prevent run-off pollution and flooding. 

Many Kingston gardeners know that adding compost to gardens and grasscycling (leaving grass cuttings on the lawn) improves water retention and conserves treated water – but choosing plants wisely can also help make your garden more self-sufficient and sustainable.

Don’t know your Butterfly Weed from your Buttonbush?  Utilities Kingston can help.

FREE TOURS, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND WATER-WISE WORKSHOPS

While you may wander the garden at any time during daylight hours, consider taking advantage of one of our free 15-minute guided tours at 10:30 AM every weekday until the end of August.

Families are invited to stay for free children’s activities, starting at 11 AM. Little ones will design their own water wise button to take home. Registration is not required, but mark your calendar today!

EVERYTHING DRAINAGE WORKSHOPS

The popular Everything Drainage Workshops will again be offered at the garden throughout the summer. These provide public education about water conservation, drainage solutions and storm water pollution prevention. Workshops are scheduled during evenings and weekends throughout the summer:

• Beginner workshops: Wednesday, July 17, 6-8 PM and Saturday, July 27, 10 AM-noon.
• Advanced workshops: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 6-8 PM and Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 AM-noon.

To register, an online form will become available at www.UtilitiesKingston.com.  Alternatively, contact Utilities Kingston at 613-546-0000 and say “Conservation” or email conservation@utilitieskingston.com. 

We also offer a wonderful online resource for gardeners, picturing and listing the plants used in the Water Conservation Garden. Find it at www.UtilitiesKingston.com/ConservationGarden.