Plats to Pair with Water Features

One of the joys of living in Southern California is the number of migratory birds that pass through every year. Of course, we also love our year-round species – the scrub jays, mockingbirds, mourning doves, and, in some areas, parrots – but who doesn’t get a thrill in seeing a warbler or tanager? 

All birds need water – either to drink or to bathe in or both – but migratory birds have a special problem: they need to find water in unfamiliar terrain. They accomplish this through hearing: hearing the splash and ripple of running water. Because of this, a fountain, creek or waterfall will attract more species than a traditional bird bath with standing water.

https://www.birdsintheyard.com/with-water.html

If you want to welcome birds into your garden, another useful tip is to keep your water feature shallow – most birds can’t cope with much depth when they’re having a bath! And bathing is important for birds – it loosens dirt and makes it easier to preen. Preening causes birds to distribute an oily substance amongst their feathers, providing a insulating layer of air underneath a waterproof surface. Our beloved hummingbirds, in particular, have specialized water needs:

https://www.thespruce.com/provide-water-for-hummingbirds-386404

Are you an ardent do-it-yourself type? If so, you may enjoy building a custom water feature such as this cascading stream project with a pump and waterfall:

https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/build-a-backyard-waterfall-and-stream/

If you prefer a less arduous solution, you can purchase a fountain with a pump at your local garden shop. Simply select a place in your garden and plug it in to an outdoor-rated outlet, known as a GFI or GFCI. Consult with a licensed electrician on the outdoor electrical codes in your area.

Either way, you’ll be providing a source of clean water for birds, reptiles and many species of insects.  Now you’ll need to select some plants to surround your creek or fountain. Here we’ve included a list of the plants in the Las Virgenes-Triunfo Sustainability Garden next to our water feature, proof that you can have a drought-tolerant garden and still enjoy the ambience of a fountain surrounded by lush looking plantings:

Plan List and Garden Diagram

Below you will find a list with photos and a diagram of the Water Feature Garden of the Sustainability Garden.  The Sustainability Garden is always changing and though District staff will be updating the garden diagrams regularly customers may find a plant out of place in the garden compared to the diagram.  if you are looking for a particular plant, let us know and we will work to get you the information you need.