Pure Water Project Las Virgenes-Triunfo

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:

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.

Water Features Plant List

Water Feature Diagram