Published: Sep 06, 2018 | 14:25 PM

A Refuge to Inspire Your Landscape

Take a trip to the San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary—a hidden gem in Irvine. The RightScape demonstration garden surrounding the Visitors Center has more than three dozen plant varieties, each identified with a plant marker and QR code for mobile access to plant-care details. California native and non-native drought-tolerant plants are featured in two distinct sections of the landscape. Interpretive signs show how they differ in their growing characteristics and water needs.

Additional signs illustrate how efficient irrigation technology and scheduling keep the garden looking healthy. A stormwater bioswale, consisting of river rocks and stones, runs prominently through the demo garden—to collect rain or irrigation water, helping it seep into the ground instead of running off-site.