Foothill Municipal Water District is having a contest, and you're invited to participate:

Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) is sponsoring a California Friendly Garden Contest. Three sets of prizes will be given: one in the Crescenta Valley area, one in the La Canada area and one in the combined Altadena and Kinneloa areas. First place is $500, second place is $250 and third place is $100. Judges will consider overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance and efficient methods of irrigation when evaluating the gardens.

“Water efficient landscaping is quickly becoming an important part of the conservation solution to the water supply problem in California” said General Manager Nina Jazmadarian. “The aim of this contest is to encourage residents to change out water thirsty turf to less thirsty California friendly plants. This contest goes hand-in-hand with our turf replacement rebate where customers receive an incentive for changing out lawns to California Friendly plants or pervious material.”

Customers of Foothill Municipal Water District’s retail agencies can participate.

Although applications are due April 15, 2011, now is the time to plant most California native and friendly vegetation. Judging will take place April 30, 2011 or soon thereafter in case of inclement weather. Rules and an entry application can be found on the District’s website at www.fmwd.com.

Foothill Municipal Water District provides imported water to Crescenta Valley Water District, La Cañada Irrigation District, Mesa Crest Water Company, Valley Water Company, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, Las Flores Water Company and Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association. Kinneloa Irrigation District, another retail agency, takes no water from Foothill.