Aug. 3. 2026 - Santa Rosa, CA - The Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership will be partnering with the UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County for the fourth year to create an educational demonstration garden on the patio outside the Hall of Flowers at the Sonoma County Fair. This year's Hall of Flowers theme is "Floral Fandango."

Titled "Botanical Rhapsody," the demonstration garden features permeable hardscaping and a design focused on gathering — less lawn and more space to relax, connect and enjoy the setting.

"We want to show how welcoming and relaxing a patio garden can be while also conserving water," said Sonoma County Master Gardener Sally Holland, who is leading this year's garden team.

Instead of a traditional lawn and dining area, the garden will feature a patio with potted succulents, including decorative wall-sconce pots, along with low-water perennials recommended in the Garden Sense Water Smart Plant Guide (https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2026-04/Garden-Sense-Water-Smart-Plant-Guide.pdf). The 2026 Sonoma County Fair runs Aug. 7-16 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa. Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions from noon to 4 p.m. every day.

For more information, visit SavingWaterPartnership.org/fair/

The Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership represents 13 water utilities in Sonoma and Marin counties that have joined together to provide regional solutions for water use efficiency. The utilities include the cities of Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Sonoma, Cotati, Cloverdale, Healdsburg; North Marin, Valley of the Moon and Marin Water; Town of Windsor, California American Water – Larkfield District and Sonoma Water.

Each of the partners offers water conservation programs that can assist customers in reducing their water use.

The Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership was formed to identify and recommend implementation of water use efficiency projects and maximize the cost-effectiveness of water use efficiency programs in our region. Visit us online at SavingWaterPartnership.org.

Media contact:

Stuart Tiffen

Public Information Officer

Sonoma Water

stuart.tiffen@scwa.ca.gov

707-322-1223