Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)

Who can enter?
Any residential property in Kerr County is eligible to enter the contest.

What is the cost to enter?
There is no fee to enter.

What is required to enter?
The entry form contains 18 landscape related questions (12 require indicating the response that is the best match for your landscape and 6 require a written response). The resident of the property entered must sign the completed landscape contest entry form. Three photos of the front landscape are also required.

Where are entry forms available?
Contest Entry Forms and Contest Rules may be printed at this web site. To obtain online forms click on Entry Forms or Contest Rules. Phone 830 896-4110 to receive contest entry form and contest rules by mail.

Are both the front and back yards judged?
Only front landscapes will be judged.

How will entries be judged?
All landscapes will be judged on the following criteria (click here for details):

  •   Overall appearance
  •   Appropriate plant selection
  •   Efficient water management
  •   Mulching
  •   Landscape fertilization

    What is the prize for winning?
    Gift certificates totaling $1260 will be awarded to the top eight landscapes as determined by a team of volunteer judges.

  •   First place winner will receive $400 in gift certificates
  •   Second place will receive $200 in gift certificates
  •   Third place will receive $160 in gift certificates
  •   Each of the five runner-up winners will receive $100 in gift certificates

    Who will be the judges?
    Members of four Hill Country organizations have volunteered their time and talnets to determine the top eight landscapes entered.

  •   Hill County Master Gardeners - The Hill Country Master Gardeners is a service organization helping the AgriLife Extension Service meet the horticultural needs of the community. In return for this service, Master Gardeners gain extensive knowledge and share the camaraderie of other gardeners. The type of service provided by the Hill Country Master Gardeners varies according to community needs and seasons of the year.
  •   Hill County Master Naturalists - Their Mission: To develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.
  •   Kerrville Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas - The Native Plant Society of Texas wants to preserve our state's rich heritage for future generations. NPSOT is a non-profit organization run by volunteers who work to promote native plant appreciation, research, and conservation through 32 chapters located around the state.
  •   Kerrville Board of Realtors - An organization of real estate professionals subscribing to a higher level of ethical standards, created to enhance personal and professional growth of its membership through information, education, and community involvement.

    How are entry forms and photos submitted?
    Submit a completed Contest Entry Form with three (3) photos of the front landscape to:
       Water Saver Landscape Contest
       125 Lehmann, Suite 102
       Kerrville, Tx 78028

    What are the contest dates?

  •   Entries will be accepted beginning April 12, 2010.
  •   Deadline to enter is midnight May 10, 2010.
  •   Judging will be completed by June 1, 2010.
  •   Winners to be announced and prizes awarded on June 9, 2010.
  •   Free public tours of the winning landscapes on June 12, 2010 from 9 AM to 1 PM,

    What are public tours?
    The public tour provides an opportunity for anyone interested or just curious about low water use landscapes to join the free, self-guided event to view one or more of the winning sites. In addition, members of the Hill Country Master Gardeners will be on available at each winning landscape to answer questions.

    How will I know the locations of the winning landscapes?
    Once the winning landscapes have been determined on June 1, those locations will be added to this web site. Also, watch the local news media for announcements of the winning landscape addresses.

    Are past winners eligible to enter again?
    Only if it has been three years since winning.

    How can one learn what to plant?

  •  View various turf grasses at the AgriLife Extension Office - 3655 Hwy 27, Kerrville - 830 257.6568
  •  Visit Riverside Nature Center to view plantings and gain ideas - 150 Franciso Lemos, Kerrville - 830 257.4837
  •  Information from Hill Country Master Gardeners for help with landscaping and gardening.
  •  Answer online questions and receive free landscape suggestions from "EARTH-KIND Challenge" web site.
  •  Consult your local nursery for plant advice and suggestions.
  •  Contact Kerr County AgriLife Extension by phone (830.257.6568) for information.