Okanagan Xeriscape Association

Okanagan Xeriscape Association Water-wise landscapes for a drought-stressed Okanagan
🌱 Xeriscape Education + Climate Resilience
🌱 PLANT DATABASE / WORKSHOPS / RESOURCES
okanaganxeriscape.org

The Okanagan Xeriscape Association educates people on ways to:
💧Conserve water used on landscapes
🌿 Create climate-resilient plantings
classes • blog • xeriscape plant database • demonstration gardens • presentations

We're at the West Kelowna Xeriscape Spirit Square Garden for Dig with Sig this week. Why? Because we will be hosting our...
09/04/2026

We're at the West Kelowna Xeriscape Spirit Square Garden for Dig with Sig this week. Why? Because we will be hosting our annual Fall Plant Sale there on September 19th and it needs a little bit of love! Stop by and join us 9-11am.

🗓 Friday September 4th, 2026
⏰ 9-11am
📍 2569 May St, West Kelowna
__________

This popular weekly drop-in allows you to spend time working in The UnH2O Demonstration Garden with Sigrie Kendrick, OXA’s executive director and master gardener! This is a great opportunity to learn more about drought-tolerant plants and xeriscape landscaping.

You do not need to be an OXA member to join us in the garden – simply come along with gloves and a trowel 🌼

As British Columbia continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of this year’s wildfire season, the resilience of ...
08/30/2026

As British Columbia continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of this year’s wildfire season, the resilience of our landscapes - and the plants that have evolved to live alongside fire - has never felt more relevant. This week's column of Gardening with Nature explores how native plants of the Okanagan have adapted to survive and recover from fire.

"Long before skyscrapers and subdivisions, fire moved through our landscape on a fairly regular basis and the native plants that make up our natural heritage evolved not merely to endure it but in some cases, to depend on it.

Understanding these adaptations doesn't diminish the real grief of this fire season but it does offer a longer view, and some genuine hope for what regrows." - Sigrie Kendrick, OXA executive director and master gardener

Read in full https://tr.ee/7RqGLWwPvN
'Castanet - Aug 26, 2026: How Okanagan native plants survive fire'

Fall vs. Spring: When Should You Plant Your Perennials?‼️ Why It MattersQ: Why is fall planting so important in a dry cl...
08/29/2026

Fall vs. Spring: When Should You Plant Your Perennials?

‼️ Why It Matters
Q: Why is fall planting so important in a dry climate?
A: In semi-arid regions, fall offers cooler air + warmer soil = less water stress and better root growth. Spring? Too hot, too fast.

🤓 Fall = Smart Timing
Q: Why is fall planting preferred over spring in dry areas?
A: Roots get a head start during fall without battling intense summer heat. Less evaporation, less irrigation.

🥵 Spring Comes With Risks
Q: What’s the downside to spring planting here?
A: Dry winds + rising temps = stressed young plants. In spring, new perennials often need more water and babying.

🪴Native & Drought-Tolerant Perennials
Q: Which perennials thrive with fall planting in dry climates?
A: All xeriscape friendly plants love a fall start, especially the ones in the 'dry' category for watering needs.

🏞️ Let Nature Help
Q: Does fall weather really help new perennials?
A: Yes! Fall rains (if you get them) and cooler temps reduce transplant shock. It’s the most water-wise season to plant.

⏭️ Skip Spring if You Can
Q: Is it ever okay to plant in spring?
A: Only if fall wasn’t an option. Just be ready to mulch, water deeply, and shade tender starts if temps spike.

🗓️ Planning Tip
Q: What’s the best planting schedule for semi-arid gardens?
A: Aim to plant perennials 6–8 weeks before the first HARD frost. That gives roots time to settle before winter.

👯‍♀️ OXA's 2 Annual Plant Sales
Q: Why do you have a spring plant sale if fall is the best time?
A: We would LOVE for our fall plant sale to be a more successful sale than our spring plant sale! Unfortunately, the fall plant sale isn't as popular because of general spring excitement. OXA is all about education and we hope to change this pattern over time. Both plant sales contribute to helping maintain the costs to operate our non-profit.

Conclusion - For semi-arid gardening: fall is your best friend!

🗓️ Saturday, September 19th
⏰ 10am - 2pm
Xeriscape Spirit Square Garden
📍2569 May St, WEST KELOWNA

Fall vs. Spring: When Should You Plant Your Perennials?‼️ Why It MattersQ: Why is fall planting so important in a dry cl...
08/29/2026

Fall vs. Spring: When Should You Plant Your Perennials?

‼️ Why It Matters
Q: Why is fall planting so important in a dry climate?
A: In semi-arid regions, fall offers cooler air + warmer soil = less water stress and better root growth. Spring? Too hot, too fast.

🤓 Fall = Smart Timing
Q: Why is fall planting preferred over spring in dry areas?
A: Roots get a head start during fall without battling intense summer heat. Less evaporation, less irrigation.

🥵 Spring Comes With Risks
Q: What’s the downside to spring planting here?
A: Dry winds + rising temps = stressed young plants. In spring, new perennials often need more water and babying.

🪴Native & Drought-Tolerant Perennials
Q: Which perennials thrive with fall planting in dry climates?
A: All xeriscape friendly plants love a fall start, especially the ones in the 'dry' category for watering needs.

🏞️ Let Nature Help
Q: Does fall weather really help new perennials?
A: Yes! Fall rains (if you get them) and cooler temps reduce transplant shock. It’s the most water-wise season to plant.

⏭️ Skip Spring if You Can
Q: Is it ever okay to plant in spring?
A: Only if fall wasn’t an option. Just be ready to mulch, water deeply, and shade tender starts if temps spike.

🗓️ Planning Tip
Q: What’s the best planting schedule for semi-arid gardens?
A: Aim to plant perennials 6–8 weeks before the first HARD frost. That gives roots time to settle before winter.

👯‍♀️ OXA's 2 Annual Plant Sales
Q: Why do you have a spring plant sale if fall is the best time?
A: We would LOVE for our fall plant sale to be a more successful sale than our spring plant sale! Unfortunately, the fall plant sale isn't as popular because of general spring excitement. OXA is all about education and we hope to change this pattern over time. Both plant sales contribute to helping maintain the costs to operate our non-profit.

Conclusion - For semi-arid gardening: fall is your best friend!

🗓️ Saturday, September 19th
⏰ 10am - 2pm
Xeriscape Spirit Square Garden
📍2569 May St, WEST KELOWNA

Check out what's in bloom at The UnH20 Demonstration Garden this Friday. There will be lots of little jobs to do so if y...
08/27/2026

Check out what's in bloom at The UnH20 Demonstration Garden this Friday. There will be lots of little jobs to do so if you're free to volunteer your time, come out and join us. No previous experience is needed, and everyone can take part at their own level!

🗓 Friday August 28th, 2026
⏰ 9-11am
📍 4075 Gordon Dr, Kelowna
__________

This popular weekly drop-in allows you to spend time working in The UnH2O Demonstration Garden with Sigrie Kendrick, OXA’s executive director and master gardener! This is a great opportunity to learn more about drought-tolerant plants and xeriscape landscaping.

You do not need to be an OXA member to join us in the garden – simply come along with gloves and a trowel 🌼

The Okanagan Basin Water Board reminds us of an important reason why water conservation is important.Don't forget to tak...
08/24/2026

The Okanagan Basin Water Board reminds us of an important reason why water conservation is important.

Don't forget to take the annual Make Water Work pledge. You will be entered to win $1000 in prizes AND earn community bragging rights. Osoyoos was the proud winner of the "Make Water Work Champion Community" award in 2025!
____________
⚠️ Drought conditions are worsening in the Okanagan. This means there's less water for firefighting efforts.

💧 One way you can be a firefighter too is by saving water.

✅ Check your local watering restrictions and go a step further. Cut back an extra day or skip watering a part of your yard altogether.

🏠 It's not just one house. It's not just one lawn. Across the Okanagan, our lawns are the second highest use of water in the Okanagan, second only to agriculture. So if we all do our part, we CAN collectively have an impact on water supplies in the Okanagan.

Take the Pledge to Make Water Work for firefighting at MakeWaterWork.ca/Pledge - link in bio.

TOXIC PLANTS, PET PERILAvoid causing harm to a pet with your garden choicesDo you have pets that enjoy snacking on folia...
08/22/2026

TOXIC PLANTS, PET PERIL
Avoid causing harm to a pet with your garden choices

Do you have pets that enjoy snacking on foliage, and are willing to try anything?!

"I uncovered some valuable but rather alarming news the other day after my Frenchton puppy, Newton, went on a snacking spree while being dog-sat at a friend’s garden. It’s stress no pet owner needs. After some research, I learned there are some common xeriscape plants you need to keep your pet from munching on." - Sigrie Kendrick, OXA executive director and master gardener

Do you have a personal experience to share in the comments? Let us know what situation you found yourself in.

Read in full https://tr.ee/M7Ij-DV6pz
' Castanet - Aug 12, 2026: Avoid causing harm to a pet with your garden choices'

We could really use your help in The UnH20 Demonstration Garden this Friday! From first-timers to seasoned participants,...
08/20/2026

We could really use your help in The UnH20 Demonstration Garden this Friday! From first-timers to seasoned participants, there's something for everyone 💚

One of the things we hear most often from our volunteers is how much they enjoy meeting new people because of Dig with Sig. Whether they're working side by side in the garden, sharing gardening tips, or chatting over a break, volunteers tell us that the connections they make are one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

🗓 Friday August 21st, 2026
⏰ 9-11am
📍 4075 Gordon Dr, Kelowna
__________

This popular weekly drop-in allows you to spend time working in The UnH2O Demonstration Garden with Sigrie Kendrick, OXA’s executive director and master gardener! This is a great opportunity to learn more about drought-tolerant plants and xeriscape landscaping.

You do not need to be an OXA member to join us in the garden – simply come along with gloves and a trowel 🌼

Heat Zones for Plants: Why They Matter in Okanagan GardensAugust 4, 2026Have you ever watered a plant… and it STILL wil...
08/18/2026

Heat Zones for Plants: Why They Matter in Okanagan Gardens
August 4, 2026

Have you ever watered a plant… and it STILL wilted? That plant may not be thirsty– it may be suffering from heat stress.

In this blog post we cover:
🌡️ Hardiness zones vs. heat zones
🌡️ Why heat zones for plants matter in the Okanagan
🌡️ How OXA rates heat tolerance
🌡️ Heat zone ratings

Read in full:
https://okanaganxeriscape.org/okanagan-heat-zones/

Address

2965 S Main St
Penticton, BC
V2A 5J7

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Okanagan Xeriscape Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Okanagan Xeriscape Association:

Shortcuts

Share

Category