The Latest Dirt - July 2024

Richmond Dry Garden Receives Well-Earned Honor

On June 25, the Richmond Dry Garden and UC Master Gardeners received a proclamation from the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) recognizing the successful collaboration between the City of Richmond Parks and Landscaping Division and the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County that restored and maintains the garden at the Richmond Civic Center Plaza.

"The proclamation recognizes the partnership, outstanding skill and dedication of the Richmond Parks and Landscaping Division and the UC Master Gardeners who have restored the Richmond Civic Center garden to optimal health and beauty."

In 2005 the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) worked with the City of Richmond to establish a low-water-use demonstration garden in the Richmond Civic Center Plaza. During the financial crisis beginning in 2008, the garden began to suffer the effects of budget cuts and staff reductions, falling into disrepair. In 2018, a partnership between the UC Master Gardeners and the Richmond Parks and Landscaping Division was established to restore and maintain the gardens.

The Richmond Parks and Landscaping Division and the UC Master Gardeners, with the support from EBMUD, is an excellent model of how to sustain and activate an urban demonstration garden." As stated on the City of Richmond website. See Proclamation below.