Water Smart Demonstration Garden at Sonoma County Fair
August 04, 2026
The Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership is 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”, says 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. The 2026 Sonoma County Fair runs August 7th through 16th at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa. Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions noon – 4 p.m. every day.
For more information visit https://www.savingwaterpartnership.org/fair/