The tour showcased drought-tolerant landscaping in several neighborhoods, with a goal of giving people ideas for their own yards.
At one home on East Alejo Road, the landscaping features cactus and primarily native desert shrubs and wild flowers, while synthetic grass around the pool creates a cooling green effect.
Those who went on Saturday's tour were able to talk to the landscape designer of that home, William Kopelk.
"I heard so many people say they came away with great eco-friendly, water-saving ideas for their own homes and yards," said John Williams, Chair of the PSNIC. "I was extremely pleased with the turnout.
The tour also featured small hotels along Warm Sands Drive, which were some of the first businesses in Palm Springs to utilize desert landscaping to enhance their streetscapes and to save water and expense.
The self-guided tour ended at the Wellness Park, which serves as a demonstration garden for native and drought-tolerant plants, with an emphasis on water conservation.
At the park, raffle prizes were distributed. The Coachella Valley Water District donated 10 copies of its book "Lush & Efficient Landscape Gardening in the Coachella Valley." Palm Springs' just fabulous store donated two books, "It's Easy Being Green" and "Ecological Houses." Another prize given away was
one hour of landscape consultation from Paul Ortega, Landscape Designer and Owner of Desert Garden Center, LLC.
Williams said as of now, the PSNIC plans to make the Eco-Friendly Landscape Tour an annual event.
