OXA History– A Timeline of Growth
2008
In the fall of 2008, a spark ignited the formation of the Okanagan Xeriscape Association (OXA). Gwen Steele, a xeriscape specialist, gave a presentation on xeriscaping and introduced the concept of “Gardening with Nature.” Among the audience was Lisa Masini, a new landscape architect who found herself deeply inspired by the ideas presented. Following the lecture, Steele and Masini engaged in further discussion, planting the seed for what would soon become the OXA.
2009
The Okanagan Xeriscape Association was officially incorporated in 2009. This same year marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB), an organization formed in 1970 to address critical water issues in the basin. This partnership would prove instrumental in nurturing the growth of OXA and its mission.
OXA Board 2009
Oksana Fodor, Melodie Hope, Lisa Masini, Gwen Steele, Judie Steeves
OXA Board 2020
Judie Steeves, ?, Sigrie Kendrick, Lisa Masini, Gwen Steele,?, ?
WILL ADD SLIDE SHOW OF UNH20 CONSTRUCTION AND FIRST BLOOMS
2010
The year 2010 saw significant developments for OXA. The board of volunteers decided to create a Xeriscape Demonstration Garden to showcase their principles in action. They chose a location in front of the H2O Aquatic Centre on Gordon Drive in Kelowna, collaborating with the City of Kelowna, which owned the property. The garden was aptly named the “UnH2O Garden.” Grants from the OBWB and the federal Ministry of the Environment helped fund the garden’s construction. On September 30, 2010, the UnH2O Garden, spanning 4,000 square feet, was officially opened to the public with much fanfare and publicity.
2010-2015
In the years following the garden’s opening, Gwen Steele conducted regular xeriscape classes, educating the public on water-conscious gardening techniques. This period also saw the development of OXA’s extensive plant database and informative website (okanaganxeriscape.org), which would become valuable resources for both members and the public. 2013 – water wise plant list begun in collaboration with OBWB
2015-2023
These years were marked by steady growth and expansion for OXA. The organization continued to maintain and expand the UnH2O Garden, while also offering regular xeriscape classes and professional development workshops for the landscape industry. The popularity of xeriscaping grew, reflected in the increasing traffic to the OXA website and plant database, which now receives over 25,000 annual visits. OXA’s membership expanded to over 350 enthusiastic volunteers. The organization also established two annual sales of drought-tolerant xeriscape plants, further promoting their mission.
ADD SLIDESHOW
2021-2022
In 2021, the UnH2O Garden underwent a significant expansion, growing by an additional 1,200 square feet. This new area was dedicated to demonstrating drought-tolerant alternatives to traditional hedging, along with other xeriscape-friendly trees and shrubs.
OXA reached another milestone in 2022 with the opening of a new demonstration garden: the West Kelowna Xeriscape Spirit Square Garden in Westbank Centre Park. This garden showcases different xeric plant choices from the original garden in Kelowna, with a particular emphasis on deer-resistant varieties to address local gardening challenges.
2024
The year 2024 marks the 15th anniversary of OXA’s formation. Over these years, the organization has seen a significant increase in public understanding and adoption of xeriscaping principles, transforming landscapes across the Okanagan.
Looking ahead to 2025, OXA will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the UnH2O Garden’s opening, a testament to the enduring impact of their first major project and the continuing relevance of their mission.
