Incentives: KB `rewards' water-smart landscapes

KB Home's new "Green Back Rewards" program is designed to encourage the builder's current homeowners to replace their grass with water-smart landscaping. In turn, the owner could receive a $125 gift certificate to Star Nursery.

"As one of the valley's largest home builders, we hope to make a difference in water conservation," said Bonnie Hernandez, marketing executive. "We have thousands of homeowners throughout the valley who qualify for the program. The gift certificates are our way of saying `thank you' for being water smart."

The program became effective Thursday, and is an added incentive to the Southern Nevada Water Authority's Water Smart Landscapes rebate program. The builder's offer applies to homeowners who complete a landscape upgrade through the water authority's program. To receive the gift certificate, the homeowner must provide proof of completion to the builder. Once verified, the builder will send the certificate to the homeowner.

Participants may obtain landscape ideas by visiting KB Home's model park at Shadow Springs, a neighborhood in North Las Vegas.

"We've developed some very attractive landscape plans," Hernandez said. "Xeriscape is more than a yard of rocks. In addition to drought-resistant plants, our designs feature mounding, boulders, faux riverbeds and synthetic turf."

Clint Walcott, chief executive of Landaco Landscaping and Grading, designed the model-park landscape, which includes signage that identifies and explains each plant and tree.

"Synthetic turf offers the textural look and color of grass for homeowners who want something other than standard desert landscaping," said Walcott, noting that the product is comprised of ground, recycled tires mixed with sand. "When walking on the synthetic turf, it feels like you are walking on real grass."

Water-conscious landscaping is available at all of the builder's new neighborhoods.

Shadow Springs is comprised of three series of homes and 21 floor plans measuring from 1,384 to 2,784 square feet, each with a two-car garage. Prices start from the $160,000s.

To visit, take Interstate 15 north to Interstate 215, travel west to Losee Road and turn left. Proceed to Azure Drive and turn left.

The sales office is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Friday, when it opens at 11 a.m.

KB Home offers one-stop shopping at its design center where buyers may select options and upgrades and potential buyers can receive free financial advice, including credit reports, and assistance locating a home in one of more than 20 new subdivisions.

The center is located at 7440 S. Industrial Road, Suite 201, just south of Warm Springs Road.

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