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"No-Water" Garden at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Thriving by Dana Schubert, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo As early as January 2002, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo began to discuss water conservation options as Colorado's drought -- the worst in 40 years -- loomed larger. More than two years later, water conservation has become a fact of life in our community and CMZ has redoubled its commitment to being a botanical resource to Pikes Peak area residents. One concept introduced by CMZ that has taken on a life of its own is the "no water" garden. The idea of a "no water" garden appealed to the Zoo's horticulture staff because it is a radical divergence from the normal messages provided about water conservation. Xeriscaping -- now part of water conservation vocabulary -- educates people to use more low water use plants in yards and gardens. However, the "no water" garden concept takes water conservation several steps higher and shows it is possible to grow attractive plants that can survive -- even thrive -- in drought conditions with no supplemental water. On April 5, 2002, the Zoo's horticulture staff planted its first "no water" garden around four Hawthorn trees in a bed between two parking lots. Aside from the trees, little grew in the area because of the radiant heat from the surrounding asphalt and the lack of a convenient water source. The Zoo selected a mix of native and non-native shrubs, perennials and grasses ranging in size from two and one quarter-inch to five-gallon pots. At the time of planting the entire bed was thoroughly watered and then was left alone. The garden continues to thrive. What were the secrets of our success? Plant early or late to take advantage of natural rainfall and cooler temperatures. It is not uncommon for the Zoo's horticulture staff to plant between snowfalls in March, April, October and November. When buying dormant plants, check with your nursery or garden center to ensure they will guarantee plants that don't emerge. Just remember that plants shipped in from another state must be "hardened off" or they will be frost damaged. Water in the plants thoroughly before and after you put them in the ground. Let the roots soak up as much water as possible. This might mean placing them in a tub of water for several hours before you plant. Pick the right plants. Not every species can survive with low moisture levels. Use a list of plants created from actual "no water" trial gardens. Species that have small leaves, blue or gray foliage coloration, or root structures specially designed to store water will be more successful. Plant at the correct depth. Don't force the roots to struggle because they are too low or too high. If too high, they will be exposed to the low-humidity air and changing air temperatures. If too low, they will not get oxygen (especially in clay soils). Mulch the plants to conserve moisture. Apply at least two inches but not more than four inches. Use rocks, walls or other structures around the plants to shade the roots and trap moisture in the soil. Observe how your plants respond to short- and long-term water shortages. Amend the soil or not? The Zoo had high survival rates without any soil amendment. Amendments help by increasing availability of nutrients and providing better water retention. "No water" gardens are proliferating. Perennial Favorites and the City of Aurora have started similar gardens. You can start one, too! Visit the Zoo's "no water" garden for ideas or email dschubert@cmzoo.org with questions. Visit the zoo's website for this garden and download all plant lists with success and other annotations.   • Xeriscape Colorado Home • What Is Xeriscape? • Demo Gardens   • Upcoming Events • Resources & Reference • Articles