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Xeriscape™ Colorado What Is Xeriscape? Demo Gardens Upcoming Events Resources & Reference Articles   © Copyright 2005 v.9.12.05 Xeriscape Colorado is a program of Colorado WaterWise Council P.O. Box 40202 Denver, CO 80204-0202 303-893-2992 xeriscape@coloradowaterwise.org www.coloradowaterwise.org   Xeriscape™ and the Xeriscape logo are trademarks of Denver Water.

Colorado Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens Visit a Xeriscape Garden Near You! • Compiled by Xeriscape Colorado and Denver Water Attributes of good Xeriscape education gardens include labels for plant materials, other interpretive materials including brochures and plant lists, grouping of plant by similar water needs, ease of public access including ADA standards and availability of knowledgeable persons to explain the garden to visitors. Feedback from visitors to the garden owners/managers is encouraged. This list represents best known information about each garden as of September 2005. For more information contact Denver Water. 303-628-6348.  Aurora| Black Forest Boulder| Broomfield |  Colorado Springs | Denver| Fort Collins| Greeley| Loveland | Parker | Pueblo Do you have a public Xeriscape garden that should be listed here? Download the Electronic version of the Application for Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Listing (32k text document) Download the Print/Fax version of the Application for Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Listing (24k text document)   Aurora Aurora Water Xeriscape Garden Aurora Water: www.aurorawater.org Size: 3.4 acres Interpretive signage: yes Interpretive literature available: yes Garden description: There are 10 package gardens from the Beautiful By design brochures, and 4 specialty gardens. Contains 9 varieties of turf and over 350 varieties of perennials, shrubs, and trees. Look for plant labels and educational signage on Xeriscape. Address: 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. Aurora Colorado 80012 Directions: One Mile East of I-225 on Alameda the Garden is located south and east of the Municipal Building. Hours: Contact telephone number: 303-739-7989 Contact email: jtejral@auroragov.org   Kuiper High Plains Garden                               Size: A little over two acres Interpretive signage: yes Interpretive literature available: yes Garden Description: The site is set up as an education and research center with demonstration plots that include subsurface drip in turf, shrubs and perennials.  There are non-irrigated plantings and a Plant Select Garden plot.  Check the web site for a list of summer classes.  Address: 14201 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora, CO 80014 Directions: ½ mile East of the Hampden and Parker Road intersection.  Turn North onto Dawson Street and proceed to gate of Griswold Water Treatment Plant.  If gate is not open, push button and tell operator that you are there to see the garden. Hours: Anytime during daytime hours Contact telephone number: 303-739-7989 Contact email: jtejral@auroragov.org Garden web site: www.aurorawater.org Black Forest Name of Garden – Firewise in the Forest: A Public Demonstration Garden at Black Forest Fire Station No. 1  Garden’s Owner – Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, El Paso County, CO  Garden’s Area in Sq. Ft. –  Fire Station No. 1 occupies 11 acres, many including stands of  native ponderosa pines that serve as firewise demonstration and training areas.  The west-facing main garden, by the building’s entrance, is 60 x 120 and features trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers, as well as a stone walking path, character boulders, a memorial garden with benches, and interpretive signage. The plantings are all firewise, meaning they will either survive fire by their own protective mechanisms or will resprout from their roots (plants were also chosen for their high moisture content and/or their low volatility). Most of these firewise plants are xeric; the few that aren’t are placed to catch natural runoff from rainfall and irrigation. Other landscaped areas include fescue turf (two types) on amended soil, native and non-native shrubs and perennials, irrigated and non-irrigated seeded native grasses, and a boulder retaining wall for a county-required drainage swale. Address – 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs (Black Forest), CO 80908 Directions from major highway –  Coming from the south in Colorado Springs, go to the north end of Colorado Springs on I-25 and take the Interquest Parkway exit (north of Colo. Springs) to Hwy. 83. Go approx. 2 miles north on Hwy. 83 to Shoup (Black Forest), go east approx. 4 miles, then turn south (right) at the stoplight on Black Forest Road. Go 1 mile south to the next light and turn left (east) on Burgess. The fire station is about ¼ mile on the right, at Burgess and Teachout roads. Park in the station lot. Coming from the north on I-25, at the town of Monument take the Hwy. 105 exit east 5 miles to Hwy. 83. Go south (right) on Hwy. 83 to Shoup, turn left and go east approx. 4 miles, then turn south (right) at the stoplight on Black Forest Road. Go 1 mile south to the next light and turn left (east) on Burgess. The fire station is about ¼ mile on the right, at Burgess and Teachout roads. Park in the station lot. In Colorado Springs, you can also take Woodmen Rd. east past Powers to Black Forest Road. Turn north (left) and go 4 miles to the first light, which is Burgess. Turn right (east) and the fire station is about ¼ mile on the right, at Burgess and Teachout roads. Park in the station lot. Contact telephone number – 719/495-4300 (fire station); project manager Tina Clark, 719/331-5120. Contact email – Contact the fire station at bffrmb@qwest.net; contact Tina Clark, project manager, at tina.tgs@earthlink.net. Garden web site address (URL) – www.bffr.org (fire department) or www.blackforest-co.com/users/gardenclub/ (general Black Forest information) Interpretive signage – yes Interpretive literature available – brochure/garden key are written and awaiting funding; a plant list is available by e-mail. A short elementary science curriculum also is being pursued. Features of special note – This garden was a joint project of Black Forest Fire/Rescue, Station No. 1, and the High-Altitude Garden Club in Black Forest, a ponderosa pine forest just off the Palmer Divide. The mission of the garden is to illustrate firewise and waterwise concepts, with plantings that are attractive, colorful, and appropriate for high-altitude gardens. “Firewise in the Forest” was installed in just six public work days through the summer of 2004. In all, volunteers put in at least 850 volunteer hours the first summer and about 80 in 2005. The High-Altitude Garden Club currently maintains the garden areas and is writing a maintenance guide for long-term upkeep. The major planted areas feature Black Forest pine mulch – covering about 11,000 square feet – from the Black Forest Slash/Mulch Program run by El Paso County Waste Management. With an average altitude of about 7,700 feet, Black Forest is primarily made up of rural tracts (2.5 to 5 acres) adjoining larger ranch acreages. Black Forest Fire/Rescue is a combination department, with about 40 trained volunteer members and a paid staff of five Black Forest Fire/Rescue, organized as a volunteer department in 1945, now serves about 11,000 residents in a 48-square-mile area. The High-Altitude Garden Club was established in 1972. Boulder Harlequin’s Gardens - Boulder  Garden’s Owner: Mikl and Eve Brawner  Total area: of all Xeriscape gardens approx. half an acre a)      xeric groundcovers demonstration: 64 different groundcovers b)      Plant Select, Great Plants for the Great Plains, Harlequin’s Favorites c)      Xeriscape rock garden d)     Penstemon garden e)      Rose demonstration garden f)       Native shrubs garden g)      Other landscaping  Address: 4795 N. 26th St., Boulder, CO. 80301 Directions: In Boulder, from 28th St. (Hwy 36) and Iris Ave. (Hwy 119): go north on 28th St. past 3 lights (third light is Jay Rd), to next Right, N. 26th St. (gravel road). Go half a mile to 4795 N. 26th on left. This is Harlequin’s Gardens nursery. See our website for a map.  Contact: 303-939-9403 ; no email;   website is harlequinsgardens.com  Interpretative Signage: Many plants are labeled  Interpretative Literature: Some literature is available  Features of Special Note: These gardens are probably watered less than most of the public Xeriscape gardens in the state. There are many mature specimens of native shrubs and other natives. Harlequin’s Gardens is a plant nursery specializing in Xeriscape for the past 15 years. The demonstration gardens are only open during our regular hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10-5, April thru September; and also open Tuesday and Wednesday in May and June. Broomfield Broomfield Xeriscape Garden Size: Approximately 1/2 acre Interpretive signage: yes Interpretive literature available: yes Garden description: The garden is a composite of many low water mini gardens. Here is what you can see: Rock, sensory, whimsical, animal (plants associated with animals such as Lamb's Ear), patriotic, prairie, ornamental grass, butterfly, border, xxx, and granny's gardens. Each garden has its own brochure with a list of plants. Features of Special Note: The garden is a collaboration between CSU Cooperative Extension of Broomfield and the City and County of Broomfield. The garden was planned by Master Gardeners in Broomfield and installed by Master Gardeners from around the metro area with the assistance of City and County of Broomfield Employees. Address: One DesCombes Drive, Broomfield, Colorado 80020 Directions: From I-25 exit 120th Ave. Travel west on 120th to Lamar St. Turn North on Lamar to DesCombes. Cross over Des Combes into the parking lot of the City and County Building. The garden is located on the SE corner of Broomfield's City County Building. Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week Contact telephone number: 720-887-2286 Contact email: holli.bowman@colostate.edu Colorado Springs Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscape Demonstration Garden CSU Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Size: 1.74 acres Interpretive signage: yes Interpretive literature available: yes Garden description: Officially established in 1991, the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden is now home to more than 600 species of trees, shrubs and perennials, many of which are native to the Colorado and western North America. A wide array of garden styles and designs are represented including mixed perennial beds, four different turf areas, turf alternatives, grassy meadows, a Foothills garden, four rock gardens, and herb garden, a lilac garden and a solar-powered water garden. Seventeen interpretive signs and hundreds of plant labels help visitors learn about the seven principles of Xeriscape as well as native plant communities and even solar power. The garden is also divided into different water use areas or "hydrozones" which are explained in detail in our walking tour map and guide. A wide variety of information is also available in the Conservation and Environmental Center on energy and water conservation and renewable energy. This garden has been designated a "Significant Garden in America" by The Smithsonian Institution and is the subject of an upcoming PBS television special. See website for Classes and seminars, as well as their large Xeriscape plants database. Address:2855 Mesa Road Colorado Springs, CO 80904 Directions:From Interstate 25, take the Fillmore Street exit (#145) and proceed uphill West to Mesa Road. North on Mesa Road one-half mile on the right to The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Hours:The garden itself is always open to the public. The Conservation and Environmental Center is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except on Holidays. Contact telephone number: 719-668-4590 Contact email: Scott Winter, swinter@csu.org Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscape Demonstration Garden with Pikes Peak and The Garden of the Gods as its backdrop.   Cheyenne Mountain Zoo No Water Garden CMZ: www.cmzoo.org/nowatergarden.html Size: Approximately 2,200 sq. ft. Interpretive signage: no Interpretive literature available: yes (website only) Garden description: The plants in this garden have not been given supplemental water since the day they were planted. Some of the varieties were planted in April of 2002 -- the worst drought in 40 years. They survived the "establishment period" and since with only rain and snowfall. Many plants are native to the region, but you will also find common ornamentals like daylilies and jupiter's beard. Article about this garden available on this website. Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Directions: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located in southwest Colorado Springs on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, above the Broadmoor Hotel. From Interstate 25, take exit 138 - Circle Drive, go west to the Broadmoor Hotel. Turn right at the hotel and follow the signs to the Zoo. Hours: This garden in located in the parking lot at the CMZ. Open to the public 24/7 -- no zoo admission required. Contact telephone number: 719-633-9925 Contact email: horticulture@cmzoo.org Denver Denver Water Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Denver Water: www.denverwater.org Size: 2/3 acre in the designated garden, plus all of the grounds are Xeriscaped Interpretive signage: yes Interpretive literature available: yes Garden description: Established in 1983, it is the oldest Xeriscape demonstration garden in the United States. There are over 200 plant species from ground covers up to trees and several types of turf on display. Most of the plants and turf types in place today survived minimal to no watering during the dry summer of 2002. A small amphitheater accommodates outdoor lectures and is a pivot point for walks north and south through the garden. Several types of mulch are used throughout the garden. Irrigation is by pop-up spray heads. Literature stands are stationed at both entrances. Address: 1600 West 12th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80204 Directions: From I-25 take the 6th Avenue east exit. The exit off 6th Avenue to the garden is immediately after exiting I-25 on the right hand side. Follow the Denver Water signs underneath 6th Avenue, travel north two blocks to the entrance to Denver Water. Park in front of the administration office building in visitor parking. Walk to the S.W. side of the building to begin your tour. Hours: Garden is open from 7am to 5:30 pm everyday of the week. Weekends the gate is closed, but can be opened by pressing the call button at the gate and informing security personnel you want to visit the garden. Contact telephone number: 303-628-6348 or 303-628-6159 Contact email: David Winger, david.winger@denverwater.org Fort Collins Fort Collins Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Fort Collins Xeriscape Demonstration Garden: www.fcgov.com/water/xeriscape.php Size: 0.3 acre Interpretive signage: yes Interpretive literature available: yes Garden description: The garden is designed with three water use zones: very low, low and moderate. The over 100 species of plants includes 30 trees, 150 shrubs, and 3,000 perennials and groundcovers. Address: 300 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins Directions: From I-25, turn west on Hwy. 14 (Mulberry St.), Go 4 miles, turn right on College Ave. Turn west on Laporte Ave. (5 blocks north of Mulberry) & the garden is on the right (3 blocks west of College Ave.) Contact telephone number: 970-221-6877 Contact email: ldaudney@fcgov.com Loveland Jeff Peterson Xeriscape Garden Name of Garden – Jeff Peterson Xeriscape Garden Garden’s Owner – City of Loveland Garden’s Area in Sq. Ft. – Approximately 4 acres Address –  Intersection of First Street and Washington Avenue  Directions from major highway –  From I-25, drive west on Highway 34 to Cleveland Avenue. Turn left and drive south to First Street. Turn left on First Street and drive east to Washington Avenue. Contact telephone number – (970) 962-3566 Contact email – wyattm@ci.loveland.co.us Garden web site address (URL) – http://www.ci.loveland.co.us/wp/Xeriscape/jeff_peterson.htm Interpretive signage – yes Interpretive literature available – yes Features of special note – You can view photos of the plants online. Parker Wildlife Experience www.thewildlifeexperience.org (Independent non-profit organization) Size: 1.6 acres of plant beds and 2.7 acres of native grasses Interpretive signage: yes Interpretive literature available: no, not at this time. It is in the works. Garden description: The landscape of this none-for-profit museum was designed around the Xeriscape concept. We have incorporated an abundance of native plants and grasses. We have a nature trail/sculpture garden that runs around the outside of the building. Here we have incorporated interpretive signage explaining Colorado's natural flora and fauna. We are also members of the National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program. While here, please also visit our natural history/fine arts museum, Iwerks Theater, and grab a bite to eat in the cafe. Museum hours are from 9:00am until 5:00am Tuesday thru Sunday and Holiday Mondays. Hope to see you soon. Address: 10035 S. Peoria, Parker, Colorado 80134 Directions: I-25 to the Lincoln exit, go east on Lincoln toward Parker. Wildlife Experience is about 2 miles on the right, at the intersection of Lincoln and Peoria. Hours: Grounds open for viewing at any time. Contact telephone number: 720-488-3332 Contact email: bpaulson@twexp.org Pueblo SECWCD Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District SECWCD: www.secwcdxeriscape.org Size: three acres Interpretive signage: yes Interpretive literature available: yes Garden description: The District has developed a plant evaluation data base that indicates which plants thrive in south east Colorado. The garden is zoned according to the plantsÕ water requirements with moderate, low and very low/xeric zones. The garden displays over 200 perennials and groundcovers, 15 ornamental grasses, 30 shrubs and 20 trees. Features of Special Note: 30 experimental grass plots that demonstrate low-water alternative turf grasses. The garden utilizes efficient irrigation methods like drip and subsurface drip irrigation, Evapotranspiration irrigation controller, rain and wind shutoff devices and a freeze sensor. Address: 31717 United Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81001 Directions: From I-25 take exit 100A onto hwy 50 east. Go east to the Pueblo Airport exit and turn north. Turn east onto United Avenue. The garden is located at the corner of United Avenue and Reyes. Hours: Public garden open 7 days a week 24 hours a day Contact telephone number: 719-948-2400 Contact email: Jean Van Pelt, jean@secwcd.com   • Xeriscape Colorado Home • What Is Xeriscape? • Demo Gardens   • Upcoming Events • Resources & Reference • Articles