WBWCD committed, along with the other members of the Governor of Utah’s Water Conservation Team, to reduce per capita water use by 25 percent by the year 2050. To help obtain this goal, WBWCD created a water conservation demonstration garden to provide a progressive learning opportunity. The demonstration garden provides an opportunity for community members to learn first-hand about the beautiful types of water wise landscapes in a semi-arid climate. It is intended for visitors to learn not only about plant material that is water wise, but to learn how to care for and irrigate plants in different soil types and slope conditions. This garden creates a setting for outdoor classrooms and scenic nature walks.

WBWCD realizes that conservation of the resources it manages is an important factor in meeting the long-term needs of the communities it serves. Through the demonstration garden, WBWCD will emphasize the need for community members to use their water efficiently in the landscape and to obtain a life style water conservation ethic.

Demonstration Garden Best Management Practices

The garden focuses on and emphasizes the seven Best Management Practices that aid in obtaining a water efficient landscape.

1. Planning & Design – Account for existing site conditions, use of the landscape, and landscape maintenance.
2. Soil Type & Condition - Good soil is the basis for a successful landscape. Adding organic matter will improve all types of soil, clay, loam or sand. It is a good idea to contact you local Cooperative Extension Office for a soil test.
3. Minimize Turf Area - Water loving turf such as Kentucky Blue Grass should be located only where it provides a useful purpose. Eliminating turf usage in narrow strips and sloped areas where minimal use is gained.
4. Irrigate Efficiently - Well designed and maintained sprinkler systems save water.
5. Mulch – Organic mulch (bark chips, wood shavings, etc.) reduces evaporation, weed growth, runoff, and provides a manicured landscape. Inorganic mulch (rock, decomposed granite, etc.) provides aesthetic value when used properly.
6. Maintenance - Regular maintenance preserves the landscape beauty and sprinkler system while saving water.

Demonstration Garden Key

1. Test Plot Area: Testing of new plant species and varieties of plant for use in Utah’s semiarid climate.

2. Water Harvesting System: System collects rain water from runoff and from existing buildings for plant irrigation. This design minimizes runoff to adjacent properties and maximizes use of natural precipitation.

3. Planting and Irrigation Demonstration: This exhibit demonstrates proper irrigation and plant installation and design.

4. Central Plaza: Overview of garden.

5. Mulch Demonstration: View different types of organic and inorganic mulches and its application

6. Turf Grass Demonstration: Observe multiple varieties of warm and cool season grasses and their appropriate use.

7. Soils Demonstration: Learn different soil types and proper irrigating and fertilizing procedures for optimal plant growth.

8. Private Sitting Area: Relax and collect ideas to create your own private quiet place.

9. Spanish Garden: Creating a different cultural style can be accomplished through plant selection, decorative accents, and architectural features.

10. Raised Planter Garden: Raised planting beds add visual character to any flat space while avoiding poor soil conditions.

11. Residential Landscape Applications: Strategically planning your yard makes it possible to create usable spaces while minimizing upkeep and costs.

12. Commercial Landscape Application: Enhancing and beautifying the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

13. Hanging Garden: Add color and texture to any structure with vines while reducing soil erosion.

14. Desertscape: Walk through a wide variety of low water use plant material from our region.

15. English Garden: The application of low water use plants can provide a lush and green environment.

16. Streetscape: Demonstrate alternative plantings in park strip conditions to create a safe and enjoyable environment for pedestrians.

17. Commercial Parking Buffer: This space provides a buffer between commercial environments, the driver and pedestrian while beautifying high traffic areas.

18. Future Development