The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at Botanica features plants that thrive with Xeriscape gardening techniques. Once established, plant selections in the Xeriscape Garden are heat and drought tolerant and require little maintenance. Each of the seven Xeriscape principles are detailed on signs in the Garden.
Xeriscape is a Greek word meaning dry landscaping. The practice involves natural, low-maintenance landscaping without sacrificing design or beauty. Some of the plants in the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden include Cacti, Sedums, Salvias, Ice Plant and Yarrow. Trees in this Garden include the Sawtooth Oak, Shingle Oak, Chinese Fringe Tree and Lacebark Elm. A mulch display highlights different types of mulch used in the garden.
Intentional efforts to reduce natural resources used in landscaping contributes to lower levels of municipal water use. May your stroll through the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden inspire water conservation in your daily life and surroundings.
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- The Cactus Garden features different varieties of Hardy Cactus grown in our area. Unique in their ability to conserve water, the Cactus collects water using its large root system. Small thin roots grow near the surface of the soil and collect as much rainwater as possible during the few times it rains. Cacti can also have a single long, thick taproot that grows much deeper to reach underground water supplies when the topsoil is dry. Cacti also gather and hold a lot of water in their stems. The water is not pure, clear water but a thick viscous liquid. It is drinkable and has saved peoples’ lives in the desert. The sharp spines and thick, tough skin of the stem help protect the Cactus from animals that would otherwise easily access the liquid inside.
- In the olive family of trees, the Chinese Fringe Tree bears small, blue-black, olive-like fruit that ripens in late summer and early fall.
- A small population of Goldfinch make their home in the Xeriscape Garden. Highly social birds, a group of goldfinches is called a charm. Legend says they bring good luck. The breed was on the verge of extinction before a bird organization successfully outlawed caging goldfinch. Plant Coneflowers to encourage a goldfinch charm in your yard.