I have a hard time buying plants. I mean, I do it — and I do plenty of it — but I always get caught up on questions like, “What will this look like once all the flowers are gone?” and “How big does this actually get?”
To get answers to those questions, and to find inspiration, I love visiting the many planned gardens and demonstration gardens around Utah. They’re a great way to see native and water-wise plants in action. Many gardens also offer classes and workshops and host tours led by gardening experts.
Plus, fall is the PERFECT time to get outdoors post-heat, pre-cold.
- 100 acres of gardens and natural areas.
- Themed gardens include Water Conservation Garden, Herb Garden, Medicinal Garden, and Four Seasons Garden.
- Classes and workshops covering gardening, horticulture, nature and ecology, wellness, and creative activities.
- Garden tours led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
- Water Conservation Garden demonstrates drought-tolerant plants and hydrozoning, showing you plants that need no supplemental watering, all the way up to plants that need a shower a couple times a week.
- Perennial Water-wise Garden showcases low-water perennials that provide color throughout the growing seasons.
- Powerline Arboretum features trees appropriate for planting under or near power lines — a helpful resource if you’re trying to avoid the classic “oops, this tree got enormous” problem.
- Plant diagnostics from Master Gardeners and a horticulturist.
- Nearly 10 acres of demonstration gardens featuring Utah-friendly plants, pathways, and educational exhibits.
- More than 1,000 water-wise plants in the online plant database, with information about water needs, maintenance, and bloom seasons.
- Educational exhibits covering water-efficient landscaping, irrigation, plants, and conservation.
- Plant labels throughout the garden, making it easy to identify plants you might want to use in your own yard.
