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Luminous garden walk
Thomas J. Story
Fiery orange bloomers and wispy blond grasses shimmer in the late-summer light in a stunning seasonal display. Renovated in 2005, this entry garden at the University of California Botanical Garden in Berkeley showcases semiarid plants in beds and borders that supply multiple ideas for home landscapes. Featured beauties like persimmon-flowered Epilobium canum 'Hurricane Point' (bottom right), flanked by sage-colored swordlike Beschorneria yuccoides, need little care and do well in many Western climates.
Water-thrifty gardens to visit
Regional demonstration gardens are among the best places to learn about water-wise gardening
by Nan Sterman

6 steps to a water-wise garden

Here is a selection of water-wise gardens; for others in your area, contact your utility district or water agency.

Alameda County Water District Drought Tolerant Demonstration Garden exemplifies the principles of drought-tolerant landscaping. INFO: Free; 43885 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA; 510/668-4200.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum features Sonoran Desert natives alongside dry-climate plants on a 323-acre site that includes a 2½-acre landscape demonstration garden. INFO: $7.50; 37615 U.S. 60 at mile marker 223, Superior, AZ; 520/689-2811.

Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscape Demonstration Garden showcases more than 600 plant species native to Colorado and western North America in a variety of designs. INFO: Free; 2855 Mesa Rd., Colorado Springs; 719/668-4555.

Rio Grande Botanic Garden has more than an acre of water-wise gardens on its 36-acre site, along with a dramatic 10,000-square-foot glass conservatory that houses desert and Mediterranean-climate plants. INFO: $7; 2601 Central Ave. N.W., Albuquerque; 505/764-6200.

University of California Botanical Garden houses a treasure trove of Mediterranean-climate plants. A number of water-wise plants are available for purchase year-round at the Plant Deck, inside the UC Botanical Garden Shop, as well as at this year's fall plant sale (11–3 Sep 24). INFO: $7 garden admission; 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley; 510/643-2755.

UC Davis Arboretum has Mediterranean-climate plants in a series of gardens. The Terrace Garden (located in Davis Commons, First St. at D St.), a home-size plot planted by the arboretum, demonstrates water-wise gardening in California's Central Valley. INFO: Free; LaRue Rd. and California Ave., University of California, Davis campus; 530/752-4880.

 
More on conserving water
• 11 ways to fight drought
• Summer watering guide
• Lush and rugged in Boulder
 
 
The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College contains 5 landscaped acres that demonstrate how to create a beautiful garden with less water. INFO: Free; 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W., El Cajon, CA; 619/660-0614.

Water Efficient Demonstration Garden at Clackamas Community College illustrates water-wise landscaping for do-it-yourselfers. INFO: Free; 19600 S. Molalla Ave., Oregon City, OR; 503/723-9692.

Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, a ½-acre site at the 63-acre University of Idaho Arboretum, exhibits low-water-use landscaping using perennials, natives, and other woody trees and shrubs. INFO: Free; 1200 W. Palouse River Dr., Moscow, ID; 208/885-5978.

More: The Sunset garden tour

Published: June 2007