Colorado State University Extension
The High and Dry gardens were created in response to the drought experienced by most of the state of Colorado in recent years, and to the "permanent" watering restrictions that people with wells have to face - State Water Law permits no outside watering if a well was put in after May 8, 1972 on lots under 35 acres.
The purpose of these demonstration and research gardens is to demonstrate to the public the possibility of establishing a landscape only on natural rainfall.
Most of the plants used in the High and Dry gardens are native to the Rocky Mountain region, and all are xeric. We hope the High and Dry gardens will promote the use of native, xeric plant species in the residential landscape. These gardens serve as ongoing studies to learn more about plant species thriving on little, or no supplemental water.
The gardens were designed, installed, and maintained by Colorado
State University Extension employees and Master Gardener
volunteers.
There are currently fiveHigh and Dry gardens, one in El Paso county, and one in Gilpin county, both planted in the summer of 2004, and one in Custer County (in front of the Extension Office), one in Boulder County (in front of the Nederland Teen Center), both planted in the summer of 2005, and one in San Miguel County in front of their Extension office - planted in 2006.
We invite you to visit the gardens and experience our “no water” landscapes.
You may also be interested in visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's No-Water garden website
Last updated on: April 15, 2008