A Garden Gala

Xeriscaping can turn dry, brown yards into green retreats.

A A A Comments By Amber Taufen Thursday, Aug 3 2006

"Having a lawn isn't the best way to garden in Colorado," says David Winger, conservation specialist and Xeriscape expert with Denver Water. He's not kidding: For the six years I lived in the Midwest, I didn't have to water my lawn once, and the grass still grew like crazy. But with all the water restrictions and my own inability to remember when I can and can't use my sprinklers, the yard surrounding my Western house is withered and brown.

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Well, salvation has arrived: Today, in celebration of Xeriscape's 25th anniversary, Denver Water is hosting a Garden Party at its administration building, 1600 West 12th Avenue. Tour the demonstration Xeriscape plots with master gardeners and conservation experts, who will explain the seven principles of Xeriscape and provide gardening ideas and tips. "The thing I point out to folks is the fact that the older, more mature plants in the garden that we see as we walk through it are plants that survived the drought," Winger says. "We really neglected it during the drought, and some plants faded away and some got by, so we really discovered which plants were the hardiest."

Get some garden-variety good information today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.denverwater.org or call 303-628-6200 for information.
Sun., June 3, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun., July 22, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Mon., Aug. 6, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

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What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.