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Sustainable Landscapes Garden Objectives

The Sustainable Landscapes Garden will serve as Tucson's premier destination for sustainable landscape education, designed to inspire and inform both homeowners and landscape professionals. This demonstration garden will showcase practical, research-based landscape techniques adapted to arid environments, feature ADA-compliant paths, bilingual signage (in English and Spanish), and an outdoor classroom that actively harvests rainwater from its roof. The garden will be divided into 18 sub-gardens. It will actively harvest rainwater, utilize berms and swales throughout the landscape, and rely on reclaimed water.

Sub-Garden Topics and Educational Themes

Habitat

• Plant selections that provide food and shelter for wildlife
• Human safety around desert wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes)

Pollinators

• Native bees, flies, moths, butterflies, bats: importance and attraction methods
• Year-round nectar/food sources and color

Integrated Pest & Disease Management

• Label reading, control methods (chemical, organic, biological), companion planting

Grasses

• Turf alternatives, invasive vs. native grasses, and soil stabilization benefits

Native Plants

• Emphasis on native and desert-adapted plants; labeled for education
• Importance of sourcing local natives

Waterwise Garden

• Xeriscape principles, watering needs, irrigation assembly, and maintenance
• Demonstration of water costs and conservation techniques
• Features: water probes, purple pipe systems, water harvesting

Proper Plant Selection

• "Right Plant, Right Place": matching plants with light, space, and water requirements
• Plant maturity considerations, cultivars for microclimates

The Value of a Tree

• Shade, energy savings, aesthetic value, wildlife benefits

Proper Tree Care

• Tree placement, planting technique, maintenance, and shade selection

Seed Saving

• Education on saving seeds for biodiversity and self-reliance

Invasive Species

• Visuals and signage for invasive trees, grasses, and plants in Arizona

Climate Change & Individual Action

• Resilient planting choices
• Recycled garden art and resource conservation

Phenology

• Observational science of plant and animal life cycles along trails

Soil Health & Regeneration Composting and Mulching

• Importance of soil microbiome, soil testing, carbon sequestration
• Compost and mulch integration for healthy soil and landfill reduction

Fire-wise Landscaping

• Defensible space, fire-resistant plants, proper spacing and pruning

Green Infrastructure

• Bioswales, permeable surfaces, urban heat island mitigation

Landscape Lighting and Dark Sky Compliance

• Wildlife-safe lighting strategies, education on light pollution

Green Careers Pathways

• Exploration of green jobs in landscape and sustainability sectors

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