High and Dry Demonstration Gardens

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. Plants in these gardens were planted during the season with most available natural precipitation (at higher elevations, this usually is in July, and in lower elevations, this is in April).

There are High and Dry Gardens in Gilpin County, El Paso County, Custer County, San Miguel County, and Boulder County.

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.

We invite you to visit the gardens and experience our “no water” landscapes.

These gardens were made possible by a grant from:

You may also be interested in visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's No-Water garden website

Last updated on: April 15, 2008

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