• Introduction
• The Arboretum
• The Gardens
  • The Plants
  • The Cacti, Succulent and Xeric Garden
    • Bukiniczia cabulica
  • The Lavender Project
  • The Rose Gardens
  • Plant Select Gardens
  • Xeriscape Gardens
  • Miscellaneous Perennial Gardens
  • Ornamental Grass Garden
  • The Drought Research Garden
• The Patio
• Irrigation and Lighting
• The Planting Beds – soil problems and construction
• Support

The Horticulture Program of the Tri River Area Extension is charged with the responsibility of providing horticultural information to homeowners, commercial "Green Industry" professionals and other local residents. Demonstration areas highlighting plant and building materials are one way such information can be disseminated. Planting areas are being designed, built and planted as time and money become available.

The initial landscape design for the Extension site and the shade structure on the north side of our office complex was done by Mark Gibbons, Landscape Specialties of Grand Junction.

An arboretum, according to Merriam-Webster's On-Line Dictionary is “a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes”. Our purpose is to disseminate (and generate) research-based information, consequently an arboretum fits our mission extremely well. The Arboretum is our newest educational project.

Information on individual plants located at the gardens is being developed as time permits and can be accessed through the Plant List Web Page.

The Chinle Cactus and Succulent Club has installed an outstanding cacti, succulent and xeric garden. Web pages have been developed by members of the Chinle Cactus and Succulent Club for several of the plants included in this garden. This garden is maintained by club members.

The majority of the roses are old garden, hardy shrub, miniature and species roses. Most of these are on their own roots, which means they are not grafted onto a different rootstock. This results in a hardier rose and one which remains true to the original variety should it die back in winter. A few hybrid teas are included in this rose collection.

Roses were provided by:

• Albert and Terry LaSalle, Colorado State University Master Gardeners
• High Country Roses, Jensen, Utah
• The Conard-Pyle Company, West Grove, Pennsylvania
• The Antique Rose Emporium, Brenham, Texas

The "Plant Select" Gardens

"Plant Select" is a program designed to seek out and distribute the very best plants for gardens from the high plains to the Intermountain region. Plant Select is a program administered by Denver Botanic Gardens and Colorado State University together with landscape and nursery professions throughout the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. We will continue to add Plant Select selections as they become available.

Susan Alexander designed the "Plant Select" gardens in the parking lot with plants provided by Al Gerace, Welby Gardens, Welby, Colorado and the Plant Select Program. Gene Alexander provided support for these gardens by helping to till these gardens with his rototiller.

Bill & Vickie Richardson, Dragonfly Fields, designed and planted the two xeriscape gardens framing the entrance to the Mesa County Clerk and Recorders Office.

Ann Gibson, Master Gardener, designed and planted the perennial garden between the two rose gardens. Some of the plants used are from Ann's personal garden.

A grant provided by the Desert Vista Garden Club was used to purchase landscape plant materials. Buzzie Aust, garden club member, designed the garden. Buzzie and other members of the club planted the ornamental grass garden south of the main building. Some grasses were donated by Valley Grown Nursery. Additional grasses have been planted as required.

The gardens are irrigated with Rainbird 1800 spray heads and Xerigation system. The latter allows for low volume application of water. Irrigation design and technical support was provided courtesy of Grand Junction Pipe and Supply.

A Nightscaping Low Voltage Lighting system was installed courtesy of Grand Junction Pipe and Supply. Different lighting fixtures will continue to be used throughout the project.

The Board of Mesa County Commissioners approved GoCo funding in 1998 for the first phase of this project. Some of the initial construction was covered with these funds. Many of the gardens were funded through private donations and contributions by private contractors.The gardens are maintained by Master Gardeners and others.

A special thanks is due Greg Linza, Maintenance and Parks Supervisor, Mesa County. Greg has been a tremendous help.