Exhibits
Exhibits
More beauty, less water.
The Water Conservation Garden is composed of a series of demonstration garden spaces that showcase drought-tolerant plants from around the world and the many different garden styles possible with this expansive plant palette.
All aspects of water-smart gardening for the Southern California region are covered in our exhibits. Plants from the xeric eco-regions of the world are represented including California, South Africa, Australia, Chile, and the Mediterranean. Water-efficient gardening tips and techniques are demonstrated throughout our 6-acre campus. Detailed water-wise gardening protocols are provided in our Landscape & Garden Resources page. Come by and check us out!
Butterfly Pavilion
The Dorcas E. Utter Memorial Butterfly Pavilion is a glass and steel structure inspired by Victorian era conservatories, and features colorful butterflies native to Southern California and the beautiful drought-tolerant nectar flowers that support them.
Cactus & Succulent Garden
Our award-winning succulent garden, designed by succulent plant master Michael Buckner, is a naturalistic environment that features drought-tolerant succulents and cacti from around the world.
Native Habitat Garden
This ecological garden demonstrates a straightforward approach to habitat creation called plant community design. By replicating plant associations found in nature, a low-maintenance and exceptionally drought-tolerant landscape is produced.
Water-Wise Victory Garden
Our vegetable garden space is filled with great ideas for San Diego home gardeners, including innovative techniques for improving soil, minimizing water and optimizing irrigation efficiency.
White Garden
The White Garden is a demonstration of a beautiful garden design that emphasizes the color white in draping vines, soft flowing perennials, and spring bulbs and annuals.
Gazebo
The beautiful Gazebo lies at the heart of the Water Conservation Garden, surrounded by lovely trees and roses. It’s a perfect locale for a garden wedding, and an example of a targeted irrigation approach.
Mulch Exhibit
Mulch is one of the critical factors in creating drought tolerance in the landscape, along with use of drought- tolerant plants, and efficient irrigation. Our mulch exhibit shows the great variety of mulches available that are useful in San Diego gardens.
Sensory Garden
The Dorcas E. Utter Sensory Garden is a Mediterranean, perennial herb garden featuring plants with sensory qualities such as scent and a soft touch.
Backyard Makeover Exhibit
The Backyard Makeover exhibit demonstrates a lawn alternative surrounded by blooming drought-tolerant shrubs against a tall fescue lawn in the same square footage.
Container Exhibit
Our Container Patio exhibit showcases container design techniques and drought-tolerant plants that grow well in containers.
Amphitheater
The Water Conservation Garden’s outdoor Amphitheater holds several hundred guests and is surrounded by a display of drought-tolerant pine trees from around the world.
Soil Erosion Exhibit
Considering how little rain falls in Southern California, you’d think erosion wouldn’t be a problem here.
Turf Exhibit
Grass is greedy. Few plants demand more water. Yet almost any xeriscape can include a small lawn if you choose your turf wisely.
Permeable Pavement Exhibit
Permeable pavement allows storm water to infiltrate through the soil below it.
Composting Demonstration Exhibit
A wide-ranging selection of compost bins and composting processes available for backyard composting of leaves, tree-trimmer mulch, coffee grounds and food waste.