Landscape Ideas
Whether you are new to the area or an established Discovery resident, Colorado Springs Utilities offers wonderful free resources that are very useful for lawn and gardening ideas.
They have a great website with insights into the various plants that will thrive in our area (including which plants may be a
little more deer resistant) and how you might make changes that will save you time and money. You can check out the website
here. It is very professionally done, with plenty of pictures and detailed information.
They also offer classes on common landscaping and plant concerns, virtually all of which are recorded and made available
here.
Additionally, they provide links from their general site to a number of
fact sheets relating to local grasses, irrigation, and landscaping ideas, as well as links to other organizations' websites with related information. Check them out for quick, direct answers to some of our most common concerns!
They also operate two "Water Wise Demonstration Gardens" with samples of plants, landscaping suggestions, and wise water use tips. In addition, the Mesa Garden site has an excellent education center with water and $ savings ideas! Related information and directions can be found below:
The Mesa Conservation and Environmental Center is located at 2855 Mesa Road.
- Directions:
- From Centennial Boulevard, take 30th Street to the first left past Garden of the Gods Road (but NOT the turn-in just past the gas station at the corner of Garden of the Gods Road!) Mesa Road is a moderate slope up the hill. The Mesa Xeriscape Garden is 1.5 miles on the left (look for the TALL flower artworks at the entrance).
- From Interstate 25, take the Fillmore Street exit and proceed west to Mesa Road. Turn north on Mesa Road and the Mesa Xeriscape Garden will be one-half mile on the right (look for the TALL flower artworks at the entrance).
- The garden is always open to the public during daylight hours. The lobby, where you could normally get additional information and assistance, is closed until further notice consistent with state-imposed access restrictions
The
Cottonwood Creek Park Water Wise Demonstration Garden is located at 3920 Dublin Blvd.
- Directions: Take Woodmen Road east to Rangewood Drive. Turn right and go two traffic lights to Dublin Boulevard. Turn right. The garden is located just around the corner in front of the Cottonwood Recreation Center.
- Fact sheets are available inside the recreation center lobby.
Both gardens are maintained almost exclusively by volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 668-8232 and ask to speak with Molly Morris or Catherine Moravec.