Water Efficient Landscape Demonstration Garden

History:

In 2003, the Water Efficient Landscape demonstration garden was added to the existing Fair Oaks Horticultural Center.  In 2001 Chuck Ingels, the Sacramento County Farm and Environmental Horticulture Advisor, realized that there was a need to educate the public and landscape professionals about water thrifty plants and gardens.  He sought and obtained a grant from the California Water Resource Board.  Between 2002 and 2003, the plans were developed by Quadriga Landscape Architects and Candace Schuncke, Landscape Designer/Master Gardener, with input from the Sacramento County Master Gardeners.  The plan included four gardens: a Mediterannean Climate Courtyard, a Common Variety garden, a Native Garden, and an Asian Meditation Garden, along with a  central perennial walk.

We broke ground in spring of 2003.  The hardscape was installed, then the Master Gardeners began garden-making the first three gardens and the perennial walk.  The ground was poor and compacted in a number of areas.  Hard pan was broken up by bobcat and electric clay spade.   Soil was conditioned with many yards of compost.  Plants were planted.  Dripper lines were laid.  The gardens were covered with 3 inches of mulch.  Though the garden plants were small, they grew into a lush garden by the third year.  Along the way, Master Gardeners remulched twice a year, and gave workshops about water efficient garden care.  Now in our fifth year, the poor soil we began with is apparently richer and our gardens are full and beautiful.