Xeriscape Demonstration Garden

The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden surrounds the Glendale Main Library (5959 W. Brown St.). The award-winning garden is a living example of the diversity and abundant amount of low-water-use plants available for use in planning a lush and inviting garden.

Please take this opportunity to learn more about low-water-use plants and how you can do your part to conserve water. The garden is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk.

Download a map of the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden(PDF, 2MB).

Take a walk through the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden or view a full tour of the garden from the comfort of your own home.

Please Help Us Protect the Garden

  • Enjoy the garden from dawn to dusk.
  • Stay on the trails at all times.
  • Wear close-toed shoes when walking through the garden.
  • All pets must be on a leash. Pet owners are responsible for cleanup.
  • Place trash in the garbage cans.
  • Do not damage or harm any plants or animals.
  • Children must be closely supervised by an adult at all times.
  • Do not feed the animals. City code prohibits the feeding of pigeons in public places.(PDF, 321KB) The garden provides animals with plenty of plants, flowers, seeds, and insects to thrive on.

Remember to visit the library when you are done!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers assist the Glendale Water Services Department - Conservation and Sustainable Living Division in maintaining the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, located at the Glendale Main Library. Receive volunteer hours, learn about desert gardening, and know that you are helping others enjoy this award-winning xeriscape garden.

Garden workdays must be scheduled by appointment and volunteers must follow updated safety guidelines. Previous gardening experience is not required to volunteer.

For more information, contact Anne Stahley at (623) 930-3550 or astahley@glendaleaz.com.

To learn about volunteer internship positions, visit the Water Conservation and Sustainable Living's webpage.

Glendale StoryWalk®

Follow the path, follow the story!
Glendale StoryWalk Logo

 

Start in the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, by the flagpole near the Main Library's Auditorium entrance, and finish at the doors of the library. The path is less than a mile long.

Missed a StoryWalk® or want to read the story again?Find previous StoryWalk® titles in the library catalog.

StoryWalk® promotes health and literacy for children and combines the pleasures of reading a children’s book with the joys and benefits of being together outdoors. It’s a fun, educational activity for everyone. The story changes every three months, so you can come back and visit again.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

 

Habitat Garden

The Glendale Habitat Garden is located near the south entrance of the Glendale Main Library. Showcasing native Sonoran Desert plants and plenty of shade, it provides hospitable habitat for plants, wildlife, and people. Interpretive signage, funded by the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund, features simple ways to attract wildlife.

Download the Welcome Wildlife to Your Garden(PDF, 18MB) guide.

Create a Backyard habitat(PDF, 3MB)Landscape practices plants & wildlife love(PDF, 3MB)Pollinators(PDF, 3MB)H is for Habitat(PDF, 1MB)

Cactus Garden

The Cactus Garden is located north of the Main Library’s parking lot. Containing over 250 different species of cacti and succulents, it is one of the most popular and most photographed areas of the Xeriscape Garden. The east end of the Cactus Garden features mostly native Sonoran Desert plants, while the west end features desert adapted plants from other countries, such as Africa and South America.

Rain Garden

The Glendale Rain Garden, located at the front entrance of the Glendale Main Library, features rainwater harvesting and native Sonoran Desert plants. Using rainwater, from the library’s roof, the Rain Garden slows, spreads, and sinks rainwater where it is directly used by native plants.

Glendale Rain Garden(PDF, 1MB)

Watch the following video to see the installation of the rain garden.

Desert Food Forest

Eat your yard!(PDF, 2MB) The 3,000-square foot Desert Food Forest is located at the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Funded by an Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management grant, the Food Forest was installed in 2018 to replace the outdated south area of the Demonstration Garden.

The Food Forest showcases desert-edible trees, shrubs, perennials, and succulents that homeowners can successfully grow, harvest, and enjoy in their own landscapes. Emulating a “forest” with an upper canopy and understory plants, the Food Forest contains a diversity of Arizona-friendly edible plants. There are multiple benefits of a Food Forest, such as providing a local food source, serving as habitat for local wildlife, and improving air and storm water quality.

Tree Trail

The 10,000-square-foot Tree Trail is located at the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Funded by a Bureau of Reclamation water conservation grant, the Tree Trail was installed in 2011 to replace the outdated west area of the Demonstration Garden.

The Tree Trail provides examples of small and medium-size desert-adapted trees with signage illustrating proper tree care practices. The Trail demonstrates the latest in irrigation technologies and displays plants using rainwater harvesting strategies such as basin-style planting and a variety of permeable pavers.

Check out the following helpful tree care images, videos, and links below.

Tree Selection

What trees will survive and thrive?(PDF, 1MB) Trees provide a variety of beneficial services to people and the environment, but the type of tree and where the tree will grow are factors that must be considered for the tree’s success. Learn how to choose the right tree for the right place.

Tree Planting

To get good start, roots need water and oxygen(PDF, 2MB) It is important for trees to get a good start in order to get the outcome you desire in a healthy tree. Don't know the first steps to plant a tree? Don't worry. Learn how to plant a tree correctly.

Tree Watering

Run the Water Deep and Wide(PDF, 2MB) It is vital for trees to receive the adequate amount of water it needs at each stage of its growth. Proper irrigation practices will help your tree grow healthy and protect your investment. Learn more about efficiently watering your trees.

Harvesting Rainwater

Drip systems keep your trees alive, add rainwater basins and watch them thrive!(PDF, 139KB) In an arid environment, it is becoming increasingly more important to use rainwater to save water, improve stormwater quality, and improve tree health. Learn how to use rainwater in your landscape.

Tree Pruning

Trees need their leaves; have a good reason to prune(PDF, 7MB) Too much pruning, and improper pruning, can compromise the health of your tree and create a potential hazard. Take the time to learn how and when to prune.

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