Glendale Xeriscape Garden hosts rainwater harvesting demos

PHOENIX — For those who love gardening or appreciate the art of landscaping, the Xeriscape Garden in Glendale, Ariz., is a plant lover’s paradise.

“The plants are singing to us today after all that rain we had,” said Jo Miller, environmental program manager. “They’ve really perked up, but I think it’s important for people to know that these plants don’t need as much water in July and August because of the humidity. June is when they are most sensitive to the heat.”

The garden doubles as a water conservation demonstration garden. Approximately 400 species of native Sonoran Desert plants live on the four-acre garden that surrounds the Glendale Main Library. Those plants received supplemental water during the storms from a newly installed rainwater harvesting feature, designed with homeowners in mind. The feature allows rainwater to be directed from the library’s roof and to stream down a series of basins to soak the soil.

Homeowners are encouraged to visit and get ideas on how to create an environment that conserves precious resources and saves them money.