This free garden is an unexpected oasis in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Utilities demonstration gardenPhoto byAuthor

(Colorado Springs, CO) It is not easy to grow things in Colorado Springs.

The clay soil, dry air, intense sun, wind, and hungry deer are challenges to a healthy garden.

But all is not lost.

Some flowers and plants thrive in this environment, and Colorado Springs Utilities has a free demonstration garden to help residents design a beautiful and waterwise outdoor space.

The garden (2855 Mesa Road) is not far from Garden of the Gods Park. It is a lovely, well-designed space with beautiful views of Pikes Peak.

The plants, shrubs, and trees are labeled, and there are informational placards throughout the garden with suggestions for durable plants, creating good water flow, and choosing the best grass and mulch.

One of the gems of the demonstration garden is the water-wise neighborhood.

Colorado Springs demonstration gardenPhoto byAuthor

The "neighborhood" has five landscape design options: budget-friendly, contemporary, deer resistant/firewise, low maintenance, and prarie. Each garden has a brochure with a plant list, layout suggestions, and landscaping tips to help re-create the garden in your yard.

The demonstration garden is free to visit and open 24/7. The lobby has additional resources and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00).

Learn more about the demonstration garden in this video.