Website home about our city

Demonstration Garden


The Fort Collins Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, developed in 1986, demonstrates an attractive landscape that also saves water.

The garden is located in front of City Hall, 300 Laporte Ave., and is always open to the public for self-guided tours. The garden always is open to the public for self-guided tours. Pick up a brochure at the entrance and read interpretative signs throughout the garden.

The garden features over 100 species of plants, including trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers and turf that are grouped based on their water requirements:

  • Very Low
    Need water when first planted but very little or none once established.
  • Low
    Need more water than is available from natural precipitation, but need only small amounts of extra water during hot, dry periods.
  • Moderate
    Uses the most water in the garden, yet still uses less than most traditional landscapes.

The garden is the site of the Xeriscape Garden Party, July 26, 5-7 p.m. Get advice and take a guided tour with gardening professionals.