Take a Virtual Tour | Tales from the Garden | FREE self-guided audio tour
Friends of the Garden Volunteers | Art in the Garden | FREE Field Trips

City of Glendale Xeriscape Botanical Garden

The award-winning Xeriscape Botanical Garden (at the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.) began its initial construction in June of 1990. Since that time, the garden has grown to nearly four acres in size with more than 400 species of plants. To help visitors identify the large number of low-water-use plants displayed, many of the plants are labeled with common and botanical names. Considered one of the best demonstration gardens in the state, there are interesting plants for all to enjoy.

The garden is open to the public every day of the year. By walking the garden paths, you’ll see plants at their mature size, find examples of good plant combinations and discover ideas for your landscape. There is no cost to walk through the garden. It is recommended you bring a note pad and pen to write down names of plants you would like in your yard.

Free Self-Guided Audio Tour

A free self-guided audio wand tour is available for checkout inside the library during normal library hours. This state-of-the-art technology allows you to tour and learn about the garden at your own pace. You must be 16 or older to check out an audio wand from the library’s circulation desk. A driver’s license is required.

Take a Virtual Tour

Find maps of the garden with photos and detailed information on each of the plants by going to http://web.gccaz.edu/glendalelibrary/.

Tales from the Garden

This free, colorful booklet provides a brief history of the garden with select descriptions of plants found in the garden. Copies also are available at Glendale libraries, or they can be mailed upon request using the on-line publication request form. Or CLICK HERE to download an online version.

Free Field Trips at the
Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden

With over 400 species of low-water-use plants,
the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden is
a unique setting for students and teachers to
discover more about the diversity of plant life in the
Sonoran desert. Click here for information about
the FREE program as well as a request form.

Friends of the Garden Volunteers

Environmental Resources Department, Water Conservation Division

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Friends of the Garden (F.O.G.) volunteers assist the Glendale Water Conservation Office in maintaining the award-winning Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, located at the Glendale Main Library.  F.O.G. volunteers assist in the care and upkeep of the garden, participate in monthly group workdays, help at special events, assist in the Water Conservation Office, and act as garden ambassadors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain garden pathways
• Report dying or distressed plants, vandalism, signage problems, and irrigation leaks to the Water Conservation Office
• Pick-up litter in the garden
• Install new plants
• Clean plant signs
• Assist with garden-related events
• Lead garden tours for school and special-interest groups
• Assist with water conservation-related events and programs
• Communicate general program information to the public

TIME COMMITMENTS:

• 2-6 hours per month
• Recommended at least 25 hours per year

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of plants and gardening is helpful, but not required
• Capable of lifting 20 lbs

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Outdoors in a garden setting bending, stooping, raking, light-lifting, and digging, etc.
• Indoors in an office setting at a computer terminal or desk sitting, using hands

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 16 to volunteer
• Desire to learn more about the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden
• Ability to perform light gardening tasks with minimal supervision
• Love of the outdoors and plants
• Attend a minimum of two free gardening / xeriscape trainings or workshops provided at the Glendale libraries per year (classes and orientations are included in volunteer hours)

Join Us!

The time and talents the volunteers share, provide the community with a unique garden experience.  If you’re interested in becoming a Friend of the Garden Volunteer, please call the Water Conservation Office at (623) 930-3535 or e-mail jtoms@glendaleaz.com.  No prior gardening experience is needed and training is provided.

Art in the Garden

Come check out the new water conservation-themed artwork at the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, located on the southeast corner of the Glendale Public Library at 5959 W. Brown Street. The artwork consists of a decorative wall, entitled “Desert Plant and Animal Adaptations,” and two sculptures, entitled “The Blue Planet” and “The Watershed.” In 2005, the city of Glendale Water Conservation Office received an “Art in the Garden” grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Arizona Commission on the Arts, and the city of Glendale. 40 students, from the Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School AM/PM Recreation Program site, created water conservation-themed artwork with sculptor and artist-in-residence, Juanita Hull-Carlson. In addition to making art, students participated in eight different water conservation activities adapted from Project W.E.T. (Water Education for Teachers). Over 250 community volunteers were involved with “Art in the Garden,” including Friends of the Garden volunteers, library patrons, Glendale Community Center teens, neighbors, and Girl Scouts.

Desert Explorers

The city of Glendale Water Conservation Office partnered with Foothills Branch Library to offer a “Desert Explorers” series on the importance of water conservation in the Sonoran desert.  Youth participated in several Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) activities and learned about Sonoran desert plant and animal adaptations, the water cycle, watersheds, and the cultural importance of water for all people.

To learn more about current and past youth water conservation programs, please call (623) 930-3535.