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

NEW! 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.

City of Glendale Xeriscape Botanical Garden

5959 W. Brown St. at the Glendale Main Library

The award-winning Xeriscape Botanical Garden 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.

Take a Virtual Tour

CLICK HERE to view a video clip about the garden. Find maps of the garden with photos and detailed information on each of the plants by going to www.gc.maricopa.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.

Friends of the Garden Volunteers

The Friends of the Garden (F.O.G.) volunteers assist the Water Conservation Office in maintaining the award-winning Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at the 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.

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. No 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.