Entrance is free and there is a receptionist who can answer questions. In our case, she just let us out into the garden area. We took off to the left and meandered through the gardens that need the least maintenance first.
There is a side by side demonstration showing what the usual Utah backyard looks like, which is grass only.
Next to this yard is a minimum maintenance yard that could be constructed in the same amount of space. Truthfully, I don't find this very attractive--too much concrete. It would be hot in the summer.
Nearby, there is a shaded area with a large patio which uses pavers to outline a giant chess game. That would be low maintenance and fun! It would be tolerably cool most of the year with a good shade structure over it.
The next section is devoted to low water plants and then it segues into an explanation of the CUP--the Central Utah Water Project.
There is another segue into an area of ground covers and soil types.
Next up is a display of different kinds of grasses showing the water and maintenance needs of each type.
The buckets let you look at different kinds of soil and then the path leads into types of ground covers including wood chips, rock, etc. Check out the blue marble glass!
A long walkway leads ino the section on ways to make shade in your garden. You can look at the flooring choices and the overhead structures.
The next section of the garden could be right out of the pages of House Beautiful. They really like vines that climb over the structures. Trumpet vine is a favorite everywhere. Not many flowers this time of year but we managed to find a pretty pink one.
There is an outdoor seating area that can be rented for events.
The last section is a demonstration of crops that grow well in Utah gardens. Dogs on leashes are allowed. There are handicapped accessible bathrooms in the main building and on the path. All in all, this is a great place to go for a walk and learn something along the way.
