High and Dry Demonstration Garden: Plant Species for High Elevation, Low-Water Gardening
The High and Dry Demonstration Garden is an ongoing study focused on testing plant species for their ability to thrive in high-elevation environments with little or no supplemental water. Located at the CSU Extension Office in Norwood, this garden is part of a larger effort across Colorado to explore sustainable, drought-tolerant landscaping solutions.
Purpose of the High and Dry Garden
The High and Dry Garden was planted in 2006 as part of a statewide initiative to identify plants that can survive and thrive in Colorado’s challenging growing conditions—specifically, with limited water resources. The garden’s goal is to demonstrate which native shrubs and perennials can survive solely on natural rainfall, making it a model for water-efficient landscaping in the region.
The project was conceived in response to recent droughts, municipal water restrictions, and the Colorado Water Law, which limits outdoor water use for properties with newly drilled wells (since May 8, 1972) under 35 acres. This has made finding low-water plant species more important than ever.
The High and Dry Garden Network
There are currently five High and Dry gardens across Colorado, each planted with the aim of testing drought-tolerant plants in varying elevations and climates:
- Gilpin County – Planted Summer 2004
- El Paso County – Planted Summer 2004
- Custer County – Planted Summer 2005
- Boulder County – Planted Summer 2005
- San Miguel County – Planted Summer 2006 (first garden replication on the Western Slope)
Our garden is the first in the Western Slope region to replicate this study, providing valuable data for gardeners and landowners in high-altitude areas like the San Miguel Basin.
Plant Species Tested in the High and Dry Garden
We selected 20 species of native shrubs and perennials to test for their ability to survive on natural rainfall alone. These species were carefully chosen based on their performance in other High and Dry gardens across the state to ensure accurate replication of the study.
Plants were arranged in a naturalistic design, randomly placed according to height and section of the garden to mimic a real-world landscape. Here’s our plant list:
- High & Dry Species Table – A comprehensive list of the native species planted in our garden, including detailed information on each plant’s water requirements, growth habits, and hardiness.
How the Garden Was Planted
The garden was planted on August 4, 2006, with the help of a small group, including local kids from the Prime Time of the Wright Stuff program. After planting, the plants received a deep initial watering followed by a heavy rain that evening. On August 5, all plants were checked for proper planting and adjusted as needed. They received a final watering, after which no further supplemental water has been applied—only natural rainfall.
The timing of the planting was critical to ensure that the plants received a natural start before the monsoon season. The hope was that the extended monsoon rains of 2006 would provide ample water for the plants to establish themselves.
Why This Project Matters
In addition to helping individuals and communities conserve water, the High and Dry Garden aims to:
- Promote drought-tolerant landscaping: By identifying plants that thrive with little water, we can reduce reliance on supplemental irrigation and create more sustainable gardens.
- Support water conservation: As droughts become more frequent and water restrictions increase, these gardens provide a valuable resource for homeowners, landscapers, and municipalities looking for low-water plant options.
- Test plant viability: By using only natural rainfall, we are testing which plants are truly suited for our climate, eliminating the guesswork for local gardeners.
Get Involved or Learn More
Visit the High and Dry Demonstration Garden at the CSU Extension office in Norwood for a firsthand look at how native plants can thrive without supplemental water. For more details, including planting guides, water-efficient gardening tips, and updates from the garden, please contact us:
- Office: 1120 Summit Street, Norwood, CO 81423 (Across from the Fairgrounds)
- Phone: 970-327-4393
Equal Opportunity Provider
Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. For more information, visit:
Equal Opportunity Statement
Explore the possibilities for water-efficient landscaping in the San Miguel Basin with the High and Dry Garden, and discover which plants thrive in our unique climate! 🌱
