Alberta is home to three native cacti: spinystar (Escobaria vivipara var. vivipara); little prickly pear (Opuntia fragilis); and plains prickly pear (Opuntia polyacantha).

Water Conservation Garden

Water conservation has recently become a topic of immediate concern for Calgarians. We may soon face water restrictions so designing gardens following the principles of water conservation just makes sense. Techniques such as grouping plants with similar water requirements together, selecting plants for drought tolerance, utilizing mulches and well thought out irrigation methods all help to preserve this important natural resource. This specialty garden demonstrates many of these techniques, proving that gardens can be beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Collection Highlights

Drought tolerant plants in this collection include various sedums, a native yucca, artemesia selections, Pavement roses, potentilla and grasses. The collection is surrounded by drought tolerant shrubs such as salt bush and common sea buckthorn. Rock mulch retains moisture in the soil and also protects the surface of the soil from the effects of weathering.

Plant Adaptations

Plants have many adaptations to help them deal with high heat levels and drought conditions. Plants in the water conservation garden may have silver or blue leaves to reflect heat, or hairy or succulent leaves to trap moisture. Many native plants have wonderful ornamental qualities and are extremely drought tolerant.

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