La Junta Xeriscape Garden Final Report

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Poge 4 , r I 1\ . roO. La Junta (Colorado) Tribune-Democrat. e ACROSS THE FENCE EDITORIAL OPINION. gossip, chit-chat and Letters to the Editor - the sort of stuff which passes over the fence when two neighbors get together Stop by Veteran's Park and check out the garden TO THE FENCE - Before the first frost arrives, we would like to encourage you to stop by the Veteran's Park Xeriscape Garden at Fifth and Adams streets. Since the volunteer planting in May a good deal more work has taken place and many of the plants have grown significantly. Bob Thomas can often be found working in the park and would be happy to discuss future plans, success and failures, irrigation techniques, planning considerations and other concerns. This project for conservation landscaping was funded by the State Of Colorado Water conserva- tion board. It is becoming necessary that water con- servation be approached from many different direc- tions. One of the largest water uses in this region is for landscaping. Demands for water during the bottest days this sum- mer have reached approximately 4 million gallons per day. It is hoped that by creating a low-water usage pub- lic park the citizens of the community may realize and appreciate the creative beauty that can be achieved using less water. Conservation landscaping does not have to mean a yard full of rocks and cactus. A water-saving landscape not only enhances the beauty of the property but can also increase the value of a home. Traditional lawns can be reduced in side and sur- rounded with border areas containing low or moderate water-demanding flowers, shrubs and trees. Mulches e. - and modem irrigation practices can further reduce your water use and allow more free time to enjoy the yard. While it is rather late in the season to begin such a project, you may be able to get some planning ideas for next spring by looking at the park now. Keep in mind that this is the first growing season at the park. Over the coming years the beauty of this public land will become increasingly enhanced and stabilized. There are a nwnber of sources of infonnation on this subject. The Woodruff Memorial Library has an excel- lent selection of books covering plant selections, plan- ning, wildlife habitat considerations and so forth. The Colorado State Forest Service can provide brochures and listings of teconunended trees and shrubs proven to thrive in the dry climate of southeastern Colorado. The La Junta Tree Board is an advisory committee familiar with local projects and plantings. The Colorado State University Extension Service at Rocky Ford has similar infonnation and can provide assistance for con- servation on fanns and ranches. There are many non-governmental groups throughout the couolIy also addressing water and land-protection issues. For further assistance in getting started on a xeriscap- ing project feel free to call the City of La Junta Water Department, 384-7358. Stop by the gardens and enjoy this area. It is your park. - City of La Junta Water Department