April 2, 2025

Conservation Gardens in Berthoud Add Features That Mimic Real-World Locations

The Water Efficiency team has added five new demonstrations to the Conservation Gardens to inspire both commercial and residential garden installations. The new demonstrations mimic structures that are found throughout the communities in Northern Water’s boundary, such as medians, street strips and other infrastructure.

All the plants used in the new demonstrations use water efficiently and many are native to this region. The new demonstrations include:

  • Resilient Median – This demonstration boasts plant species that thrive in hot, exposed areas. The plants displayed have a higher tolerance to salt than most common garden plants.
  • Shaded Street Strips – Many older neighborhoods in the region have beautiful shade trees, and finding plants that perform well in these shady conditions can be challenging. The new shaded street strip demonstration is designed to showcase plants that will perform well in the shade while providing interest and color.
New Conservation Garden Demonstrations
New demonstration areas at the Conservation Gardens at Northern Water show ways to use water efficiently in difficult spaces.
  • Sloped Terrain – This space showcases plants that can retain soil in areas with significant grade changes. Plants manage by either spreading and growing low to the ground or by having deep and fibrous root systems. These characteristics help keep soil intact, preventing erosion.
  • Low-Maintenance Garden – This is the perfect design for those who do not have the time to keep up with an elaborate garden. Plants in this demonstration have a long bloom season or retain interest throughout the year. Less work can mean more value.
  • High Plains Ecosystem – This garden provides visitors with the chance to learn about plants that are native to our local ecoregions. Designed to be a dynamic system with plants that may reseed and move around, it boasts native fruiting shrubs to attract birds and provides plenty of nectar to native bees and butterflies.

Signs and interpretive information will be added in spring 2025. Learn more about these demonstrations in this new video, as well as a video on the specific South Street Strip opportunities.