The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden

There are now two Master Gardener Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens on display.  Our first garden, at the entrance to the SUNY Ulster campus in Stone Ridge, New York, began in 1999 as a joint effort between the Master Gardener program and SUNY Ulster, with the generous assistance of several area businesses.   In the spring of 2003, the Master Gardeners began developing a new Xeriscape garden in front of the Youth Building at the Ulster County Fairgrounds.

Xeriscape was developed in Denver CO, at a time when there were severe water shortages, and it is now one of the most accepted landscape practices in the western part of the US. In fact, some SW cities require that all new landscaping be xeriscape!   The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word Xeros which means dry. It refers to a landscape that uses little supplemental water.   Another way to look at is "water conservation through creative landscaping."

Xeriscaping does not refer to dry barren landscape, nor does it mean no maintenance.   It is not a garden style or design.  It is a concept of water conservation that can be applied to landscapes of any style...traditional, Japanese, cottage, formal or natural. 

The Fairgrounds Garden is open whenever the fairgrounds are.  The SUNY/Ulster garden is open to the public during regular college hours. If you would like to schedule a free guided tour for your group or organization, leave a message on the Master Garden Hotline at:  845-340-3478.