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By Michael Miyamoto, LASN 
Anyone with a passion for gardening, especially those who take water conservation seriously, might want to visit the Acacia Demonstration Gardens in Henderson, Nev.
The 2.8-acre site lies within Acacia Park, and is actually 19 distinct gardens in one spot. They are a testament to eco-friendly, water-smart landscapes, said Jack W. Zunino, FASLA and owner of JW Zunino Landscape Architecture, based in Las Vegas. JW Zunino Landscape Architecture, or JWZ for short, donated the landscape design and plant list for this project to the city of Henderson, owner of Acacia Park. Zunino's company has been doing business in Las Vegas and surrounding areas since 1989. JWZ designs have replaced more than 1.5 million square feet of turf with water efficient landscapes, according to the company's website. "Contributing to the beautification of the city and education of the residents has been a goal of this firm for over 25 years," Zunino said. JWZ has done several pro bono projects, and the Acacia Demonstration Gardens is one of its most recognized and acclaimed landscape designs. Las Vegas is growing in population, but most newcomers don't know how to maintain gardens in a desert environment. "These gardens educate the beginning landscaper and entertain the garden enthusiast," Zunino said. "Each garden structure gives advice and instruction on landscaping in the harsh climate of the Southwest U.S." Each of the 19 separate garden sites is aptly named. "You will find anything from an Allergy Friendly Garden, which suggests that native plants are the way to go for a sneeze-free yard, to a Wildlife Friendly Garden, advising what to plant if you want to invite native animals into your outdoor living space," Zunino said. Garden lovers can also visit the Cactus Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Gardens for Small Yards, and a Turf Demonstration Area. At these places, gardeners can learn how to incorporate rain runoff into a yard's watering scheme, how to landscape with very little space, and which drought tolerant grasses to use as turf. There is also an Outside Living and Entertaining Garden. The city of Henderson and the Conservation District of Southern Nevada conceived the Acacia Demonstration Gardens to showcase how a community could wisely conserve water. At the same time, they provide a wealth of water-efficient landscape examples that are appropriate for the dry desert climate of the region, Zunino said. Acacia Demonstration Gardens also hosts a variety of workshops every spring and fall.  Widget is loading comments...
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