The Our Yard Landscape Learning Center is being developed by the University of Arizona, Pima County Cooperative Extension. Its primary purpose is to provide unique ideas and research-based information on urban landscaping and gardening in the desert environment. Visitors will tour grounds featuring low maintenance, water-conserving landscapes with innovative designs, Agold medal@ desert plant varieties, and proven environmental maintenance practices.

A Ramada will be the focal point of the gardens and will serve as a classroom facility with seating for 135 persons. It will feature innovative technologies applicable to residential and commercial projects. The walls of the Ramada will be made of rammed earth A metal roof will slope inward to collect rainwater for channel and storage in a cistern for later use in the landscape.

A cooling tower will be incorporated into the design, allowing the facility to comfortably accommodate visitors through the summer months.

A system of paths will weave through the gardens, allowing the visitors to wander through a series of well signed demonstration areas. The entire project will feature desert landscaping, low volume irrigation, and passive water harvesting. Concepts utilized throughout the gardens will promote landscape practices in harmony with our desert environment. They will include; water conservation, environmental pest management, composting and recycling of green waste, energy conservation through landscaping and alternative construction technologies. 

An Urban Wildlife Habitat Garden and Mesquite Bosque were recently installed. Funding was provided through a grant from Arizona Game and Fish. They feature a shading canopy and native plants that attract birds and butterflies into the urban landscape. Other demonstration gardens planned for Our Yard include a water-conserving Xeriscape demonstration which will feature water saving strategies such as: Agold medal@ desert plants, low volume irrigation, water harvesting, mulching and water saving maintenance practices. An energy conserving Cool Garden will feature shading and screening methods to provide warmth in the Winter and cooling in the Summer. A Recycling Garden will feature composting and its utilization for garden soil improvement and mulching. The use of recycled plastics, rubber tires and building materials will also be demonstrated. 

Other features of Our Yard will include, a Water Use Comparison Landscape, an Erosion Control Exhibit, a New Plant Introduction Garden, and changing seasonal plant displays. Informational kiosks and interactive displays will be located throughout the demonstration areas. Master Gardener docents will provide tours of the facility, and be on hand to answer gardening and landscaping questions. 

Classes for home gardeners will be conducted on landscaping and gardening. The Our Yard Landscape Learning Center will also serve as a training center for nursery and landscape professionals on such topics as: plant identification, water conservation and irrigation technology, plant problem solving, environmental pest management, pruning, and planting.

Land for the project has been provided by the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Funding is being sought from private donors, businesses, foundations, and through grants. If you are interested in supporting Our Yard, please call the Pima County Cooperative Extension at 626-5161.

Written by John Begeman, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Arizona, 520-626-5161.
Material originally appeared in Arizona Daily Star gardening column, on May 23, 1999
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