between Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD), the City of St. George, and the Virgin River Program. Featuring more than 5000 water efficient plants, a 1,150-foot stream, a replicate slot canyon, and dinosaur tracks found onsite, the Red Hills Desert Garden promotes and exhibits the toughest desert plants available for use in ornamental landscapes in the region.

Beautiful plants, semi-shaded walkways, and educational exhibits are certainly highlights of Red Hills Desert Garden, but the true objective of the garden is to normalize the look of desert landscaping in the eyes of the community. More than half of the plants in the garden are native to the southwestern U.S., including the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, but plants from every continent are also on display. All plants in the garden are meant to demonstrate resilience in the face of periodic drought.

The garden is relatively young, however many of the shrubs have reached maturity and the trees are well on their way. Ultimately, most of the garden will be shaded by the trees as they mature. The trees also produce wide-ranging levels of shade, depending on leaf shape and density, and most allow enough filtered sunlight to support the plant canopy below. In time, much of the garden will be shaded in some way.

Public perception of the garden has also exceeded expectations, according to garden manager Ryan White. And though it was initially controversial due to cost, Red Hills Desert Garden has become a major asset to the community as well as a popular tourism destination. The landscape aesthetic of the community is also shifting in response to the garden’s demonstration of beautiful, water-wise design and plant materials.

The development community in the region has also responded positively to the garden. Local homeowner’s associations have sought out guidance from garden staff to update their landscaping standards and landscape designers can often be seen walking clients through the garden to choose plants. Other developments promote the garden as a local amenity and share its social media posts with residents. Signage throughout the garden identifies each plant and includes QR codes that connect visitors to more information.

The garden relates to the community in other ways as well. Local Parade of Homes tour homes are presented annual water efficiency awards from the garden and WCWCD. Winners are chosen based on implementation and demonstration of local water efficient landscaping standards with beautiful designs and water wise plant choices.