CONSERVATORY GARDEN & LEARNING CENTER

A Community Project Provided by the Castaic Lake Water Agency in an Effort to Increase Water Awareness in the Santa Clarita Valley

Our Water Planet

If water covers two-thirds of our planet, why on earth do we have to conserve it? Because 97.2% of that water is salt water in the oceans, 2.15% is frozen in glaciers and the polar ice caps, and 0.31 % is located in the ground too deep for us to reach with wells.

That leaves only 0.34% available for all our consumption needs! This tiny amount of water, only about a third of one percent, comes from fresh water lakes, streams, and groundwater wells.

The Santa Clarita Valley... A "Climate of Extremes"

In the Santa Clarita Valley, we live in a "Climate of Extremes" where we can experience wide variety in the elements: too much sun, high winds, high and low temperatures and too much or too little water.

At the Conservatory Garden and Learning Center, you'll learn how to adjust for all these extremes in planning your home garden or business landscaping.

Being Water Wise

Did you know that more than 50% of home water use is in the yard and garden? The Water Conservatory Garden and Learning Center will assist you in becoming a responsible water user. By making water-wise changes, you'll enjoy a beautiful landscape, spend less time on lawn maintenance, and save money.

For many of us, planting and maintaining a healthy garden or landscape is a formidable challenge, especially in a climate of extremes.

Located on the hill above Central Park, the Castaic Lake Water Agency's Conservatory Garden and Learning Center explores the beauty and ease of water-efficient gardening.

What Will You Find at the Garden?

Everything you need to know about water-wise gardening! Located on a high plateau against the spectacular backdrop of the Santa Clarita Valley, you'll find a unique garden thriving with more than 350 varieties of plants, flowers (including over 1,500 roses), and grasses.

Instructional signage, gardening displays, and hands-on demonstrations take you through a step by step discovery. You'll learn about:

• soil preparation
• microclimates
• irrigation systems
• hardscapes

• plant zoning
• paving options
• mulches

• slope stabilization

... and many more ideas that you can use in custom designing your own home or business landscape or garden.

The Garden is built around historical Greek principles of the elements that shape our environment.

Too much or too little water, wind, or sun, can be harmful to any garden. But with a little knowledge and water-wise attitude, you can work with the environment to make your garden healthy and attractive.

Our Landscape Education Program offers a classroom and garden setting for those who want to learn more about gardening and conservation. Information about this free program can be found at nurseries and home improvement stores throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, or a schedule can be obtained by calling CLWA during business hours.

• Calculate Your Landscape's Water Needs - http://www.bewaterwise.com/calculator.html

Water Conservatory Garden & Learning Center Hours

Open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from 8 AM to 3 PM.

To download the curent Landscape Education Workshop Schedule click [here]
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