Master Gardeners and the Nevada Irrigation District cooperate to demonstrate sustainable landscape techniques for the home gardening public.

History of the Garden

The Nevada Irrigation District and the University of California signed an agreement to establish a demonstration garden in March 1991. NID installed water lines and electricity for irrigation timers. Master Gardeners designed and planted an herb garden that fall. The following year vegetable beds and fruit trees were planted. Master Gardeners plan, install and maintain the garden.

Guiding Principals

The guiding principals are to support regional biodiversity, conserve resources and minimize pollution and waste. The focus is on climate and soil adapted plants for the Sierra foothills. A process known as zoning is used in the design and planning. Master Gardeners match the needs and conditions of a particular landscape to create zones. Numbered signs throughout the garden indicate the hydro‐zones, the amount of supplemental water used.

In the garden you will find:

Download the Demonstration Garden Brochure for details on the various sections.

• Foothill Mediterranean Garden
• Raised Bed Enclosure
• Enabling Garden
• Rock Garden
• Children Bed
• Cottage Garden
• The Edge
• Oak Habitat & Native Grass Meadow
• Backyard Fruit Growing
• Compost Production

The garden is funded by fall and spring plant sales and from the sale of the award winning Western Nevada County Gardening Guide.

Garden Hours

The garden is open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm weekdays
8:00am to 3:00pm weekends

Workshops, Plant Sales & Open Houses

Throughout the year the Master Gardeners host many events. Attend our Plant sale in May, or attend a workshop during the spring, summer, and into the fall. Click here for more information.