COLUMN: Desert Demonstration Gardens mark 20th anniversary

The Desert Demonstration Gardens turned 20 last weekend. This gem at Alta Drive and Valley View Boulevard is a must-see for anyone attempting to grow a plant -- or even grass -- in the hostile Southern Nevada environment.

At the celebration, the whole area was done up in a festive atmosphere and the parking squad was out to ensure everyone went to the designated areas. There were the obligatory speeches and self-congratulatory exchanges, but in a town where actions speak louder than words, the gardens speak for themselves.

A trip through it reveals the best of landscaping in Las Vegas. The trees are tall with thick trunks, mute testament to the 20 years the facility has been in existence. The entire area was abuzz with bees that busily pollenated the flowers in bloom. The cactuses are just beginning to bloom and that's a spectacular event.

For those of you who haven't yet visited, the Desert Demonstration Gardens displays various landscapes: a cactus garden; a vegetable/fruit garden; a drought-tolerant plant garden; an experimental garden; a grass garden; an oriental garden; and a rose garden entwined with honeysuckle, jasmine and hollyhocks.

This experiment in desert gardening is under the umbrella of the Las Vegas Valley Water District, a county-run entity that keeps us from drying out.

Several years ago when the expansion of U.S. Highway 95 was proposed, it became apparent that the Las Vegas Springs site (across Alta from the water district and the gardens) was in the path of the road. The springs were the original water source for the valley. To preserve this archaeologically and culturally rich area, a group formed to raise funds and pressure the government to change the path of the expansion. The Las Vegas Springs Preserve was formed to plan for the area loosely bounded by Valley View on the west, Alta on the south, U.S. 95 on the north and Lacy Lane/Canyon Drive to the east.

On Saturday, May 18 that group's staff will unveil plans for the historic site. The Cultural History Fair is planned to run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Desert Demonstration Gardens. The fair is being held in conjunction with the 97th anniversary of the founding of Las Vegas. Birthday cake will be served.

The fair will feature more than 20 organizations from throughout the valley observing National Preservation Week. Fair-goers will be able to learn about petroglyphs and preservation, and even how to sculpt an arrowhead.

Included in the expansion of Las Vegas Springs Preserve will be the new, larger home of the Desert Demonstration Gardens.

Jesse Davis, a spokesperson for the water district, said it's still undecided whether the plants (including those huge trees) will be transplanted or whether the gardeners will start from scratch.

"Probably some of both," Davis said. "After all, this is their business and if they can't transplant trees, et cetera, who can?"

I urge everyone to take advantage of the Cultural History Fair. It's a great opportunity for young and old alike to learn about the early days of Southern Nevada, celebrate the city's birthday and tour the gardens.

Carmel Hopkins, real estate product manager for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun, can be reached at 380-4574. Her e-mail address is Carmel_Hopkins@ reviewjournal.com. Snail mail is P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125.

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