Conceptual Design

In response to recent survey results showing high Central Park visitor interest in wildlife-attracting, native, and drought-tolerant plants, we decided to use these themes as the backbone of the new planting design.  The gardens will feature a broad variety of regionally-appropriate plants selected by Master Gardeners and UC Davis Arboretum staff for their educational and ornamental value.  Edible plantings will connect the gardens to the bounty of the nearby Farmers Market and Davis Farm to School Connection programs. 

The long, narrow site is well-suited for separation into several distinctly themed “garden rooms” that visitors can stroll between.  The conceptual design for the site includes the following 7 garden themes.  Click each theme garden title to see pictures of the garden before the renovation and how we envision it developing.  Please contact us if you have suggestions for how to improve the gardens.

• Rose & Flower Garden (planted in spring 2007) – a garden of roses and nectar plants for butterflies and hummingbirds

• Sensory Garden (planted in spring 2008) – a garden of drought-tolerant aromatic herbs and perennial edible plants

• Meadow (planted in spring 2007) – a garden of ornamental bunchgrasses and bulbs
  

• California Native Borders (in planning) – native plants selected for their suitability for home gardens, drought tolerance, and value for wildlife habitat

• Vegetable Garden (planted in spring 2007) – a garden of annual edible plants

• Beneficial Insect Habitat Border (in planning) – plants that attract beneficial insects will be located adjacent to the vegetable garden

• Waterwise Garden (in planning)– a garden of drought-tolerant landscape plants that do well in Davis