Dryland Mesa demonstrates the large diversity of plants that can be grown without supplemental water. Designed in 1986 by Gayle Weinstein in collaboration with the Denver Water Board, Dryland Mesa was the first public garden to portray the concepts of Xeriscape. The garden showcases, in a naturalistic setting, plants native to arid regions of the West, especially from the Madrean floristic province. This garden has not been watered since 1997, except for new plantings that have been watered by hand.

Notable plants in this garden include Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica), alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana) and Spanish bayonet (Yucca faxoniana). A significant number of hardy cacti bloom from mid-May through early June, brightening the hillside in colors ranging from magenta to golden yellow.

For a list of plants in Dryland Mesa, click here.