The Gardens at the Springs Preserve contains many examples of how to create attractive, colorful and water-efficient landscapes. The Gardens has more than 1,000 plant species in a demonstration setting to stimulate ideas for visiting patrons. This site is recommended for students in second grade or above. Information is varied throughout the year, so multiple visits are encouraged.

The Gardens, which was previously located on Alta Drive, can now be found at the Springs Preserve.

The Gardens is handicapped accessible and has picnic facilities. To arrange for a tour, call the Gardens at 258-3205.

Have the students observe, draw and compare plants and animals in their habitats. Map the plant locations within a particular habitat and locate the water sources. The students should focus on the ants and make ant sketchbooks, later comparing the drawings to ants located on school grounds. Record questions to be researched in the classroom. Consider the differences between a designed outdoor environment and a natural outdoor environment.

While touring the complex, note the courtyard with raised planters and lush Mediterranean style plantings demonstrating a mini-oasis concept. Continuing on the tour, see groundcovers, wildflowers and native plants along a natural wash.

There are gardens representing oriental herb, rose and natural desert themes along with a fruit and vegetable garden designed with water efficiency in mind. Various types of outdoor paving, decomposed granite walks and gazebos are additional ideas to enrich the landscape.

The Gardens offers students and visitors a chance to see plants in a mature setting and an opportunity to expand the idea of constant color in the landscape.

Science students will be able to:

(5) 2.6 Investigate and describe how some environmental conditions are more favorable than others to living things [NS 7.5.3]
(5) 2.9 Describe how there are variations among individuals within a population of a certain species [NS 8.5.3]
(5) 3.2 Investigate and describe how erosion and deposition rates can be affected by the slope of the land and by human activities [NS 10.5.2]
(5) 4.1 Investigate and describe interrelationships and interdependence of organisms with each other and with the non-living parts of their habitats [NS 15.5.1]
(5) 4.4 Investigate and describe how the local ecosystem has unique characteristics
[NS 15.5.4]
(5) 4.6 Investigate and describe how technology can be used to extend resources [NS 16.5.2]
(5) 4.11 Explain that changes in environments can be natural events or influenced by human activities, including technology [NS 17.5.3]