Environmental Education

Updates on the Arboretum Waterway Maintenance and Enhancement Project: unexpected rainfall, new pump delivered, new path being constructed

Avid birders Randy Beaton and Sid England required a low-maintenance garden that takes care of itself much of the time.  They also wanted to create a front yard that would support native creatures and what better way than by using native California plants.

The Arboretum Waterway is not only the centerpiece of the Arboretum; it is an essential piece of our campus’s water infrastructure. Despite its high-profile importance, the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden has never had a staff member actively managing it, until now! Please welcome to our staff Waterway Steward Nina Suzuki!

Major updates about Phase 1 of the Arboretum Waterway Maintenance and Enhancement Project, including a temporary dam, our new waterway steward, our successful Waterway WOW! campaign, sediment removal, bank reshaping and more!

Gardening tips for weather changes in May

The Bayon’s front yard displays Eva’s passion for and education in botany. An avid plant collector, Eva and her husband have created a miniature rock garden in their relatively small yard with the artistic placement of boulders and rock mulch, all anchored and softened by a variety of perennials that range in size, color and growing habits.

Mona and Frank Demasi

Many succulents are well adapted to low-water landscapes because their thickened leaves store water, providing them the ability to survive dry, hot climates. Softer leaved succulents like Echeveria prefer shade in our region while the larger, cold-hardy Agave and Aloe species do well in full sun.

Helpful tips to start preparing your garden for spring.

In between the last of this season's rains is a great time to get out walk around and make a plan for the coming season.