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"New floral bed at Arboretum
shows beauty evident in water conservation"

Region IV Texas Nursery & Landscape Assoc.
provides floral design & endowment

WaterWise Demonstration Planting

The northeast Region of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association (TNLA Region IV) is providing payment to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens to develop a landscape water conservation demonstration at the northwest end of the Jonsson Color Garden. This landscape was designed by TNLA Region IV members using WaterWise techniques to demonstrate how a beautiful landscape can conserve water.

TNLA Region IV members worked with the Dallas Arboretum to develop a comprehensive list of attractive plants for the bed that thrive in the northeast Texas landscape. The installation of this demonstration, called the TNLA Northeast Region WaterWise Display, began on July 28th with excavation of the bed and the addition of soil amendments to prepare the bed for planting. July 30 through August 1, irrigation professionals affiliated with the Dallas Irrigation Association will complete the installation of a new, water-efficient irrigation system.

The installation begins with proper soil preparation such as the removal of old soil and the addition of amendments, including expanded shale and compost. Once the bed is ready, the latest in irrigation equipment for conserving water and providing moisture to the growing areas in the most efficient manner will be installed. Following the irrigation installation, the selected trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals will be planted. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch will be added and maintained to preserve moisture in the soil. Seven information kiosks will be installed along the walkway of the bed to inform visitors of the aspects of design, preparation, plant selection, irrigation, installation, turf and management of a WaterWise landscape.

"Education is the primary goal for our region and this endowment is a wonderful opportunity to create and maintain a beautiful display and to provide valuable information about WaterWise gardening", said Rebecca Stanczak, Chairperson for Region IV.

According to Jimmy Turner, the Director of Research for the Arboretum, "The Dallas Arboretum is excited to partner with Region IV of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association to bring this important educational tool and display to our garden. The WaterWise display will allow home gardeners to see that 'low water' doesn't mean 'no color,' and with once-a-week watering schedule you can still have an incredible landscape year round!"

For more information visit

http://www.tnlaonline.org/regions/reg4/garden.html

DALLAS ARBORETUM
The Dallas Arboretum exists to build and maintain a public botanic garden and arboretum which promotes the art, science, enjoyment, and knowledge of horticulture, while providing opportunities for education and research. The Arboretum is committed to excellence, good management and fiscal responsibility. The Arboretum is a city owned property, privately maintained by The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society, a non-profit organization. The Dallas Arboretum is recognized as one of the top display gardens in the nation and is proud to add this new display to their gardens. For more information visit www.dallasarboretum.org.

REGION IV TEXAS NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION
The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association is a trade association representing all aspects of the Green Industry in Texas. In addition to education, certification, governmental affairs, and industry promotion, TNLA presents the Nursery/Landscape Expo, held alternately in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas, Texas in August. TNLA is one of the three largest agricultural entities in Texas, an industry whose Texas economic impact exceeds $9 billion annually. Region IV is the northeast Texas chapter representing Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hill, Hunt, Kaufman and Rockwall counties. For more information visit www.txnla.org.

webmaster: jturner@dallasarboretum 214-515-6580

Copyright: Jimmy L. Turner, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society, 2005
Information or photos may not be reprinted without permission.