We’re thrilled to announce that our Water Wise Demonstration Garden has received the American Public Gardens Association’s (APGA) 2026 Garden Excellence Award, the organization’s highest recognition for public gardens. Presented during the APGA Annual Conference in San Francisco, the award recognizes gardens that exemplify excellence in horticulture, conservation education and sustainability.
This prestigious honor places Colorado Springs Utilities among an impressive group of past recipients, including the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Denver Botanic Garden and Chicago Botanic Garden. It is a remarkable achievement for a community-focused garden that has spent decades helping residents create beautiful, water-efficient landscapes.
Located at our Conservation & Environmental Center, 2855 Mesa Drive, the Water Wise Demonstration Garden is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Over the past three and a half decades, it’s evolved into a regional resource for sustainable landscaping by showcasing resilient plants, innovative design and practical water-saving techniques that visitors can apply in their own yards.
APGA highlighted not only the beauty of the garden itself, but also the extensive customer outreach and educational programs that inspire and support sustainable practices. Through our free workshops, tours and demonstrations, the garden connects people of all ages and backgrounds with the value of a thriving, water-wise landscape perfectly suited to our climate.
The award also recognizes the dedication of the talented team behind the garden. Our knowledgeable horticulturalists and irrigation specialists are supported by a committed group of volunteers and local landscape contractors. Together, they work year-round to maintain the garden and share their expertise with the Pikes Peak region while promoting responsible water use.
The garden’s influence reaches far beyond Colorado Springs. Staff members lead significant statewide initiatives, including development of the Colorado Native Grass Guide and Working Group and Colorado’s Landscape Education for Water Conservation effort, which identified 72 essential skills for water-efficient landscape management. These programs continue to shape best practices across Colorado.
The community is invited to join a celebration at Coffee & Conservation on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 8 a.m.-noon for complimentary cake and a free guided tour of the garden. The tour will focus on Fire Wise Landscaping, an especially important topic this year.
We are honored to receive this recognition and grateful to everyone who has helped make the garden a lasting community asset for the past 35 years.