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Help available with alternatives to lawns

Steve Harris and Lourdes Carrasco made the decision to remove some of their lawn in order to save water (Herald, May 16). Their choice of a flagstone patio is to be applauded. I wish to join them in promoting more alternatives to turf lawns that are beautiful, sustainable and low maintenance.

The Durango Botanical Society’s mission is to educate the public about the use of water-wise planting materials that are the most appropriate for our area. The Demonstration Garden behind the library showcases plants that have been researched by Colorado State University, the Denver Botanic Garden and nurserymen in a unique program called Plant Select®.

These plants are sustainable, tolerant of drought and poor soil, resilient, often deer-resistant and, above all, beautiful. They have the added benefit of attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators.

To learn more about the plants that DBS has tested for home gardens in this area, visit the library’s Demonstration Garden. Trained DBS docents will be giving tours of the Garden every Friday at 9:30 a.m. from May 29 through September 25, and on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in June. Other tour times are available by appointment by calling 769-3091.

Come find something beautiful and easy to grow to replace some of your lawn. Local nurseries offer Plant Select® and Durango Botanical Society selected plants for sale.

Melanie Palmer, Durango Botanical Society

Bayfield



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