Cactus and Succulent Garden at the Wilbur May Arboretum
The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden has 13 acres developed, with 10 acres still to be completed. The design concept for a new Cactus and Succulent Garden is the first step toward implementing a series of new gardens to further grow the Arboretum and enhance its mission of education, research, conservation, and to demonstrate how introduced plant species and native plants grow in a high desert environment.
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The goal for this 2.5-acre garden is to showcase the types of plants that are well-adapted to the harsh climate of Northern Nevada’s short 120-day growing season. The plan includes creating a demonstration garden for low water usage with a focus on geography and plant biodiversity. The garden is designed to allow visitors to experience cactus and succulent flora not only native to Nevada, but also to the southwestern United States, Mexico, South America, and similar arid regions across the globe.
With today’s climate change challenges coupled with limited water resources found in a desert region, this garden will create a desert wonderland for Northern Nevada neighbors and visitors alike. The vision is to make the Cactus and Succulent Garden the Arboretum’s showcase garden.
