As the new Gardens at the Springs Preserve prepares to open in June, the Desert Demonstration Gardens has closed and numerous trees and shrubs are making their way to their new home at 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

For nearly 25 years, the 2.5-acre Desert Demonstration Gardens, 3701 Alta Drive, has introduced residents to new and exciting drought-tolerant plants. It was developed to demonstrate that water-conserving plants could grow in our alkaline soils, low humidity, withstand winds and flourish with little water.

The Desert Demonstration Gardens has outgrown its current location and will expand to approximately eight acres.

Back in the mid-1970s, a group of people headed by the Kiwanis Club got together at the Review-Journal to discuss water conservation. From that small group, the idea of the Desert Demonstration Gardens was born.

The water district provided the land and construction began. In 1982, the park opened as the Kiwanis Water Conservation Park. In 1986, the need for more water-conservation landscaping became more of a concern. The Las Vegas Valley Water District strengthened its commitment to the concern by developing a master plan and renovated the facility. In 1990, it reopened as the Desert Demonstration Gardens and became a success story we'll brag about for years.

I must pay tribute to Pat Mulroy, general manager of the water district. It was her vision to see the Desert Demonstration Gardens succeed. She was the force behind the master plan and placed key people such as Pete Duncombe to put water conservation in the forefront. It developed into one of the most beautiful water-efficient demonstrations in the thirsty Southwest.

It eventually became the home of more than 1,200 drought-tolerant plants. Most of those plants came from deserts across the Southwest. These plants now have matured to become specimens that will make the Springs Preserve a showplace when it opens.

I once heard Mulroy say, "It is my goal to have a sampling of plants from every desert in the world at the new complex." I only hope her dream becomes a reality as plant explorers find new plants.

As I reflect back on my many years at the Desert Demonstration Gardens, I am so proud of what it has done for landscaping across the valley. Las Vegas landscapes used to be a lot of turf. Because of the need to conserve water, there have been many new plant introductions on exhibit that are now standards in landscapes and, with proper selection, you can have year-round color. With more space at the new complex, we will be able to expand the plant palette even more.

I recall when we began encouraging people to eliminate water-guzzling plants. Some did what I call "moonscaping" -- covering their yards with rocks and a Joshua tree in the middle. Many people thought, "If that is what I have to do to conserve water, I don't want any part of it." To many people, rocks connoted heat and blinding glare. I once recorded a 164-degree temperature under the rocks. Can you imagine what it would be like around that home at midnight?

Moonscaping was not a way to get people into a water-conservation mood and that precipitated the idea of dividing the Desert Demonstration Gardens into themes. We wanted to give people ideas on how to use water-conserving plants and get away from the "moonscape" syndrome.

The Desert Demonstration Gardens quickly became known as an educational center. We developed classes in designing, installing and maintaining landscapes. We also had plant tours covering various kinds of plants, and, of course, I was able to teach my favorite subject, vegetables. All had water conservation in mind.

As time went on, it soon became a stopping place for birds, so the Red Rock Audubon Society developed tours showing people how to attract birds to their yards. Workers at the new Springs Preserve have observed more than 160 different species of birds since its inception, so we hope to expand this program across the street.

The Nevada Cooperative Extension master gardeners developed a strong docent program that conducted tours, both formally and individually. They also were available to answer gardening questions.

The Desert Demonstration Gardens visitor center will remain open during regular business hours, including weekends, for people seeking gardening tips and offering classes until the Springs Preserve opens.

Construction continues at the preserve in preparation for its June 8 opening. More than 400 trees and plants are being excavated and transported to their new home at the preserve, Duncombe said.

"We are taking great care moving the plants," said Duncombe. "Our goal is to complete the transfer without losing a single plant."

Duncombe said most retail nurseries do not sell trees in boxes larger than about 24 inches, and the tree boxes at commercial nurseries typically top out at about 48 inches. For the move to the new gardens, some trees will be transported in boxes as large as 84 inches in diameter.

One of the great parts about the Desert Demonstration Gardens was being able to show visitors mature-sized plants. You won't have to wonder what a small plant will look like 30 years later.

The new facility will expand its educational offerings with continued focus on water-efficiency. I am helping develop landscape design and drip-irrigation classes that will be second to none. The new gardens will remain free to visit, but there will be a nominal fee for classes and workshops.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Landscape lighting and garden art: At 2 p.m. Saturday, join seasoned professionals from Romanza Garden Living and Ted's Lighting, some of Las Vegas' leaders in landscape design, as they offer tips to personalize your landscape.

First things first to begin construction: Also at the gardens at 2 p.m. March 31, I'll be teaching you the "how-to" facts of installing your landscape. You'll learn site and soil preparation, grading, drainage, rock selection and construction techniques.

"Let Freedom Ring": At 1 p.m. March 31, the Nevada Garden Club will present an American flag ceremony in Lorenzi Park, 700 Twin Lakes Drive. Mayor Oscar Goodman and other political dignitaries and garden club members will gather to honor those who serve our country. Across the grounds will be 48 tall American flags representing Nevada soldiers lost in the current war. Other activities are planned for the day. For more information, call 454-1941.

Linn Mills writes a gardening column each Thursday. You can reach him at linn.mills@lvspringspreserve.org or at the Gardens at the Springs Preserve at 822-8325.