The garden is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk. Plants are identified by common and botanical names. Many are low-water use and excellent for Arizona gardens. Free landscaping brochures are available inside the library.

Remember to visit the library when you are done!

Volunteers assist the Glendale Water Services Department – Conservation and Sustainable Living Division in maintaining the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, located at the Glendale Main Library. Receive volunteer hours, learn about desert gardening, and know that you are helping others enjoy this award-winning xeriscape garden.

Garden workdays must be scheduled by appointment and volunteers must follow updated safety guidelines. Previous gardening experience is not required to volunteer.

For more information, contact Anne Stahley at (623) 930-3550 or astahley@glendaleaz.com.

To learn about volunteer internship positions, visit the Water Conservation and Sustainable Living’s webpage.

The Glendale Habitat Garden is located near the south entrance of the Glendale Main Library. Showcasing native Sonoran Desert plants and plenty of shade, it provides hospitable habitat for plants, wildlife, and people. Interpretive signage, funded by the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund, features simple ways to attract wildlife.

Click on the cover image below to download the “Welcome Wildlife to Your Garden” guide.

Click on images below to enlarge.

The Cactus Garden is located north of the Main Library’s parking lot. Containing over 250 different species of cacti and succulents, it is one of the most popular and most photographed areas of the Xeriscape Garden. The east end of the Cactus Garden features mostly native Sonoran Desert plants, while the west end features desert adapted plants from other countries, such as Africa and South America.

The Glendale Rain Garden, located at the front entrance of the Glendale Main Library, features rainwater harvesting and native Sonoran Desert plants. Using rainwater, from the library’s roof, the Rain Garden slows, spreads, and sinks rainwater where it is directly used by native plants.

Click on the image below to enlarge.

The 3,000-square foot Desert Food Forest is located at the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Funded by an Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management grant, the Food Forest was installed in 2018 to replace the outdated south area of the Demonstration Garden.

The Food Forest showcases desert-edible trees, shrubs, perennials, and succulents that homeowners can successfully grow, harvest, and enjoy in their own landscapes. Emulating a “forest” with an upper canopy and understory plants, the Food Forest contains a diversity of Arizona-friendly edible plants. There are multiple benefits of a Food Forest, such as providing a local food source, serving as habitat for local wildlife, and improving air and storm water quality.

Glendale Desert Food Forest plant list
Trees Matter Urban Food Forest Education Sheet
Linking Edible Arizona Forests (LEAF) Network
Desert Harvesters

The 10,000-square-foot Tree Trail is located at the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Funded by a Bureau of Reclamation water conservation grant, the Tree Trail was installed in 2011 to replace the outdated west area of the Demonstration Garden.

The Tree Trail provides examples of small and medium-size desert-adapted trees with signage illustrating proper tree care practices. The Trail demonstrates the latest in irrigation technologies and displays plants using rainwater harvesting strategies such as basin-style planting and a variety of permeable pavers.

Check out the following helpful tree care images, videos, and links below.

Tree Selection

Trees provide a variety of beneficial services to people and the environment, but the type of tree and where the tree will grow are factors that must be considered for the tree’s success. Learn how to choose the right tree for the right place.


APS Right Tree, Right Place brochure
Arbor Day Foundation Right Tree, Right Place
Arizona Desert Adapted Trees
Plant Selection and Selecting Your Plants
Plants for Poolside Landscapes

Tree Planting

It is important for trees to get a good start in order to get the outcome you desire in a healthy tree. Don’t know the first steps to plant a tree? Don’t worry. Learn how to plant a tree correctly.


Cooperative Extension Planting Guidelines
Arbor Day Foundation How to Plant a Tree
Arizona 811

Tree Watering

It is vital for trees to receive the adequate amount of water it needs at each stage of its growth. Proper irrigation practices will help your tree grow healthy and protect your investment. Learn more about efficiently watering your trees.


Landscape Watering Guide
Trees and Shrubs Watering Techniques
Drip Irrigation Basics

Harvesting Rainwater

In an arid environment, it is becoming increasingly more important to use rainwater to save water, improve stormwater quality, and improve tree health. Learn how to use rainwater in your landscape.

Harvesting Rainwater for Landscape Use Guide
Using Rainwater in Urban Landscapes
Rainscape Principles brochure
Watershed Management Group

Tree Pruning

Too much pruning, and improper pruning, can compromise the health of your tree and create a potential hazard. Take the time to learn how and when to prune.


Desert Pruning Schedule and Guide
Pruning Tips