History and Credits
A narrow space one block long, between the street and an irrigation ditch, near the lovely new Civic Center complex needed something. Water and Power Department Water Conservation Specialist, Laurie D'Audney, was tired of seeing weeds, a flat, bare bike trail and a few thistles growing nearby. According to D'Audney, the best solution for the space was a Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. She strongly felt that the garden would clarify misconceptions about xeriscape and help residents to use the seven principles of xeriscape in planning their own gardens. In addition, landscaping would enhance the beauty of the neighborhood.

The solution suggested by Laurie D'Audney and supported by the City in the early 1990's started what is now the Jeff Peterson Xeriscape Garden. On June 6, 1997, approximately 75 people gathered to celebrate the completion of the garden. The garden honors the memory of Jeff Peterson, a City Councilor who died at age 25 from complications from systemic lupus.

EDAW Design
In late 1993, the City Council funded the project. Subsequently, EDAW, a nationally acclaimed landscape design firm with an office in Fort Collins, Colorado, received the contract to design the xeriscape garden for the City of Loveland.

Design and Review Team
A Design and Review Team worked with the City during the design phase of the project. Members of the team included representatives from the City of Loveland Parks and Recreation, and Water and Power Departments, and Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. Citizens, nursery owners, and a representative of the Visual Arts Commission completed the team. 

Construction
During the summer of 1994, USA Construction completed the site and masonry work. The brick walls and entry ways created a background for the plantings. In 1995, Turf Irrigation installed the irrigation system and Mayo Welding built the gazebo. The gazebo frames the kiosk that holds six interpretive signs. The design contains hearts and water drops to represent Loveland's precious water resources. 

200 Volunteers Planted the Garden
In September, 1995, 200 volunteers planted 3,390 plantings representing 99 species. The following groups of volunteers, along with other interested citizens, planted the entire garden for the community:

Brownie Troop #286
City of Loveland
First Congregational Church
Garfield Elementary School
Larimer County Partners
Larimer County Youth Conservation Corps
Loveland Garden Club
Loveland Herb Society
SOLDAC (CSU)
Thompson Valley High School
Youth Empire
Youth Experiencing Success (YES)

Contributors
Generous contributions from individuals and businesses supported the completion of the beautiful garden. Rain Bird and Turf Irrigation Supply provided irrigation equipment. Plant materials were donated by: Arkansas Valley Seed, Beauty Beyond Belief, Bruce, Suzi and Megan Buie, (In memory of Abe Brenning), Colorado Blossoms, Earthpower Landscaping, Fort Collins Nursery, Fossil Creek Nursery, Green Spot, Gulley Greenhouse, Little Valley Wholesale Nursery, Loveland Garden Club and the Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs, Loveland Herb Society, Margarete O'Kelley, and Rabbit Shadow Farm. The City of Loveland Solid Waste Division supplied the compost.

Interpretive Signs

The interpretive signs installed in 1996 were funded by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. Grand Visuals of Denver fabricated the signs using 6mm fused PVC with a Lustex finish. The fabrication method gave a colorful, less expensive and strong sign that enhances the beauty of the garden. Industrial Engineering of Loveland built the sign frames. The garden contained six signs in the gazebo that provide basic information about the seven Xeriscape principles. Eleven signs describe the plantings in the garden. Visitors can obtain a plant list at the Parks and Recreation Office. 

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