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Upcoming classes for August at Thanksgiving Point at 801-768-7443
Basic Landscaping Aug 12, 19, 26 from 1-3:30 or 6:00-8:30 pm
and
Diagnosing Plant Problem 2-4 or 6-8 pm
Aug 14 Disease and Insect
Aug 21 Weed ID. On August 2, 2003 (Saturday) the Utah House will have its grand opening and will be open to the public. Please join us for the celebration. There will be free tours and workshops covering the following topics: saving water inside the home, canning tomatoes and salsas, designing your dream kitchen, building green houses, all about organic foods, saving energy and money inside the home, building a healthy home, and much more. Call the Utah House 801-544-3089 for full schedule.
Plan to stay for the Utah Botanical Center's Garden Fest. There will be free workshops, games, and activities throughout the day.
In the spring of 1996, Utah State University Extension organized a workshop with the idea of creating an educational facility that would demonstrate new ways of building homes and creating landscapes.
Principles of the Utah House
Energy Efficient: Demonstrate practical and energy efficient solutions (goal to reduce energy use by 50%).
Water Efficient: Demonstrate rainwater harvesting, water efficient fixtures, and water wise landscaping (goal to reduce water use by 40%).
Healthy Indoor Environments: Showcase healthy building materials and design strategies.
Universal Design Principles: Demonstrate a home designed for all ages, abilities, and sizes.
Location
The Utah House demonstration house and learning center is located at the Utah Botanical Center in Davis County near Farmington, Utah, just off Interstate 15.
Check out the landscape tips at http://extension.usu.edu/utahhouse/
The mission of the Utah House Landscape is to raise awareness and educate the public about the value of our home landscape and its ability to conserve water and save energy. The objectives are to promote the use of appropriate plants for Utah's home home landscapes, demonstrate practical methods of water and energy conservation, and showcase a functional and aesthetically pleasing landscape that is in context with Utah's cold desert climate.
ENTRY LANDSCAPE The entry to the Utah House is colorful, inviting and has year-round interest. Over 50% water savings is achieved through careful plant selection and efficient irrigation.
WATER AND ENERGY CONSERVATION Innovative water and energy conserving design principles are incorporated into the Utah House landscape. A 50 % water savings is expected for the entire landscape. Plants are grouped together and watered according to water needs while rain and snowmelt are harvested from the rooftop. Efficient irrigation and maintenance equipment help reduce outdoor water and energy use. Trees are strategically placed to reduce energy loads within house.
PATIO & ARBOR The backyard patio will accommodate outdoor dining and entertaining small groups. Porous paving is used, potted plants add color, and a vine-covered arbor will provide essential shade in the summer.
WATER FEATURE A small efficient water feature is incorporated into the patio for visual interest, noise abatement, and growing aquatic plants.
CULINARY GARDEN Fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, and herbs can be found in the Utah House landscape. The culinary garden will demonstrate how to grow healthful, flavorful fresh food, while creating a garden that is both beautiful and functional.
CHILDREN'S GARDEN A small garden designed especially for children will provide a place to play and begin discovering the wonders of the plant world.
COMPOST AREA A compost area will demonstrate both the environmental and economic benefits of home composting.
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Energy efficient night lighting is used for security and aesthetics.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM An innovative irrigation system that operates using soil moisture sensors is showcased. This unique system monitors soil moisture and irrigates only when soil is dry. A combination of drip irrigation with emitters is used to irrigate trees, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs while spray heads are used for annuals, perennials and groundcovers.
PLANT MATERIAL A variety of hardy trees, shrubs, groundcovers, turf grass, perennials and annual flowers are on display. Proper selection and arrangement of plants demonstrate how to reduce typical irrigation needs by 50 %. Plants are grouped together according to irrigation needs. Plants were selected for their drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, size, color, form, texture, leaves, flowers, and fruit.
IRRIGATION HYDRAZONES Very Low Water Use Zone Approximately 10 % of the landscape is in the very low water use zone. Plants used in this zone generally need no additional irrigation once they are established.
Low Water Use Zone Approximately 50 % of the landscape is in the low water use zone. Irrigation requirements for plants used in this zone are approximately 0-3 gallons/square foot/20 week season.
Moderate Water Use Zone Approximately 20 % of the landscape is in the moderate water use zone. Irrigation requirements for plants used in this zone are approximately 10+ gallons/square foot/20 week season.
High Water Use Zone Approximately 20 % of the landscape is in the high water use zone. Irrigation requirements for plants used in this zone are approximately 18-20 gallons/square foot/20 week season.
WATER COLLECTION CISTERN Rain water and snowmelt is collected from the roof and stored in a water storage cistern located under the garage. This water is used later for landscape irrigation.
BACKYARD FOR WILDLIFE Back yards can become havens for songbirds, butterflies, small mammals and many beneficial insects. With appropriate plant selection and proper landscape design, the Utah House backyard provides food, cover, and water necessary for attracting beneficial wildlife.
SECURITY Low physical separators between private and shared spaces foster a sense of openness and community. Elements such as low walls, low hedges, and arbors are used to separate private spaces from public spaces. Efficient landscape lighting is used for security.
EDUCATIONAL COMPONENTS Interpretive signage, pamphlets, brochures, tours, workshops and a computer station are available to educate visitors about landscaping appropriately in Utah.
