Lake Tahoe Demonstration Garden

The garden demonstrates successful landscaping and gardening at Lake Tahoe. It is a thriving alpine garden and a great spot for students to enjoy Tahoe's unique environment.

The garden is part of a community partnership designed to protect and preserve the Lake Tahoe basin by showcasing landscapes to:

• Promote the use of water efficient native and adapted plants and gardening practices;
• Display native and adapted plants in an attractive natural setting;
• Demonstrate Best Management Practices and other backyard conservation practices; and
• Provide a public venue for inspiration and education.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) site

This site demonstrates methods to minimize erosion and control runoff. Workshops on implementing best management practices are held during the spring. For more information on workshops check the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency website.

Garden History

In 1984 a single individual envisioned what is now a flourishing seven-acre garden that showcases attractive native and adapted plants while using conservation techniques in order to address water quality concerns. This site was originally very disturbed by human activity serving as a borrow pit for the construction of roads and later as a recreation area for off road vehicles. Its bare compacted soils supported little vegetation and directly contributed sediment into Lake Tahoe via Trout Creek. Construction began in the spring of 1990 with a grand opening in 1991. Now it is a thriving, functional landscape where the community and visitors can enjoy and learn about Tahoe's unique environment. The garden continues to expand and make improvements through generous donations and agency partner collaboration.

Special Events: The Ledbetter Terrace is now available for your special occasion up to 150 people. Reservations are available on weekends from May through October by contacting Tahoe Dream Events at 530-577-6027, www.tahoedreamevents.com.

Public garden events are posted online at www.tahoercd.org

Special thank you to the following organizations for their continued support and dedication to the garden:
California Tahoe Conservancy, Lahontan Water Quality Control Board, Lake Tahoe Community College, South Tahoe Public Utility District, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Volunteers.

Green Thumb Events:

These free workshops are sure to help you get the most out of your garden. All workshops take place on Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m at the LTCC Demonstration Garden. Workshops are sponsored by UCCE Lake Tahoe Master Gardeners, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center. These workshops are presented by the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, and the Lake Tahoe Master Gardeners.

• Right Plant, Right Place - Trees and Shrubs in High Elevation Settings; Mon. July 8

• Pest Management: What’s Bugging You? Or Digging Up Your Garden?; Mon. July 15

• Composting: From Garbage to Garden; Mon. July 22

• Get Wild in Your Garden! Native Plants and Beneficial Insects; Mon. July 29

• Sprinkle or Shower? Efficient Irrigation; Mon. August 5

• The Dirt on Your Garden Soil; Mon. August 12

How you can help:

Donate through the Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation
530-541-4660 ext 245