Quarry Lakes Demonstration Garden
The idea behind the Master Gardeners’ project is twofold:
- To build a beautiful drought-tolerant garden with paths and signage
- To present classes that show the public that there are viable options to thirsty lawns
The garden offers 6 different design styles to inspire home gardeners looking for a more Earth-friendly garden.
Two pamphlets available on this web site highlight some other plants that do well in Alameda County. Some are single species, while others are genera of plants with species ranging from groundcovers to large shrubs. We have recommended some species and varieties, however, there are many others that will perform well and look beautiful. The plants listed are some specific choices with which Master Gardeners have had positive experiences.
Alameda County is fortunate to be situated in a Mediterranean climate zone similar to those countries bordering the Mediterranean Basin. A Mediterranean climate is typically cool and wet in the winter, with infrequent freezes, and warm or hot and dry in the summer, with very little summer rain. There is a large collection of plant species that are well suited to this climate, wherever it occurs. The Mediterranean Garden features many of these plants including Lion’s Tail, Lavender, Jerusalem Sage, and Dwarf Olive Trees.
The Native Plant Garden connects us to our natural heritage and a sense of place that is California. These plants work well in low maintenance gardens, are adopted to dry summers, work well in water-wise gardens, and generally do not require fertilizers. Research indicates that native plants are preferred by native pollinators and wildlife. There is a native plant for any garden site or design style.
Come visit us when you see us on site. Master Gardeners are generally on-site to work and answer questions on the first Saturday of the month and the third Tuesday, 9 am-12 pm. We also offer seasonal talks on interesting garden topics.
Visit Quarry Lakes
Quarry Lakes is located at 2100 Isherwood Way Fremont, CA 94536.
The garden is open to the public anytime the Quarry Lakes Recreation Area is open. With the payment of the Park District’s $5.00 entry fee, there is parking available immediately adjacent to the garden. Free parking is available at the Isherwood Staging Area (about a quarter-mile level walk to the garden).
For more information about this lovely park go to www.ebparks.org