Solano RCD staff installing decomposed granite paths at the Irene Larsen Demonstration Garden

Urban Greening Demonstration Gardens in Vacaville

Solano RCD staff installing decomposed granite paths at the Irene Larsen Demonstration Garden
Solano RCD and the City of Vacaville installed two demonstration sites in 2016 to allow to residents to learn about native plants and how they can be used in residential landscapes.

The Irene Larsen Demonstration Garden (located on the east side of the Larsen Ballfields at 1800 Alamo Drive) features 10 species of native shrubs and trees that grow well in the Vacaville area. These natives are naturally drought-tolerant and provide high-quality habitat for local wildlife. Many of the them are also quite beautiful, with spectacular flowers, interesting bark, or colorful berries. Specific details on each species can be found on this flyer.

The Three Oaks Demonstration Meadow (located on the Alamo Creek Bike Trail behind the tennis courts at Three Oaks Community Center at 650 Merchant Street) features four species of native grasses and one species of native sedge. All five can be used to create a beautiful native meadow that uses much less water than a typical turf lawn. Once established, native meadows also require less mowing and maintenance. Specific details on how to select the correct species and how to install your own native meadow can be found on this flyer.

Demonstration sites were funded as part of an Urban Greening Grant from the California Natural Resources Agency.

Solano RCD staff planting drought tolerant native shrubs at the Irene Larson Demonstration Garden

Solano RCD staff rototilling at the Three Oaks Demonstration Meadow in preparation for planting

UC Davis students planting native grass and sedge plugs at the Three Oaks Demonstration Meadow

UC Davis students planting native grass and sedge plugs at the Three Oaks Demonstration Meadow