Campus Gardens and Landscaping

Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. and has the second highest water use per capita.  Most of that water is used outdoors. Wise water conservation practices are an essential part of meeting Utah's current and future water needs.

Campus Demonstration & Learning Gardens

Several gardens on campus showcase sustainable landscaping practices.  These beautiful spaces save water, provide urban habitat, and even grow healthy, organic food.  Originally created in 2007 with funding from Energy Solutions, the gardens were rehabilitated in 2011 by the Environmental Studies Capstone Class. These outdoor learning spaces feature plants native to the area, xeriscape principles, wildlife habitat, and/or plants mentioned in the works of Shakespeare. Each garden features explanatory signs and plant species labels.  Click here for a map of garden locations.

• Pollinator Garden: located in the Malouf Courtyard, this space attracts birds, butterflies, bees, and moths.
• Naturescape & Wildlife Area: located on the south side of Dumke field, this area emphasizes native plants that are beneficial to wildlife.  
• Residential Xeriscape Garden: located at a college-owned home on 1200 East, this is a demonstration of low-water plant selection and landscaping practices. 
• Organic Vegetable & Herb Garden: located off of 1200 East, this space allows students, faculty, and staff to dig in and grow healthy, organic produce and herbs.   
• Mountain Desert Garden:  located on the south side of Malouf and Dick, this combination garden contains several prickly pear cacti and many native plants that thrive in the high desert.
• Native American Garden: located on the south side of Giovale Library, this garden is a tool for learning about the traditional uses of these plants and the history of native peoples. 
• Shakespeare Garden: located north of Gore, this small space provide a hands-on experience with plants included in the works of Shakespeare.   

Landscape Master Plan

Completed in November 2005, the Westminster College Landscape Master Plan addresses the campus as a place of learning, investigation, demonstration and environmental stewardship. As part of this comprehensive look at future landscape design and development, the plan emphasizes the use of water-wise plantings which maintain the traditional feel of campus and provide learning opportunities for students and the community. A copy of the plan is available in the Environmental Center.