A Walk in the Garden - Washoe Honors Public Garden Day

Spring is a beautiful time for a leisurely walk in the park.  This Friday (May 8th) has been set aside as the nation's first National Public Garden Day.  Washoe County is proud of its public gardens at the Wilbur D. May Center and the county would like to show it off to you in honor of National Public Garden Day.
 
The county is offering a very special treat to the public.  It will be conducting free guided tours through the Arboretum starting at 9 am on Friday only.  Tours will be available on the hour, every hour, through noon (last tour).  The tour will introduce you to the beauty of various Great Basin native plants and those that have been able to adapt to our unique environment.  In addition, you will learn about the history of the Wilbur D. May Arboretum.
 
The native plants of the Arboretum are quite hardy; they live at an elevation of 4,600 feet and lie between the arid Great Basin Desert and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains.  These plants must be able to survive on less than seven inches of water a year as well as survive temperatures which may vary as much as 50 degrees in one day.  The unique plants have a very short growing season and can only be seen about one-third of the year (100-120 days).
 
The Wilbur D. May Arboretum is comprised of 12 acres of native plants, groves of trees and four secluded gardens.  The Songbird Garden beckons songbirds to visit the vibrant blooms and nest in the comforting arms of surrounding trees and shrubs.  Each flower, tree and shrub was selected with care to offer food and shelter to our feathered friends.  Spring is the perfect time to visit Dixie's Plaza Garden, which adjoins the May Museum courtyard.  The colorful display of annuals and perennials will delight your eyes and bring a song to your lips.  A covered bridge draped in vines leads to Honey's Garden, just below the Ranch House.  A gurgling waterfall cascades gently into a pool surrounded by yellow and white roses.  Burke's Garden, a quaint and elegant English country garden shaded by elms, will have you quoting sonnets in short order.
 
Bring a little box lunch to enjoy while picnicking next to the cool babbling waters of Evans Creek.  The water's song will delight your ears and soothe your heart.  While relaxing, you will be entertained by the antics of the Evans Creek wildlife.  After your informative and educational tour, I am sure you will come home brimming with ideas of how to create your own little interpretation of a garden paradise. 
 
The Wilbur D. May Arboretum is located in Reno, just northwest of the University of Nevada at 1595 N. Sierra in the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.  The Arboretum is open every day of the year and entrance to this living museum is free.  Maps are always available for self-guided tours.  However, this Friday only, you will be treated to a special guided tour through the Arboretum.
 
Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation expert!