Donald H. Baepler Xeric Garden
Located at the entrance to the Marjorie Barrick Museum, the Donald H. Baepler Xeric demonstrates how drought-tolerant plants and an efficient irrigation system combine to save water and create an attractive landscape. It was the first large-scale demonstration garden of its kind in the Las Vegas Valley.
The Xeric Garden combines with UNLV’s east and west malls to form the arboretum core and create the green heart of campus. The garden is an example of the use of native and other drought-tolerant species in a residential-scale landscape. It is a tool for monitoring the suitability of drought-tolerant plants for use in the arid urban environment of Las Vegas. The Xeric Garden is designed as an extension of the Museum, creating an outdoor exhibit of plants indigenous to the four North American deserts, as well as plants introduced from Australia, South America, Mexico, and the Mediterranean.
The Garden creates a quiet, shady oasis in the heart of campus using shade structures, water features, benches, paving and natural stone, as well as a place for education, research and social events.
It was conceptualized by Dennis Swartzell in the 1980’s, designed by Jack W. Zunino, landscape architect, and generously supported by Donald Baepler. The garden was planted by the UNLV Master Gardeners and completed in February of 1988; it is maintained by UNLV’s landscape, grounds and arboretum staff.
Xeric Collections
Learn about the different plant collections featured at UNLV.
Turf Conversion
Keep track of UNLV’s turf-conversion efforts.
Family and Teacher Activities and Resources
Get helpful and fun resources about the Xeric Garden.
Donald H. Baepler
Learn about the garden's namesake.