Stories, insights, and updates from the voices of Southwest Utah.

When you first arrive at Kolene’s home, you quickly realize this garden is unlike any other. Instead of lush flower beds or carefully planned borders, the landscape unfolds as a winding collection of stones - each one placed with intention, each one carrying its own story. Pathways of rock guide you through the space, leading past agaves, fruit trees, and unexpected treasures gathered from the surrounding desert.

Here in Brio, one backyard quietly breaks all the rules — and in doing so, creates its own kind of paradise. Officially dubbed “Tom and Deb’s National Recreation Area,” this nine-year-old garden proves just how much can be grown, enjoyed, and shared on a standard lot in Southern Utah’s challenging climate.

Hidden on five acres at the edge of Ivins, Kathy and Gary’s desert garden tells the story of what began as a simple wish for a minimalist landscape. Over the decades, it has evolved into a living tapestry of cactus, agave, natural pathways, and open views framed by the red rock of Red Mountain.

As you approach Marilyn’s home, the garden gently welcomes you in — fragrant herbs, soft pathways, and mature trees creating a landscape that feels both peaceful and thoughtfully designed.

We can’t believe how lucky we are to have found Trase! The layers of his story reveal unmatched dedication to home and community service, continually raising the bar at every turn. Visitors to his garden will be educated, filled with inspiration, and encouraged to do good things.

When Colleen and Jerry Winters moved to St. George in 2014, their yard was already landscaped - tall Italian cypress trees, structured beds, and a traditional lawn.

When Roxanne and her husband moved into their home five years ago, they had a distinct and creative vision for their backyard. Now, they're excited to invite Parade of Gardens guests to experience what they've built together.

Chris transformed his yard into a living desert ecosystem, layering fruit trees, vines, berries, and soil-building plants into a thriving food forest.

Cril & Mark replaced lawn and roses with stone paths, mosaics, desert plantings, and a greenhouse built from reclaimed pallets.

Edna built a parterre-style dream garden of home-built beds, propagated plants, and a joyful blend of order and color.

Joey and Zach tend a lush desert oasis anchored by a self-cleaning pond, where sustainable practices, edible gardens, and creative reuse shape a thriving ecosystem.

Jerald grew over 50 fruit trees, and sowed veg and flower seeds, turning his yard into a thriving food garden nearly year-round.

Kerry brought her Stone Cliffs oasis to life with bold cacti, colorful blooms, sculptures, and a serene, water-wise waterfall.

Sumner & Carol shaped a Kayenta retreat where desert plantings blend with red rock views and heirloom sculptures.

Wendy & Tom created a desert garden that mirrors their home’s architecture, with bold stone, resilient plantings, and one perfectly placed Palo Verde.

Twila restyled a downtown pioneer home into Blooming Heart Village, where winding paths, shady nooks, and gathering spaces welcome both guests and neighbors.

Melissa & Ryan transformed their lawn into a DIY desert haven—saving half their water use while hand-building patios, planters, and striking cactus groupings.

Wendy and Herb built a working eco-system where people gather to rest, play, harvest, and cook—often around their large Hawaiian barbecue.