Background Statement
The Horticultural Art Society of Colorado Springs was founded in 1962 by local nursery owners and leading citizens with the purpose of educating the public on the special horticultural requirements and growing conditions of the Pikes Peak Region.
Under a renewable 25-year agreement with Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, HAS is responsible for the use and development of gardens in Monument Valley Park alongside Monument Creek in the center of Colorado Springs. Although City Parks provides some in-kind services and materials, HAS receives no government funding and relies on individual donations and grants. Volunteers provide much-needed and much-appreciated assistance in the gardens and with fund-raising.
The HAS Demonstration Garden is designated an All-America Selection Display Garden, the oldest demonstration garden for AAS in the interior West. HAS was awarded "Showcase Garden of the Year" in 2012. The Demonstration Garden was designated a Plant Select "Showcase Garden of the Year" in 2014 showcasing plants designed to thrive in high plains and inter-mountain regions.
HAS undertook major renovation of the Heritage Garden beginning in 2000. The garden includes steel arbors erected by community college students, a gazebo, and a formal parterre garden. In 2017 the parterre was graced with the installation of a stone-carved statue by local artist Larry Terrafranca, commissioned by HAS. 2015 saw the installation of a rock garden in northeast corner of the Heritage Garden showcasing higher-altitude plants.
In 2019, HAS planned and constructed a children's garden adjacent to the Demonstration Garden, designed to appeal to children and parents with a variety of shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. A whimsical iron fence and archway featuring flora and fauna of the region was constructed and installed with the help of local artist Steve Wood.