In 2023, we partnered with AMD Architects to develop a landscape for a fourplex in Salt Lake City. We designed the landscape to be waterwise and ecologically resilient.
Rendering of the Connor Street Fourplex by AMD Architects.
Earlier this month, we celebrated the unique features of the landscape at the building’s open house. We are honored that this particular landscape will be highlighted by Utah Water Way’s “Slow the Flow” program as a demonstration project, to increase awareness of the many benefits of landscapes designed specifically for Utah’s climate and water constraints.
We are honored that this particular landscape will be highlighted by Utah Water Way’s “Slow the Flow” program as a demonstration project, to increase awareness of the many benefits of landscapes designed specifically for Utah’s climate and water constraints.
The Design
The Connor Street Fourplex landscape uses a planting palette of native and regionally adapted plants to provide seasonal interest, attract pollinators, and reduce heat along nearby sidewalks, all while using up to 70% less water than traditional lawns. A cohesive mix of soft textures, along with whites, purples, and muted greens, creates a calm and unified color palette.
The Connor Street plan uses a planting palette of native and regionally adapted plants to provide seasonal interest, attract pollinators, and reduce heat along nearby sidewalks, while using up to 70% less water than traditional lawns.
As they grow in, these structural grasses along the building will complement the architecture, reinforce a sense of order, and help define the overall form of the landscape.
Slow the Flow
This project has been selected by Slow the Flow as a demonstration project, and will be featured by the organization in coming years, as the landscape is installed and grows in. This project is an example of how a landscape can be waterwise and also attractive, pollinator friendly, and heat-reducing.
Slow the Flow demonstration projects are built around a simple idea: show, don’t tell, people what’s possible when landscapes are designed intentionally for Utah.
These projects transform traditional, high-water-use landscapes into efficient, attractive, and functional outdoor spaces using plants and designs suited to Utah’s climate. Each project serves as a replicable model, helping homeowners, communities, and organizations understand how to reduce outdoor water use.
By making water-wise landscapes visible and understandable, these projects remove barriers and provide clear, practical guidance. The goal is simple: make it easier for more people across Utah to adopt landscapes that use 30–50% less water and contribute to long-term conservation efforts that support the Great Salt Lake and the state’s future.
Jill Flygare, Chief Operations Officer of Utah Water Ways explains it this way:
“Utah is at an inflection point. As we grow and water becomes more constrained, we must be more intentional about how we design our landscapes. The good news is this isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about smarter choices. When we design for Utah from the start, we create spaces that are beautiful, sustainable, and built to last.”
Great Salt Lake. Photo Credit: Utah Water Ways.
Landscape Architects & Utah's Water Concerns
Landscape Architects have a critical role to play in the trajectory of Utah’s Water situation. As new sites are designed and existing ones are upgraded, there is always a choice to prioritize water conservation and improved ecosystem function. These decisions have ongoing impacts on the state’s water situation as the landscape is maintained and watered into the future.
While the final design choices will ultimately come down to our clients’ preferences, our team prides itself on promoting both water conservation and ecosystem function on all our projects, from civic, to commercial, to residential.
Curious what this could look like for you? Reach out today!
The Corner Plaza (Ogden, UT) in summer.
