City Demonstration Gardens
Tucked behind the Mansion, these five demonstration gardens offer inspiration not only for gardeners, but for anyone who has ever looked at a small urban yard and wondered what might be possible. Each garden occupies approximately 800 square feet. While each garden tells a unique story, together they communicate a larger message. Gardening is not reserved for those with large properties, extensive budgets, or formal training. Creativity and thoughtful design can transform even the smallest spaces, and we can all be better stewards of our city.
Shady Garden
Only “shady” in the lighting sense, this “shade” garden features some of the most robust Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) around. Rich perennial groundcovers and established trees and shrubs comprise the garden. While the handsome Chinese Dogwoods (Cornus kousa) and impressively aged Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) are worthy of a look, do not overlook the Kingsville Dwarf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Kingsville Dwarf’) bred and grown by local nurseryman legend Henry Hohman.
