This year, perhaps more than any other, many of us are seeking a connection to the natural world and the beauty and serenity it provides. Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners stand ready to help with that journey. On June 5 -6, 2021, the DCEMG’s will host their biannual Garden Tour. The theme, New Beginnings, reminds us that despite trying times, every season, like every garden, begins anew. Each of the homeowners selected for the 2021 tour has a story to share of how they began developing their gardens into spaces of beauty designed to delight and inspire.
Both novice and experienced gardeners will benefit from starting their tour at the Douglas County Extension Demonstration Gardens at 2110 Harper Street in Lawrence. This educational site is home to over ten themed garden beds designed to inspire and educate. Each bed highlights plant diversity and offers ideas on how to maximize your landscape under any circumstance. Interested in low maintenance? Drought tolerant plants such as milkweeds, shasta daisies, oriental poppies, peonies and liatris come together in the Xeriscape garden to provide bright colors in a dry setting. Is too much water the issue that prevents you from utilizing your garden space? Then come and explore the rain garden and learn about irises, turtleheads, sedges and other plants that like wet feet. Experienced volunteers will be on hand to answer questions on plants that support pollination, deciduous and evergreen shrubs, bird gardens, daylilies, native grasses and more. This year, the demonstration garden will also host a raffle and garden art sale. The art sale will feature Gourd bird houses, painted concrete leaves, stepping stones, decoupage votives, rain barrels, wind chimes and other items crafted by Extension Master Gardeners.
The demonstration gardens and related activities are free and open to the public, however, tickets must be purchased for the remaining six tour gardens. Ticket prices are $10 and may be purchased at the demonstration gardens, as well as any of the participating gardens. Tickets may also be purchased online here.
The Native Plant Sale will be open for online orders only May 3 through June 1. Ordering instructions can be found here. Curbside pickup will occur June 5 and 6 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.