Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Story and photo by Gail K.
Following our tour of Linda’s garden, we headed to the Four Star Demo Gardens. The Four Star plant was a standing tour when Monroe Ext. offered the Master Gardener classes. I graduated 2004 but I can’t remember ever visiting the Demo Gardens. Enjoy some highlights from our “self-guided tour.”

The roadside sign–
members use the strategically placed chart to identify plants in the area behind the sign.


Many liked the pale lavender color of the dwarf butterfly bushes planted in the sign display. (added Note from Linda: I was there yesterday with my niece and these were covered with various butterflies…but only a few Monarchs).

I really liked the arbor and the grasses along the walkway which led us around the sign garden to the larger display areas.

As we walked to the larger gardens, the Milan girls stopped to discuss which plants they could use in their Veteran garden display.

Larger display areas:

Looking back over our shoulders, you see the arbor where hanging baskets and large pots- make for an impact display of color & design.

This one caught my eye.

Migrating from area to area-we each moved at our own pace. Drawn to an area because of color, style or just because-

Despite being “self-guided” the size of our group made for group discussion which really enhanced our learning experience
and as always-Jenny was on hand to answer our questions. Below-display with ID board

In addition to the actual displays-the plants were in different settings.

The pond & waterfall: Left,back-a Lavender Chiffon Rose of Sharon. Thinking, Lavender is going to be an up and coming color

( Yesterday when I visited you could hardly see the lattice. It was one beautiful vertical garden)lw
From the bridge you can see just how vast the flower displays are
The plate sized-hardy hibiscus were big hits, a dark maroon above and the pale pink one below.

Some other favorites:
I even found plants growing along the ditch bank interesting
and so did this garden favorite
Trip worth taking alone or with a group…………..Just think next year it will all be different………that’s the way of test gardens……