Education Gardens

Dodge County Administration Building Education Display Garden

Established in 2013 and 2014, this garden continues to evolve and change each year. 2021 continued to be a challenging year for maintaining the educational garden due to Covid-19 protocols. In early spring, the Dodge County Master Gardener Association volunteers pruned ornamental grasses, hydrangea arborescens, and “Black Lace” elderberry shrubs. Plant identification markers were sorted and repaired. Red mulch cedar was applied to beds to retain moisture and to help control weeds. In addition, the Threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillate ‘Grandflora’) was divided and moved to an additional location in the garden. A new pink astilbe plant was added to the side garden area near the daylilies. During the summer, the Montana bachelor button (Centaurea montana) had issues with leaf powdery mildew. Highly effected areas were pruned and properly disposed. The plant was then treated with an organic fungicide spray. The Japanese beetles were numerous on the hostas and the Purple Palace Coral Bells (Heuchera micrantha). Damaged leaves were removed. The Wine and Roses Weigela (Weigela florida) planted in 2019 continue to flourish in the west side gardens. Also, many cup plant seedlings were removed due to the ability of the cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) to self-seed. In the fall, proper fall clean-up was done by Dodge County Master Gardeners and cup plants were pruned to the ground. Unseasonably warm weather in October provided late flower blossoms for pollinators.

All plants are identified with a plant marker and more information on the individual plants can be found at this LINK.

Dodge County Highway Department Education Display Garden

Due to its southern exposure, this garden is designed for a hot, dry environment and was established in 2014. The garden hosts a variety of plant colors and textures. Two of the plants, creeping spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) and stringy sedum (Sedum sarmentosum) do well under these growing conditions. As aggressive growers, these plants require heavy pruning to maintain proper spacing in the garden. In early spring, plant identification markers and the Educational Master Gardening sign were installed. The Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) planted in 2019 on the edge of border has continued to spread and attract pollinators into late fall. The Adam’s Needle Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) blossoms were once again a highlight in June and July. The garden had no pests or leaf mildew issues.

All plants are identified with a plant marker and more information on the individual plants can be found at this LINK.

Dodge County AbleLight (formerly Bethesda) Thrift Store Pollinator Education Display Garden

AbleLight Thrift Store Educational Garden

Established in 2016, this garden is well maintained but continues to suffer from salt damage each year due to snow and salt plowed from the parking lot. Due to its southern exposure, this garden is designed for a hot, dry environment and was established in 2014. The garden hosts a variety of plant colors and textures.  Two of the plants, creeping spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) and stringy sedum (Sedum sarmentosum) do well under these growing conditions.  As aggressive growers, these plants require heavy pruning to maintain proper spacing in the garden.   In early spring, plant identification markers and the Educational Master Gardening sign were installed.  Several new perennials were planted this year and include Cup Plant (Silphium Perfoliotum), Denim ‘n Lace Russian Sage (Perovskia Atriplicifolia), and Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum).

All plants are identified with a plant marker and more information on the individual plants can be found at this LINK.

Questions can be directed to dcwimg@gmail.com