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DEMONSTRATION GARDENS
The Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia have developed and maintain five demonstration gardens. In each of these gardens, the community can see firsthand the types of plants that grow well in our area, recommended planting practices, and overall garden care. Visitors can also simply enjoy each garden's unique beauty.
The gardens contain a large variety of plants. Old favorites grow alongside new experimental varieties. Volunteers maintain the gardens throughout the year using the practices and techniques learned in the Master Gardening Training Course and monthly Continuing Education programs. If you see a "work party" in progress, stop by and talk to our volunteers. They'll be pleased to show you the gardens and answer your questions.
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Glencarlyn Library Garden Begun as a Boy Scout Eagle Project in the early 1990's, the garden had fallen into disarray by 1999 when two Master Gardeners began to invest time and energy into its rejuvenation. Today, the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden not only has an intriguing built environment -- gazebo, arches, curving brick walk -- but is home to several hundred sun and shade perennials (many of which are native plants), over 35 varieties of trees, shrubs, and vines, many bulbs, herbs and medicinals, an exotics garden including huge banana plants, and some annuals that are varied each year.
Located in one of the old historical neighborhoods of Arlington, the Garden's focus is to provide visual delight for Library patrons, neighbors, and the pre-school next door, plus opportunities for teaching and learning through careful signage, regular mentoring and work days. This is a place to come and savor the gifts of a garden in the midst of our
hurried world.
Located at the corner of S. Third and S. Kensington Streets off Carlin Springs Road
Directions/Map
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| Organic Vegetable Garden/Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Begun in 2000, this MGNV demonstration garden enjoys a successful collaboration with the Potomac Overlook Regional Park. The Park's many environmental and cultural activities draw people to the garden, as do school field trips and summer nature camps.
The focus of this garden is organic, urban vegetable gardening. Ongoing challenges to successful gardening include the shade of the surrounding tree canopy and improving the soil. Working in this garden offers experience in propagating plants from seeds, crop rotation techniques, composting, routine garden and soil maintenance, seasonal organic vegetable gardening techniques and development of community educational materials and programs. An on-site water system (including a rain barrel) and 20 foot high "wildlife exclusion" fence all support an active gardening program.
Located at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road. Park in the lot and walk past the Nature Center to the garden.
Directions/Map
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Quarry/Shade Garden
The Shade Garden, the first of our demonstration gardens, was established in 1989 on the site of an old rock quarry provided by the Arlington Department of Parks & Recreation. The purpose of the garden was to educate Northern Virginians about gardening in shade. Plants were donated by many nurseries, individuals and organizations. Master Gardeners provided the labor.
The garden underwent a major transformation in 2000 when the last of the large shade trees, a chestnut oak, fell. The garden features plants native to this region and is certified as a National Wildlife Federation "Backyard Wildlife Habitat." A plant list is available for visitors.
Located at Bon Air Park, Wilson Blvd. at North Lexington Street between Ballston and Seven Corners. Park in the lot next to the Rose Garden and follow the walkway into the park.
Directions/Map
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Sunny Garden
Started in 1990, the Sunny Garden contains a great number of perennials, most for sun, some for part shade, and offers guidance for selection and growing of this popular class of flowers. The garden has been developed and expanded over the years. A plant list and map are available for visitors.
Located at Bon Air Park, Wilson Blvd. at North Lexington Street between Ballston and Seven Corners. The garden is at the far end of the parking lot.
Directions/Map
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Simpson Gardens
The Simpson Gardens actually consist of five unique gardens, each created to demonstrate a different theme.
Waterwise Garden - demonstrates that a low-maintenance garden in an exposed, dry area can host a rich variety of plants and be attractive year-round. A numbered plant list is available on site for visitors to provide a self tour.
Flagstone Garden - designed to show locally available types of flagstone and other materials that homeowners can use for paths and patios.
Tufa Garden - features plants suitable for rock gardens in this region. The tufa (porous limestone rock) was a gift from the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Scented Garden - focuses on plants with fragrant flowers or aromatic leaves. Visit on a warm, sunny day to savor the rich aromas.
Butterfly Garden - designed to provide food and protection for all stages from larva to adult butterfly. At times, this garden may appear unkempt and full of weeds. However, many plants which are considered weeds in other gardens are important host plants for butterflies.
Located one block west of Rt. 1 on Monroe Avenue in Simpson Park. Park in YMCA lot.
Directions/Map
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