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THE XERISCAPE GARDEN - 20 YEARS OF SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE EDUCATION

Extension Education

Patrick Byers
Commercial Horticulture Field Specialist
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
Marshfield

Abstract

The Master Gardeners of Greene County (MGGC) Xeriscape Garden was established in 1992 in partnership with Springfield, MO City Utilities and the Springfield/Greene County Park Board, with the goal of teaching sustainable landscape design, installation, and maintenance.  The garden includes three zones that compare and contrast high maintenance, moderate maintenance, and low maintenance/sustainable landscape design. The MGGC funded the garden on land provided by the Park Board.  Trained volunteers have developed an innovative garden maintenance procedure that includes advanced training opportunities and garden bed ownership.  Over 750 MGGC volunteers have received core training in the Xeriscape Garden since inception, and advanced trainings for over 300 MGGC volunteers continue the teaching value of the garden.  The garden is used as a training tool by Springfield City Utilities and other city/county governmental agencies.  Public outreach activities during three recent years of exceptional drought and heat impacted over 500 members of the public at 10 presentations, and the garden was featured on 4 public garden tours and several media interviews.  A website shares knowledge gained in the garden over years of observation and furthers the impact of the Xeriscape Garden.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: P.L. Byers, B St.Clair
  1. Byers, P. Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 65807
  2. St.Clair, B. Xeriscape Garden Coordinator, Master Gardeners of Greene County, Missouri, 65807