Vol. 127 (2014): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Posters

Creating demonstration gardens: steps to success

L. Hickey
UF/IFAS
2014 Proceedings Florida State Horticultural Society Volume 127

Published 2018-03-15

Abstract

A tool often used to illustrate horticulture techniques is the use of demonstration gardens. Demonstration or teaching gardens offer visitors ideas to adopt into the individual’s landscapes, a platform to learn plant identification for a specific region’s climate, and a respite from a busy lifestyle. Specialty gardens can illustrate various themes like pollinator, sensory, edibles like vegetable, fruit or herbs, tropical, cactus, rose, bulbs, perennials, or children’s gardens to name a few. Besides acres of plant material, demonstration gardens include hands-on activities, educational workshops, interactive experiences, interpretative signage, and art. Developing demonstration gardens requires financial and material resources, extensive planning, timely construction, effective marketing, and a long-term maintenance plan.