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Photograph by Mark McCoy |
The
University of Kentucky Demonstration & Trial Garden was developed by
Purchase Area Master Gardeners (PAMGA) in 1999. Leased by PAMGA from McCracken
County, the 1.5 acre plot is used as an outdoor classroom. A vegetable garden,
small orchard, rain garden, and herb garden are currently featured.
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Photograph by Mark McCoy |
Raised
beds, adopted by PAMGA members, demonstrate a variety of plants and designs,
including daylilies, iris, daisies, herbs, patriotism and new this year, a
fairy garden.
The
garden is also used for plant trials, both for the UK Extension Service and
PAMGA members. As part of a statewide effort, currently 10 plants of 20
varieties of annual and perennial bedding plants were installed in May and will
be evaluated monthly by Master Gardeners until frost. The evaluations will be
sent to the UK Extension Service to help determine how the plants will perform
in the average home landscape.
Photographs by Mark McCoy
In the vegetable garden, PAMGA Members are
trialing the Three Sisters method of growing corn, squash and beans, and
experimenting with edible soybeans. Members are encouraged to try new plants
and designs in their adopted beds.
At
Twilight in the Garden, PAMGA volunteers will guide visitors through the garden
and answer questions. Master Gardeners will demonstrate and explain various
garden activities such as vermicomposting, propagation, fall gardening and
gardening in very small spaces. Activities are also planned for children
including the telling of the Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, and a
garden scavenger hunt based on the stories.