Just south of the Lloyd Expressway between Stockwell Road and Vann Avenue, next to the Eykamp Boy Scout Center at 3501 E. Lloyd Expressway in Evansville, Master Gardeners have created an oasis of beauty and serenity. 

The Display Gardens feature a variety of plants in specific, named garden areas. It’s a place for education, demonstrations, and enjoyment by residents and visitors alike. The Display Gardens are open year round with ample parking and free admission. 

As SWIMGA’s garden home, the Display Gardens is the site of several public educational events throughout the year, including an AAS field day in summer and a Demo Day each fall. For information on a guided tour for your group, please click Visitors Information. 

For additional information on the Display Gardens, email Cindy Willis at displaygardens@swimga.org.

History

The State of Indiana gave SWIMGA the 1.2 acres in late 2005, which was formerly part of the Evansville State Hospital grounds. All the gifted properties were given to non-profit agencies with the agreement that most green space would be preserved. 

That same fall (2005) a leaking petroleum tank was found underground at the site and the proper steps were taken by the state to clean up the site before turning the land over to SWIMGA.  In the process, the topsoil at the site was essentially lost. In the spring of 2006 SWIMGA planted rye grass seed to act as “green manure” to loosen and enrich the soil. And then the process of planning for use of the site began.