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.
Contributions from our Garden
Master Gardens volunteer their time in all aspects of the garden, from tilling to planting to harvesting. We donate the results of our hard work to the Evansville Food Pantry. In 2011, we donated 8500 pounds of vegetables. In 2012, 12,500 pounds of vegetables were donated to help feed those in need at the Food Pantry.
For additional information on the Display Gardens, email Julie Mallory at j-mallory@insightbb.com.
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.
Two new concrete walkways were added in 2011 along with a concrete edging at the north entrance.
Recently, the Master Gardeners who work on the Display Gardens began preparing the soil for the Victory Garden. The photos below were contributed by Walter and Shirley Everett.
A blooming cherry and the beautiful creeping sedums greeted those who began work with beautiful color.
A Killdear has made her home on the grounds and is protecting her four eggs. Be sure to see the new chimney for the Chimney Sweeps located near the storage barn.
Momma Killdear protecting her four eggs
Bags of leaves ready to be used as mulch once the weather has warmed enough for tomatoes to be planted.
