South Park Demonstration Gardens Receive Prestigious Award

The South Park Demonstration Garden is planted and maintained by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Allegheny County.  It is designed to showcase flowering plants that perform well in our climate and soils with minimal maintenance.  The garden was started in an open grassy field in the spring of 1988.  During the first six years, water was hauled to the garden in a 50 gallon barrel. There is now a water source in the garden, courtesy of Allegheny County Public Works Department. In addition, the Master Gardeners have added attractive and functional compost bins.  The garden includes 12 annual display beds, a mixed border of native shrubs, trees and perennials, and herb and pollinator borders.  A rustic locust arbor designed and built by Master Gardeners welcomes visitors at the entrance to the garden. 

Each year, local nurseries donate annuals and fertilizer.  In 2011, approximately 750 annuals were planted by Master Gardeners who volunteered 60 hours on planting day alone!  In 2011, Master Gardeners volunteered a total of 450 hours maintaining the garden.  During the growing season, Master Gardeners work in the garden and answer the public’s questions on Tuesday evenings.  In August the public is invited to Garden In the Parks Field Day, a celebration of horticulture, education and fun.  Penn State extension educators and the Master Gardeners of Allegheny County share their expertise and offer advice on horticultural topics at this free event.

An award ceremony was held in Pittsburgh on November 19^th.  Mary Elabarger, chairperson of the South Park Demonstration Garden, accepted the award on behalf of the Master Gardeners and Penn State Extension. In addition, a contingent of South Hills based Master Gardeners and two extension educators will travel to Harrisburg on December 7^th for a recognition reception. Hosted by Mrs. Corbett, the reception will take place at the Governor’s Mansion.