Demonstration Garden

In early June 2009, the Hanover VCE Master Gardeners in partnership with the Hanover County Public Works Department and the Parks and Recreation Department planted a demonstration garden plot beside the Hanover VCE Office. The garden is divided into pollinator, herb, mound, vegetable, and native plant sections with strips for turf (to be planted in the fall) separating the different sections.  We welcome the public to view the demonstration garden and ask the Hanover VCE Office questions regarding the garden! Signage with plant names will be added to the garden soon.  

Background:
Consumers’ demand for locally grown food and the economic slowdown of our economy has created a desire for many consumers to garden. The outside activity also provides an opportunity for many to spend time outdoors with their family when options for safe and affordable outside recreation maybe limited.

It is important that gardeners are aware of and implement sustainable growing practices that minimize harm to the environment and contribute to an economic benefit. Through services offered by the Hanover Cooperative Extension Office, residents can learn sustainable production techniques, conservation practices, and food preparation methods.

 

Native flowering plants, hardy and showy all summer and fall.
Native flowering plants, hardy and showy all summer and fall.

 

Brillant color on a warm autumn day
Brillant color on a warm autumn day

 

 

The demo plot has been tilled and composted horse manure is ready to be applied.
The demo plot has been tilled and composted horse manure is ready to be applied.

 

Volunteers and VCE Staff hard at work applying compost to the plot before planting the seeds and plants.
Volunteers and VCE Staff hard at work applying compost to the plot before planting the seeds and plants.
A Master Gardener Volunteer plants a native plant seed sheet while Hanover Youth Perspective Volunteer waters the seeds.
A Master Gardener Volunteer plants a native plant seed sheet while Hanover Youth Perspective Volunteer waters the seeds.
All of the plants and seeds have been planted.
All of the plants and seeds have been planted.
Hanover VCE Staff and Master Gardener Volunteers posing for a picture after an afternoon of planting.
Hanover VCE Staff and Master Gardener Volunteers posing for a picture after an afternoon of planting.


The growing garden in October 2009.
The growing garden in October 2009.
Easy to build, easy to use compost bins demonstrate backyard composting.
Easy to build, easy to use compost bins demonstrate backyard composting.

 

The pollinator plot in full bloom, October 2009.
The pollinator plot in full bloom, October 2009.
Herbs can be a great addition to any garden, October 2009.
Herbs can be a great addition to any garden, October 2009.

 

Over 263 pounds of vegetables produced in this small plot have been donated to families in need, imagine what you can produce in your backyard! October 2009
Over 263 pounds of vegetables produced in this small plot have been donated to families in need, imagine what you can produce in your backyard! October 2009

 

Of Course the native plants are thriving; they love the local soils and climate! October 2009
Of Course the native plants are thriving; they love the local soils and climate! October 2009

 

*Please visit this page again soon for more pictures and updates about educational programs using the demonstration garden plot.

The Hanover VCE Office would like to thank the Hanover County Public Works Department, Hanover Parks and Recreation Department, South Anna 4H Club, Hanover Youth Perspective, and the Hanover-VCE Master Gardeners for contributing to this wonderful educational tool!