Mason County Demonstration Garden

The Mason County Demonstration Garden serves as an example to the public of the gardening techniques and recommendations from the Master Gardeners located on the grounds of the Mason County Fair north of Shelton on Highway 101. It is a place where we test out different plants, such as potato trials and seed trials. From these test results we can make recommendations for our local area on specific plants.

It is also a place for us to practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other techniques, to stimulate questions from the public when they tour the garden during the various events.

Signage for self-guided tours, zeriscaping (low water usage) and naturescaping (use of native plants) are all found at the demo garden. Also included is an example of an Enabling Garden designed for gardeners with physical limitations.

For more information about the Mason County Demonstration Garden contact Jeanne Rehwaldt, at the Mason County Cooperative Extension Office, 360-427-9670 ext. 396.

Hood Canal Wetlands Project - Native Plant
Demonstration Garden at the Theler Center in Belfair, Washington

The Hood Canal Wetlands Project is located on Highway 3 south of Belfair. It is accessed by a trail located behind the Theler Community Center, clearly visible from the highway. The trail entrance is marked by a gate and "Nature Trail" signage. The project has a trail system approximately two miles long through natural forest and wetlands on raised boardwalks. In the he two acres surrounding the building, a native plant and grass garden was created and maintained by the mason County Master Gardeners.

There is a total of 183 acres. The wetlands are host to many educational activities for children and adults and well used each year. In 1993, 8,000 people visited the wetlands and the numbers have doubled each year. In 2000, it is estimated that 200,000 visited. Those with special interests in bird and bats have many sightings, and plant lovers have much to admire.

The native garden began after construction of the Center. Master Gardener, Dr. Arp Masley and Evergreen College Intern, Liz Morrell, planned the garden and collected plants and seeds. In 1996, the blackberries and canary grass were eliminated by Master Gardener labor and soil was brought in to enrich and raise the planting area. In 1997, there were more plantings and every since additions to the species list have been planted. Over 800 plant specimens have been planted.

WSU Extension
Demonstration Garden

The office garden at WSU Extension of Mason County underwent a major overhaul 3 years ago when Athena Nissan, an intern completing her horticulture degree at SPSCC, designed and planted the garden for the Master Gardeners.  The following reasons convinced the foundation that native plants are the way to go, and that it would be a good way to educate the public on why native plants should be incorporated into existing landscapes.

Why are Native Plants So Great?

·        Native plants attract helpful pollinating insects and seed dispersing birds.

·        Native plants mean less care, less time, and less expensive.

·        The more native plants in your yard the more healthy habitats for birds and wildlife.

·        Be a wildlife friendly gardener - preserve native plants.

·        One way to accomplish this in your own garden is to reduce lawn area by 25% each year by planting native plants in place of lawn.

The garden started its transformation in stages.  The first stage was to clean out the existing area of all weeds and debris.  They were able to keep a few of the existing plants including a spectacular red rhododendron. They also transformed a butterfly bush with some pruning in early spring and now makes a bigger and better show each summer, and a dwarf Colorado blue spruce that is a great focal point in the front of the garden.  At the entrance to what would become the garden, existed a huge red huckleberry bush on an old snag.  It is the grandfather native plant in the garden.

The second stage was to design and layout the pathways where the public could stroll through and view the plants.  It became a circular path that winds around the butterfly bush in the center. 

The third stage was to select what native plants would be included, then buy and plant them.  They were planted in some not so fine soil, but that is another good point why natives are such good plants.  The soil they grow in best doesn’t need to be perfect loam, thus saving time and money on soil amendments.

The fourth stage was laying soaker hoses to help the small plants get established the first year.  After the first year native plants need relatively little watering, unless we have a drought.  Beauty bark was applied to cover the soaker hose and to help retain the water in the soil. 

Finally, the garden is in, it’s established, and the native plants are growing happily among the pre-existing non-natives.  Identification markers were added for the public to see what kind of native plants they can successfully add into their gardens.  The only maintenance involved is a little bit of weeding, and pruning to keep the pathways clear.  We added a birdbath, a picnic table, and a nice inviting bench next to a barrel full of annual flowers.  Many people have strolled our garden and commented on how inviting and beautiful it is.  The birds, bees and butterflies are very happy with it too!