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If you are a Little League or soccer family, you have probably noticed the expanding gardens as you enter the Monticello Sports Complex. Master Gardeners of Drew County installed and maintain these gardens and encourage you to take a closer look while you are waiting for the fireworks to begin on July 3. There are three distinct gardens at the Complex, each providing a unique experience for visitors.
The first and largest garden you will see is the Pollinator Garden located at the end of the long, grassy median as you enter the complex. The garden is bordered by button bushes on the south side with a stepping stone walking path through the area. Two persimmon trees are located at the north end of the island with a willow oak and some American Beauty Berry and buckeye bushes planted throughout the area. There are sweeps of pollinator-attracting flowers that bloom at different times of the year and include cone flowers and black-eyed Susans, daisies, and blanket flowers. Unique grasses are also growing as well as goldenrod and ragweed. Around the large sign is a garden that features butterfly weed, sunflowers, and annuals such as marigolds and zinnias. Also in the pollinator habitat is a demonstration project of the Extension Service that features Arkansas Diamond trial plants. The purpose of the garden is to attract native pollinators besides honeybees. Take a seat on the bench for a few minutes and observe the variety of butterflies and moths that visit the area. The Pollinator Garden was recently approved as a Monarch Sanctuary. The goal of the project this year is to provide interactive informational signage to enhance the experience of the garden.
The Arkansas Heritage Garden is on the third island, just before the main parking area. The Heritage Garden was created to recognize and celebrate the historical and shared aspects of food and medicinal plant cultivation in Southeast Arkansas and is designed for self-guided tours. The current focus of the Heritage Garden is Native American foodways and historical medicinal herbs used by natives, early settlers, and enslaved African Americans. Each plant in the garden has a sign with information about the plant, how it was used, and by which groups. The signs also have QR codes which will direct you to more information about the history of the plant and its people. At one end of the island, you will find a “Three Sisters Garden” which replicates Native Americans’ clever use of companion planting, growing corn, beans, and squash. Whether you are a curious newcomer to gardening and Arkansas history or an old hand at herbal remedies, you will learn something new about what it means to be an Arkansan. So, grab your phone and take a quick or lingering tour of your Arkansas Heritage Garden!
Between these two, on the island across from the Pollinator Garden, is the Pass-along Garden. This garden has irises and lilies, bulbs of narcissus, jonquil, and daffodils, a Confederate rose, and blueberry bushes. There are volunteer black-eyed Susans as well as a few of Master Gardeners' favorite plants gathered from their yards and gardens. There are butterfly weed, yarrow, and liatris (gay feather), as well as native grasses and wild flowers that have self-seeded. This garden is a work in progress as more plants are added. The garden is also a haven for birds and rabbits who burrow under the plants.
All of these gardens are free and open to the public. For speakers to talk about the gardens or to schedule a specific tour of the gardens, contact Barbie Johnson 870-723-4746, Shari Silzell silzell@att.net or Louisa Smith 870-723-3560. For more information about joining Master Gardeners, contact Drew County Extension Service 870-723-4114 or Trudy Jackson 870-723-5052. An online and self-directed Master Gardeners course will begin in October.
