Master Gardeners of Bucks County unveiled their newest demonstration garden during the annual Grange Fair last month. Located at the Middletown Grange, adjacent to another master gardener demonstration garden, the Sensory Garden is uniquely designed to make your sight, smell, hearing, and touch come alive.
The multi-use interactive space allows for nature observation. The raised beds and walking path make it accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Signage guides visitors how to use their nose, ears, eyes, sense of touch, and taste as they approach various plants.
The 215 annuals, perennials, natives/nativars and non-natives within the garden will engage the senses as visitors travel through the garden while learning the value of native plants and habitats to create a sustainable low maintenance landscape.
A detailed list of this year’s plants and their attributes is on display and each plant is tagged with a link to one or more of the five senses. Nestled amongst the plants are many gems including custom-etched stepping stones, bird houses, naturalistic plant and insect identification plaques, and wind chimes to further accentuate the “auditory” sense. A large monarch butterfly painting provides a unique backdrop for photos.
The planning and creation of the garden encompassed ten months of work and thousands of hours by a team of 18 Master Gardener volunteers. The garden is open from dawn to dusk.
The Sensory Garden is one of many demonstration gardens managed by Master Gardeners throughout Bucks County. The demonstration gardens are designed to model best practices, showcasing plants that thrive in our local environment.
Doylestown Township Central Park Native Plant Garden
The Doylestown Township Central Park Native Plant Garden located at 425 West Rd. (near the entrance from the small parking lot off Rolling Hill Boulevard), was originally established in 2014 by the Doylestown Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC).
Master Gardeners began working with the EAC on this garden in 2020. Ten volunteers manage the garden, filled with more than 50 species of native plants, trees, and shrubs for both sun and woodland gardens.
With something in bloom from March through October, visitors are sure to get inspiration for their own home gardens. As a bonus, many plants are deer-resistant.
Benches allow visitors to sit and enjoy the birds and butterflies flying around the garden. The Native Plant garden is open from dawn to dusk.
Lower Makefield Township Native Plant Demonstration Garden
The Yardley-based Lower Makefield Township Native Plant Demonstration Garden is located at 1100 Edgewood Rd., adjacent to the Lower Makefield Township building. Located near a busy path frequently used by walkers, runners and cyclists, the garden was created to show how native plants can easily be incorporated into residential and public gardens.
Tucked amongst the plants is a Bug Snug composed of organic materials—twigs, leaves and flower stalks—to shelter insects that pollinate the garden.
The Lower Makefield Township Native Plant garden was established in 2009. Master Gardeners began maintaining the garden in 2018. Today, nine Master Gardeners take care of the garden. It is accessible from dawn to dusk.
Tyler Formal Garden
For formal garden design ideas, Tyler Formal Garden, located at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Rd. in Newtown (behind Tyler Hall) does not disappoint.
Featuring four terraced formal gardens with sculptures, boxwood, and flowering plants, the garden was originally built in the 1930s by George and Stella Tyler. This historic garden showcases the beauty of early 20th century gardens. A small team of Master Gardeners and other volunteers assist with the maintenance of the garden and the wall of espaliered pear trees. The garden is always open to the public.
Native Garden at Tyler State Park
The Native Garden at Tyler State Park, 101 Swamp Rd. in Newtown (behind the park office), originally established in 2009, became a joint project with Master Gardeners in 2024. It features native plants, trees, and shrubs beneficial to butterflies, birds, bees, and other wildlife. The garden is open 8 am to sunset.
Bucks County residents who have a plant question or problem can contact The Hotline, a free service staffed by Penn State-trained Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards. The Hotline hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am - 12 pm and 1 pm - 4 pm. Call 267-483-2020 or email bucksmg@psu.edu.
For additional information visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/buckscountymastergardeners or Instagram at www.instagram.com/buckscountymastergardeners/.
