Water runs downhill throughout the Garden and collects here in pools, streams, and ponds.  We shape the beds to catch the water as it travels, using it to nurture our vegetable and ornamental crops. Water always means life, making this the best spot in the Garden for viewing natural wildlife—birds, butterflies, frogs and fish—or finding signs of mammals such as squirrels, raccoons and possums. Relax here, take a breath, and enjoy the sounds of nature in two of our most diverse and bountiful gardens.  

The Delta Garden exhibits plants historically grown in the Mississippi Delta Region. It features a combination of agricultural crops, home garden crops, and ornamentals typical of the Delta. While these tell the story of days gone by, they are also representative of today’s kitchen gardens. Heirloom varieties, alongside new introductions, are maintained by some of the same sustainable gardening methods that have been practiced for over a hundred years. You’ll also find a bed of Passalong Plants featuring traditional favorites for dividing and sharing, and you may want to stop to sit a spell on the porch of the Delta House. This structure, moved here from Hughes, Arkansas, holds antique homesteading tools used in educational programming.

The Pollinator Garden features a variety of annuals and perennials, many of which are native species. These plants have all been chosen for their particular appeal to local pollinators. Coreopsis, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Beebalm, and Goldenrod are just a few of the nectar-providing flowers blooming from spring through fall around the Living Gazebo. Passionflower, Milkweed, Spicebush, and Fennel are some of the host plants that provide food for butterfly larvae, which are often placed in the Caterpillar Rearing House for observation. Depending on the time of your visit, you may see Black Swallowtails, Monarchs, Gulf Fritillaries, Spicebush Swallowtails or other butterflies. Moths, bees, and other tiny insect pollinators can be observed here on all but the very coldest of days. Look closely at whatever is in bloom during your visit and see if you can spot vital pollinators at work.