The emphasis is on addressing the particular challenges of creating a productive, inviting landscape in an urban environment.

The Urban Home Garden is a demonstration garden where both function and form are paramount. Simple solutions are shared but with the added intention of showcasing good design. A mixture of refined imagination mingles with what seasoned gardeners have done for generations in examples such as beds of heirloom vegetables trellised on inexpensive, yet aesthetically pleasing metal fencing and espaliered fruit trees creating a bountiful fenceline.

This educational space features examples of edible landscaping, perfect for small-space gardens, and tests new seed introductions in the raised beds.  Not only is it valuable for us to know how to grow our own food, it is also equally important to see the full cycle of life—how a garden works. In The Coop, chickens process food scraps and, in turn, create manure compost to fertilize future vegetables. The Beekeeper’s Garden demonstrates what is needed for backyard beekeeping and highlights the importance of these pollinators and their role in food production.

Also in this corner of the Garden, you will find the original Arboretum plantings from the 1950s. The diverse collection features many trees suited for the home garden. The surrounding greenhouses are used to house tropical collections and to grow plants for our grounds and Nursery at the Garden sales. Beyond them, in the ‘desert-like’ environment of our parking lot, xeriscaped beds and a Desert Garden offer solutions for home landscaping in dry conditions. 

As you discover this area, we hope you’re inspired to bring some of the ideas home with you. And be sure to stop by often as we try new solutions and techniques for every urban home gardener.