Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Demonstration Garden

The Demonstration Garden allows us to show a selection of flowers, trees, shrubs, and other plants that will thrive in our area. And you will find other examples for your gardens and yard, such as types of hardscapes, pathways, garden art, fencing and more.

We also use the garden to demonstrate scientifically sound gardening practices. The garden is used for testing and teaching.  About twice monthly throughout the growing season, we conduct classes in the garden, where you can participate in hands-on activities.

And last, but certainly not least, our garden is a peaceful spot to browse, rest, contemplate, and simply enjoy. Bring your camera; bring your lunch. Drink in the serenity and beauty. And visit throughout the year, to see how it changes with the seasons.

You will find our volunteers in the garden on Tuesday mornings — our normal work day. Come by and say Hi. We’re glad to take a break and answer your questions. But you’re welcome, of course, any day!

Spring

Cactus in Spring
Cactus in Spring

Fringe Tree
Fringe Tree

Black Beauty Elderberry
Black Beauty Elderberry with Clematis

Double-bloom Clematis
Double-bloom Clematis

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Yakima County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden is to provide a venue for teaching gardening skills to Master Gardeners and community members, while showing examples of plantings that can thrive in our location.

What to see in the garden now…

Look in the Woods Walk and find the Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) in bloom (see picture above). Not only is this delicate specimen glorious, but oh, so fragrant!

It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to as much as 33 to 36 ft tall, though ordinarily less. The bark is scaly, brown tinged with red. The shoots are light green, downy at first, later becoming light brown or orange. The richly-scented flowers have a pure white, deeply four-lobed corolla.

Also, check out the Xeric Garden, where several of our cacti are in brilliant bloom!