Ahtanum Demonstration Garden

A showcase for gardening techniques
WSU Extension > Yakima County > Master Gardener Home > Educational outreach > Our Gardens > Ahtanum Demonstration Garden
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An outdoor classroom in Yakima County

Sign reading "Children's Garden" amidst multiple colorful flowers growing in a lush garden.

The Ahtanum Demonstration Garden began in 2005 as an acre of lawn and about 6 trees. At first the Master Gardeners brought plants, seeds and trees from their own yards.  Now it is a beautiful garden of primarily flowers and trees.  Additionally, it includes multiple shade gardens, three Native Plant Beds with one bed being grown with no water, Xeriscape Garden, Dahlia Beds, Rose Garden, Herbs, Berries, Grapes and a Children’s Garden. This garden has been growing and changing and showcasing what can be done in your Yakima County area garden. 

Ahtanum Demonstration Garden

Ahtanum Youth Park
1000 Ahtanum Rd
Union Gap, WA 98903

The Demonstration Garden is located near the Red Youth Barn in the southeast corner of the park.

The park is open from 8:00 am to sundown.

Master Gardener volunteers work in the garden on Tuesday mornings – stop by and say hello! Master Gardeners will happily take a break to answer questions.

Garden Events

Summer Classes in the Garden (at our foundation website)

Highlights from the Ahtanum Demonstration Garden

A tightly planted garden of medium to tall flowers and plants. The flowers are white, red, yellow, and purple varieties both in the foreground and background. Toward the back of the frame, a gazebo roof is visible, the rest hidden by the greenery.

A Variety of Landscapes

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.
Dark purple-green leafed tree against a fence with white flower plant in front

Teaching Space

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.
Close up of white flower with multiple layers of petals and pale yellow center

Plants for Every Season

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.
Short shrubby tree with single lobe tear drop leaves and fringe-like white flowers

Woods Walk

Look in the Woods Walk and find the Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) in bloom. 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.
Small cactus with bright pink flowers

Native Cacti

Also, check out the Xeric Garden, where several of our cacti are in brilliant bloom!
Xeriscaping is a gardening and landscape technique focused on water conservation through the use of drought tolerant and native plants adapted to dry, hot climates and techniques for water conservation.

Frequently asked questions:

A: Absolutely! We welcome this! We do ask you to check our calendar of events to be sure you don’t arrive during an event or Saturday morning class

A: We ask that you photograph and admire the garden. We don’t allow visitors to cut flowers since we would like them for all to enjoy.

A: We do offer tours, so watch our calendar for special tour events. You might also attend a summer Saturday class and ask a Master Gardener for a tour following the class. During the growing season, you will also find Master Gardener volunteers working in the garden on most Tuesday mornings. We come around 8:00 am and work for a few hours, and we’d be happy to take a break and show you around!