SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens are kicking off summer programming with the Garden Discovery Festival on Sunday, May 19 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. CDT at McCrory Gardens (631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57007). The afternoon will feature plant sales, educational booths with hands-on activities, a garden tour, and rain-themed presentations.
This year will feature a dedication of the newly remodeled Cottage within McCrory Gardens. In 1996, with Norm Evers at the helm of leadership at McCrory Gardens, the building that was part of the Lawson Gas Station in Lake Preston, SD was relocated to the formal gardens. In 2015, the protection of the perimeter fence at McCrory Gardens was installed. One of the greatest outcomes of the new safety measure was that vandalism would no longer be a worry for the beloved Cottage. Fundraising could begin to have 'her' restored. In 2022, the right time, the right donor, and the right project met. Ms. Ann Renli gave of her time and treasure to bring to completion the rehabilitation of the Cottage. We cannot wait to show you what a difference her philanthropic gesture has made. Following the recognition and reveal of the Cottage, an SDSU ice cream sundae bar will be provided by McCrory Gardens as our way of saying thank you to our donors, the builders, and supporters. Everyone is welcome to enjoy ice cream while strolling through the gardens!
Garden Discovery Festival is part of National Public Gardens Week, celebrated in public gardens around the country. It will be a fun-filled way for all generations to learn and interact with gardening and natural world. This is a FREE, family-friendly event open to all that will be held rain or shine. Details on all activities and educational exhibitors are below.
Plant Sales
The SDSU Native Plant Initiative will be selling a variety of native plants, specifically to help promote insects, pollinators, birds, and wildlife. The mission of the Native Plant Initiative is to support the use of native plants in private and public lands in the Northern Great Plains through research, education, and outreach.
The Brookings Area Master Gardeners will be selling a wide range of plants from annuals and perennials to trees and shrubs. All the members of the SDSU Extension Master Gardener program are volunteers who are dedicated to helping people grow and teach all things plants. Proceeds from the plant sale help fund scholarships for horticulture students at SDSU.
Presentation and Tour Schedule
1:45-2:30 p.m.
- FREE Seed Swap
Bring your extra seeds to share or swap for new seeds. Seeds swaps are a great way to find out about new plant varieties and try new things in your garden. Baggies will be provided to divide up large quantities of seeds. All extra seeds will go towards the new Community Seed Library that will be in the front entrance of McCrory Gardens. Seeds can be dropped off before the event at McCrory Gardens or at 1:30 p.m. before the swap begins.
2:00-3:00 p.m.
- Cottage Dedication with Ice Cream Social to Follow
What could be more appropriate for a not-so-secret garden than a quaint Cottage? All are invited to celebrate the tremendous feat that has been accomplished. In addition to seeing the outcome of the transformation, you will be able to sense the honor that's been brought to those that came before us and the joy we know the Cottage will bring for generations to come. You will be the first to have the opportunity to step inside the Cottage as well!
3:00-4:15 p.m.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Go Green to Save Green – presented by John McMaine, Griffith Endowed Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Water Management Engineer
City stormwater flows into our surrounding rivers and wetlands, but there are many things that residents can do to decrease the amount of stormwater and improve water quality before it leaves your property. Dr. McMaine will talk about rain barrels and other rainwater harvesting strategies for your backyard. - Native Plants in Landscaping – presented by Robin Buterbaugh, SDSU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist
Robin Buterbaugh will highlight how native plants can also be beneficial for managing stormwater while adding beauty and diversity to your landscape. - Brookings Stormwater Incentive Program – presented by Charlie Richter, Brookings City Engineer and Sean Doremus, Brookings City Engineering Technician
Charlie and Sean will introduce the pilot Stormwater Incentive Program in Brookings. Did you know that for every 100 sq ft of roof, a 1-inch rain can produce 62 gallons of water? Residents can find out how they can receive reimbursements for adding both rain barrels and native plants to their yards so they can help reduce the amount of stormwater leaving their property.
3:00-4:00 p.m.
- Tour the Trees – led by John Ball, Professor, SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist & South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Forest Health Specialist
