BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension and McCrory Gardens will start its summer programming season with the Garden Discovery Festival on May 19, 2024.
The event is from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT at McCrory Gardens in Brookings. It is free to attend and is for all ages.
Held annually, the Garden Discovery Festival includes plant sales, educational booths with hands-on activities, local food vendors, a garden tour and expert presentations. One of this year’s highlights is the unveiling and dedication of the newly remodeled cottage at McCrory Gardens, followed by free SDSU ice cream.
Originally part of a Lake Preston gas station, the cottage moved to McCrory Gardens in 1996. After repeated vandalism, the building needed some work. A new fence in 2015 protected the cottage from further damage and fundraising for renovations soon followed.
In 2022, a 1983 graduate of SDSU named Ann Renli agreed to fund the cottage’s facelift, dedicating the project to the memory of her mother. Renli, who now lives in Lincoln, Neb., plans to attend the dedication along with her brother, Tom.
“We’re excited to do a big reveal,” said Lisa Marotz, director of McCrory Gardens. “Ann really wanted to be a part of something bigger at the gardens, and it certainly shows through her philanthropic generosity.”
The seed swap at the start of the afternoon is also new this year. Robin Buterbaugh, SDSU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, said the event is an introduction to the new seed library at the McCrory Gardens entrance. People are encouraged to bring seeds to trade as part of the swap.
“Not only is it an opportunity to experience McCrory Gardens, but it’s a chance to bring gardening home with you,” Buterbaugh said.
The popular plant sales will return, hosted by the SDSU Native Plant Initiative and Brookings Area Master Gardeners. Sydney Trio, McCrory Gardens Education Coordinator and SDSU Extension Horticulture Assistant, said people are often lined up waiting for the sales to begin.
“It’s fun to see everybody get so excited to be here,” Trio said. “People get to experience and learn face to face. If they have questions, they can ask someone in person instead of hunting online.”
This year’s expert presentations focus on water, starting with John McMaine, Griffith Endowed Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Water Management Engineer, on rainwater harvesting for backyards and gardens. Buterbaugh will talk about native plant landscaping and its effects on stormwater drainage and management.
Brookings City Engineer Charlie Richter and Brookings City Engineering Technician Sean Doremus will introduce the Brookings Stormwater Incentive Program, which allows residents to receive reimbursements for adding rain barrels and native plants to their yards.
The afternoon will end with a “Tour of the Trees” led by John Ball, professor, SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist and South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Forest Health Specialist.
For a complete schedule of events and vendors, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “discovery”. Garden Discovery Festival is part of National Public Gardens Week, which is May 10-19 this year.
For more information, contact Lisa Marotz, McCrory Gardens director; Sydney Trio, McCrory Gardens Education Coordinator and SDSU Extension Horticulture Assistant; and Robin Buterbaugh, SDSU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist.
