In
2007, Lisa Johnson (Extension Horticulture Educator) and Ann Munson (Rock
Garden Society member and former Extension horticulture faculty assistant)
built and planted a rock garden in an area off the parking lot. The original 12 x
5 foot rock garden was constructed of donated tufa rocks built up to simulate a
rocky mountain slope, in a full sun setting. Many plants
in this garden are alpine plants, selected for their compact growth habit,
drought resistance, and need for "not-too-rich" soil.
Construction of a fieldstone path on the north side of the rock garden was completed in 2018, inviting visitors to walk into the garden area. A second rock garden was installed in the middle of the pathway and an initial planting was completed in the spring. In late 2023, a curb & gutter was installed around the Rock Garden area as part of the parking lot construction project. In 2024, the planting area was expanded, the flagstone pathway was redesigned and both planting beds were extended.
Construction of a fieldstone path on the north side of the rock garden was completed in 2018, inviting visitors to walk into the garden area. A second rock garden was installed in the middle of the pathway and an initial planting was completed in the spring. In late 2023, a curb & gutter was installed around the Rock Garden area as part of the parking lot construction project. In 2024, the planting area was expanded, the flagstone pathway was redesigned and both planting beds were extended.
Rock Garden Team
Working in the Rock Garden allows MGVs
to observe which species do well in these settings and monitor bloom time,
drought tolerance and overall hardiness across species. Team members plant new varieties each spring, in addition to dividing and transplanting existing varieties. Pea gravel mulch is added as needed.
Karen Allenstein is the Rock Garden Team Leader. To
join the Rock Garden team, contact Karen Allenstein. 2025 team members are:
Marcy Doelp, 5th year
Celia Hudson, 6th year
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