MASTER GARDENER IDEA GARDEN
DESIGN COMPETITION

In 2005, an avid, long-time Master Gardener Volunteer developed and funded the concept of the Master Gardener Idea Garden in the MSU Horticulture Gardens. A major component of this idea garden is a competition amongst MGVs from around the state to develop the “best” design for this garden. Every three years, a garden design competition will be held, a winner selected and a new garden design installed by the MSU Horticulture Gardens staff. This competition provides Michigan MGVs an opportunity to show case their design skills in a highly visible area in the MSU Horticulture Gardens.

In 2006, the design competition was won by Rebecca Putman. It is now time to solicit Master Gardener volunteers for garden designs for the 2009 Master Gardener Idea Garden.

The Master Gardener Idea Garden is a 35’ circular area just west of the rose garden in the MSU Horticulture Garden. It is a highly visible area approximately 30 yards from the area where special events (ie weddings) are frequently held. A photo of the site and current design are posted at the state MGVP website.

The following is a brief site description of the site:

Soil: heavy, clay soil
Exposure: full sun
Elevation: flat with a slight elevation in the center
Water: irrigation system used when necessary; site is primarily watered by hand
Garden Dimension: circular area, 35’ in diameter
Garden is surrounded by a 4’ strip of grass
Flag stone in current garden may be used in future design if desired but not required

Requirements:

- Design must be done and submitted by an active MSUE Master Gardener Volunteer; you do not need to be a professional, just an interest in design. (Note: Teams of two or three people may also work on this project. Each team member must be an active MGV.)

- Design should be ¼” scale garden design

- Plant list should include common and scientific names along with the quantity of each plant species

- Plant material requirements:

- Design must include some ornamental grasses and plants with blue flowers and/or foliage

- Design may include herbaceous and woody plants but no trees

- A 1-2 paragraph explanation of the garden design and choice of plant material

 
Competition Deadline: February 23, 2009

Submit the design, plant list, and explanation along with your name, county and year of initial certification to:

Dan Bulkowski, Teaching Greenhouse and Gardens Manager
Horticulture Demonstration Gardens
B110A Plant and Soil Science Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
bulkows1@msu.edu

Timeline:

Contest Announcement: January 23, 2009
Entry Deadline: February 23, 2009
Announcement of Winner: March 14, 2009
Garden Renovation: April and May, 2009
Installation: May, 2009
Completion: June 1, 2009