Joan Barber and Martha Keehner Engelke, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers of Durham County
In 2019, when we developed the strategic plan for the redesigned Durham County Extension Demonstration Garden (DCEDG), it was our goal to demonstrate research-based gardening techniques that could be used by home gardeners. This goal continues to guide us, and we want to share our excitement about some new projects.
Directional Sign Posts
Garden Art has always been a part of the DCEDG. This includes trellises, bird baths, bird houses and art installations1. Currently, Lisa Nadler, EMGV is chairing the Directional Sign Post Committee. She and her team have done an incredible job bringing to life our dream of a beautiful, informative, and eye-catching signpost.
The creation of the Directional Sign Post has been a story of creativity, perseverance, talent, and teamwork. The selection of gardens to be featured, choosing colors, cutting, sanding, priming, painting, adding the black lettering and logo details and the design of the top of the sign post—every step has been a labor of love. We’re looking forward to the installation in early 2026.
Colorful directional signs are almost ready for assembly in Lisa Nadler’s workshop. (Image credit: Lisa Nadler)
The Back Bank
There is a bank at the back the Durham County Extension Office that has defied our valiant efforts to get plants to grow in the area. The steep slope and gnarly roots are a challenge. A previous attempt to seed the area was thwarted by these conditions as well as the regular mowing crew that visited the bank. But, Ashley Troth, our extension agent, didn’t give up! She developed an agreement with Hoffman Nurseries, a wholesale nursery specializing in ornamental and native grasses, sedges, and perennials. In September 2025, David Hoffman met with the Durham EMGs to explain more about an innovative meadow mat technique they were piloting with local landscape architect Preston Montague. On day 1 we prepped the area, and on day 2 Preston guided us in installing the mats while local landscape designer Laurel Babcock guided the installation of native plant plugs on the steepest part of the bank. Allie Mullin, our media expert, constructed signs and created a watering schedule to help protect the plants and give them the best chance for blooming in the spring!
On Day 1, David Hoffman explained the use of the meadow mats and then the EMG crew prepared the beds to insure that the mats had good contact with the soil. (Image credit: Allie Mullin)
On Day 2, the meadow mats and plugs were installed. We hope that the sign will add an element of protection from human intervention. (Image credit: Allie Mullin)
Redesign of the Left Foundation Bed
The left foundation bed is made up of several uninteresting shrubs that really don’t contribute to the educational mission of the DCEDG. But, that will be changing in early 2026. This bed has a variety of sun exposures-everything from desert/coastal to part shade. It provides a great opportunity to showcase different types of solutions for foundations beds under different conditions. Heather Bixler, EMGV, in collaboration with our Extension Agent Ashley Troth, has developed an amazing plan to revise this bed. She presented her ideas at a recent team meeting and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The plan will complement the existing garden and it will introduce new plants with an emphasis on native plants. In early 2026, the existing shrubs will be removed, the plants ordered, the beds prepped and the plants installed.
The schematic of the left bed demonstrates the sun exposure and the wide variety of plants to be included. Want to know more about the new plants? Visit the DCEDG in Spring, 2026. (Image credit: Heather Bixler)
Special Circle Design for the Former Crabapple Area
A large crabapple tree (Malus coronaria), which was a big part the DCEDG, died and had to be removed last year. This bed had been referred to as the shady bed but it is no longer shady and has temporarily been turned into a labyrinth with a variety of bulbs, perennials, and annuals. Laura Babcock (who’s also an EMGV) has developed a plan for a more permanent revision of this bed. It will feature a welcoming blueberry entrance and a vibrant mix of natives including plants, shrubs, and a tree. Sourcing the plants, preparing the beds and installing the plants is slated for early spring 2026.
Currently, the circle bed is planted with bulbs, perennials, and annuals. The picture on the right, is a schematic of the proposed bed. It will focus on native plants that can thrive in an urban environment. (Image credit: Allie Mullin (l); Laurel Babcock (r)
Developing these projects brings a unique joy that blends creativity, curiosity, and connection with nature. Each new idea highlights the excellence of the EMGVs in Durham County, led by our bold and inspirational leader, Ashley Troth. The mission of the DCEMG is to educate and promote research based gardening that is relevant to the home gardener. We hope you will visit us throughout the year (see the previous post on winter fun in the garden below) and join us in the spring as our vision comes to life and watch the blog for more details on each of these projects.
- Notes: The Durham County Extension Demonstration Garden has been featured several time in the blog. Read about some of the past projects:
Purposeful Art in the Demo Garden: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-4Ai
Education and Entertainment in a Winter Garden: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-3O3
Learn from the Cisterns: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-5ZL
Becoming a Bird Friendly Habitat: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-3Ig
Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-6Dc
Edited by Martha Keehner Engelke