Demonstration gardens, sometimes referred to as learning landscapes or teaching gardens, are a collection of plants assembled and organized in a manner that allows garden visitors to access and study them. The TRSAC’s native demonstration gardens include the re-design of our entry plaza for enhanced wayfinding and accessibility, and the establishment of themed, bird-friendly gardens featuring 21,000 native plants and the historic Bessie Potter Vonnoh fountain sculpture and plaza.

Visitors can enjoy the gardens throughout the different seasons and there are benches throughout for reflection. From April through October, we have garden volunteer opportunities on Friday mornings to learn about native habitats, bird-friendly gardening practices, and healthy ecosystems.

The entrance gardens and fountain plaza are ADA accessible trails. The entrance gardens trail is paved concrete with a gradual uphill slope as it curves through the garden space. The fountain plaza substrate consists of smooth river rocks on stabilized ground.

Interested in growing native plants for birds in your own backyard?

Use the link below to access our native plants database. Many of the native species in our demonstration gardens are available at the TRSAC native plant sales during the spring and fall.  Check our Facebook and Instagram for more information on plant sales!