Demonstration Garden

Demonstration GardenWe planted our Demonstration Garden on April 17, 2021.  The demonstration garden is designed to mimic the mid-century modern design of the original garden areas in form, structure, and color.  Instead of the historic plants, though, we substituted native shrubs and perennials that have high habitat value for pollinators.

This project is possible thanks to multiple partners:  

  • The National Park Service provided landscape design, cultural resources review, and helped us shepherd the permit through to approval.  
  • The Anacostia Watershed Society provided us with a Watershed Steward grant, covering nearly half the cost of the plantings. 
  • Nature by Design, a native plant nursery in Alexandria, VA, is providing the plants for us. 
  • Harbour Square Owners, Inc. and the DC Harbor Patrol are providing water for the initial planting and maintenance watering throughout the year.
  • And of course, you, our Friends, are providing over half of the funds through your donations. 

We are grateful for everyone who has made this planting possible.

Habitat Value for Demonstration Garden Plants

Species

Butterflies

Caterpillars

Other Pollinators

Birds

New Jersey Tea
(Ceanothus americanus)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dwarf Witch Alder
(Fothergillagardenii)

   

Yes

 

Foxglove Beardtongue
(Penstemon digitalis)

Yes

 

Yes

Yes

Narrowleaf Mountainmint
(Pycnanthemumtenuifolium)

Yes

 

Yes

Yes

White Heath Aster
(Symphyotrichum ericoides)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

 

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