The Demonstration Idea Garden (DIG) exhibits research-proven Earth-Kind gardening and landscaping techniques that provide maximum enjoyment while preserving and protecting our environment. The DIG uses disease-resistant plants adapted to the soil, water and climatic conditions of the area. It features a butterfly garden, composting area, Earth-Kind rose garden, passalong garden, rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation system, shade garden, Texas Superstar garden and a vegetable garden. The Brazos County Arboretum is adjacent to the DIG and includes trees and shrubs adapted to the growing conditions of the Brazos Valley.

The DIG is located at the Brazos County Texas AgriLife Extension Office (location map) and is open to the public. Check our event calendar for free demonstrations.

Trees beautify our communities by providing shade and habitat for wildlife, prevent erosion and stabilize soils, reduce air and noise pollution and minimize energy use around homes and buildings. Help conserve and protect our natural resources by planting trees adapted for the growing conditions of your area.

The Brazos County Arboretum, A Gift Acknowledged
Arbor Day, April 30, 2010

In spring of 2009, 24 trees adapted to the growing conditions of the Brazos Valley were planted at the DIG and dedicated on Arbor Day, April 30, 2010 as the Brazos County Arboretum (view dedication brochure). The dedication of the Brazos County Arboretum acknowledged a gift to the Brazos County Master Gardener Association from Ms. Janis Atkins, founder of Brazos Natural Foods. The gift was given in memory of her parents, Ira Lee and Mary Dewees, to recognize their life-long dedication to gardening and preservation of nature.

See images of our Brazos County Arboretum here.

Butterflies are a welcome sight for many Texas gardeners as they plan their gardens to make them irresistible to these winged visitors. With over 400 reported butterfly species in Texas, anyone can have a successful butterfly garden.

Creating a butterfly garden can be as simple as planting a windowsill box or as complex as landscaping many acres. It does require some knowledge of local butterfly species, flowers that are attractive to the adults, and host plants for caterpillars.

Butterflies are looking for two things when they enter a garden: nectar, the food that adult butterflies need as an energy source for flight and egg production, and host plants, the place where the female will lay her eggs and the food that caterpillars need. The butterfly gardener‟s challenge is to provide a variety of plants.

See images of our Butterfly Garden here.

What is Compost?
Compost is a part of the natural process of decomposition. Leaves drop from trees. Grass clippings are left on the lawn after mowing. Living plants die and over time, all of these organic materials break down or decompose. The rich, dark-brown, crumbly, soil-like material that results is called compost.

Most people are aware of the benefits of making and using compost in a garden, but sometimes are not sure how to get started.   Perhaps they have heard conflicting opinions about the “right” way and the “wrong” way to compost. While some gardeners are active proponents of the “hot and fast” way of composting, others maintain that “slow and cool is the way to go.” The fact is there are many different ways to compost. As long as a few simple guidelines are followed, you can make good, beneficial compost.

Size and location
Start with a 4-foot by 8-foot area, preferably shaded, where water does not collect when it rains. Begin the compost by simply piling up yard waste materials.  An enclosure, such as a wire bin or a bin made from wood or leftover pallets may be used as a container.  For most efficient breakdown, aim for a pile that is 3 feet high by 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep.

See images of our Composting area here

Earth-Kind® is a special designation given to select rose cultivars by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service through the Earth-Kind landscaping program. It is based on the results of extensive research and field trials and is awarded only to those roses demonstrating superior pest tolerance, combined with outstanding landscape performance.

Earth-Kind roses do well in a variety of soil types, ranging from well-drained acid sands to poorly aerated, highly alkaline clays. Once established, these select cultivars also have excellent heat and drought tolerance. The use of Earth-Kind roses provides the opportunity to enjoy these wonderful flowering plants while limiting the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and water. These sustainable practices are excellent examples of how Earth-Kind landscaping is working to preserve and protect our natural resources and the environment.

See images of our Earth-Kind Rose Garden here.

Efficient water use is increasingly important to Texas. With the state’s growing population and limited supply of both groundwater and surface water, Texans must use water wisely. Rainwater harvesting is an innovative approach anyone can use.

Rainwater Harvesting: What is it?
Rainwater harvesting captures, diverts and stores rainwater for later use. With proper treatment, the captured rainwater can be used for drinking. But the easiest way to use stored rainwater is for landscaping.

Why is rainwater harvesting a good idea for my home?
Not only can utilizing a rainwater harvesting system reduce your water bills but, because rainwater is free of salts and other minerals that harm root growth, it good for your lawn and plants and allows for better root growth and drought tolerance.

See images of our Rainwater Harvesting system here.

Texas Superstars are plants selected by the Texas Superstar® Executive Board with advisory input from the Texas Superstar® Advisory Board composed of TAMU horticulturists, nursery professionals, growers, seed company representatives, county horticulturists, arboretum and botanical garden representatives, horticultural writers, and landscape designers.

The plants selected have performed well across the state, are reliable, and can be produced in sufficient numbers to meet consumer demands.

The DIG’s Texas Superstar Garden was established in June of 2008 to demonstrate the growth and blooming habits of as many Texas Superstar® designated plants as possible. To create pleasing planting combinations within the garden, individual plant selection considered mature height, flower color, foliage texture and availability at local nurseries.

See images of our Texas Superstar Garden here.

The “Veggie Team”, a group of Brazos County Master Gardeners, selects the varieties of vegetables grown and conducts demonstrations on planting, maintaining, and harvesting (check our event calendar). This part of the Demonstration Idea Garden (DIG) and the efforts of the Veggie Team demonstrate growing vegetables in raised beds or small spaces, using research-proven Earth-Kind® gardening techniques.

Two Earth-Kind gardening techniques regularly used at the DIG are amending the soil with compost prepared at the DIG, and mulching to preserve moisture, discourage weeds, and cool the soil. In September and October of 2010 the following vegetables were planted and harvested the amount listed in ( ). The produce is donated to the Twin City Mission, which is a regular practice at the DIG. Twin City Mission is the foundation of support for those in need in the area. Whether it is shelter, meals, clothing, household items or whatever.

See images of our Vegetable Garden here.