Extension Supported Gardens

Home HMRS Extension Supported Gardens

Extension Supported Gardens

Growing Community, Nourishing Lives

Our educational gardens are living classrooms that serve our community in multiple ways. From demonstrating how different plants can thrive—or struggle—in our local climate, to growing fresh produce for those in need, each garden has a unique purpose. Some offer a sanctuary for pollinators, providing essential food and shelter, while others are designed to offer therapeutic benefits to individuals with special needs or disabilities. The produce and flowers from these gardens never go to waste; helping to feed the hungry, or made into beautiful bouquets created by our Master Gardeners to brighten the days of nursing home residents.

Riverside Gardens Tree Tour

Take a self-guided tour and get to know the trees that call Riverside Gardens in Moline, Ill home. When you scan the QR code at the location, you will see each tree's common name, Latin name, key characteristics, and what to look for as you explore. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just out for a stroll, the Riverside Tree Walk offers a fun and educational way to connect with the landscape.
Riverside Trees website

Explore the Illinois Extension supported gardens

perennial flowers, bushes and trees in front of Extension office

Illinois Extension Office Perennial Garden

Garden Address: 321 W 2nd. Ave. Milan, IL

Step into a world of color and tranquility at the Illinois Extension office in Milan, where our stunning perennial garden offers year-round beauty. Located at the front of the office, this vibrant garden is home to a diverse array of perennials that bloom from spring through fall, featuring award-winning varieties, ornamental grasses, and lush hostas. The garden is beautifully shaded by a blossoming cherry tree, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation and inspiration.

For over a dozen years, this garden has been lovingly maintained by a dedicated team of Master Gardeners, whose commitment and expertise are evident in every corner. Whether you’re seeking gardening ideas or simply a peaceful place to unwind, visit us to experience the garden's ever-changing colors and textures throughout the seasons.

Mercer County YMCA Sensory Garden

Garden Address: 401 SW 2nd St, Aledo, IL

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of our Sensory Garden, where plants are carefully selected to engage and delight all five senses. This unique garden features basil and cherry tomatoes, to both smell and taste their fresh, vibrant flavors. Experience the sweet aroma and taste of chocolate mint, and breathe in the refreshing scent of lemon balm.

Touch the soft, velvety leaves of lamb's ear and explore the intriguing texture and size of rhubarb leaves. Delight your eyes with the vibrant colors of zinnias, which add a visual feast to the garden's sensory experience. Each plant in this garden has been thoughtfully chosen to provide a rich, multi-sensory encounter with nature.

Lovingly maintained by the Mercer County Master Gardeners, this garden offers a special connection to the natural world. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a place to explore with curiosity, the Sensory Garden invites you to engage with nature in a whole new way.

Pollinator Garden at the Mercer County Fairgrounds

Garden Address: 848 170th St, Aledo, IL

Established in 2016 with a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, this garden is a living tribute to the importance of pollinators in our environment. Carefully curated and maintained by the Mercer County Master Gardeners, this garden features a variety of genus-specific perennials, chosen not only for their beauty but also for their critical role in supporting pollinators.

Gardening connects us to nature, providing a deeper understanding of how ecosystems work. Even a small garden can make a big difference, creating habitats for butterflies, bees, and other essential pollinators. The Perennial Pollinator Garden showcases an array of plants that cater to the needs of both caterpillars and nectar-seeking insects, making it a vibrant and vital part of our local landscape.

This garden not only adds beauty to our surroundings but also plays a crucial role in creating sustainable habitats for wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, a visit to the Perennial Pollinator Garden at the Mercer

Mercer County Animal Shelter Garden

Garden Address: 1638 Hwy 17 in Aledo, IL

Visit our beautiful perennial garden at the Mercer County Animal Shelter where each plant is named with pets in mind. Enjoy the vibrant blooms of NineBARK shrubs, CATmint, Red Twig DOGwood, Fuzzy Wuzzy Lambs Ear, and 'Gentle Shepherd' lilies. The garden also features a special pet memorial bench, offering a tranquil spot to reflect.

Created and lovingly maintained by Mercer County Master Gardeners, the garden is open for visits anytime. The shelter is accessible Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM. Come see the garden, visit the shelter to meet the wonderful animals, and find out how you can make a difference through pet adoption.

Riverside Rain Garden

Garden Address: 3400 5th Ave., Moline, IL

Installed in 2023 by participants from a Stormwater Management series offered by Illinois Extension, the Riverside Rain Garden serves as a vital educational resource on the importance of managing stormwater runoff. Rainwater falling from homes, roads, and commercial areas is not absorbed into the soil often carries pollutants and sediments into our waterways, earning it the name "polluted runoff." Reducing this runoff is crucial for protecting our environment, and it can be achieved through methods like a rain garden which can also enhance landscapes and natural areas.

This garden features examples of plants and landscaping techniques that can divert rainwater from your house's gutters into a functional and attractive rain garden. It also includes a sign with a QR code linking visitors to valuable resources on stormwater management, plant selection, project design, and more you can find at go.illinois.edu/RainGardenResources.

This educational initiative was made possible through funding from Constellation – Quad Cities Station and the Mel McKay Charitable Trust.

demonstration garden bed at Riverside gardens

Riverside Demonstration Gardens

Garden Address: 3400 5th Ave. Moline, IL

The Riverside Garden Beds, open to the public and conveniently located next to the Riverside Greenhouse with ample parking, are part of a larger, picturesque setting. Surrounded by other beautiful gardens—including a Rain Garden and a pollinator garden also maintained by Illinois Extension Master Gardeners—this area offers a rich, educational experience.

Here, a dedicated group of Rock Island County Master Gardeners cultivates fresh produce, experimenting with different growing methods and introducing new vegetable varieties each year. Following sustainable practices, they enhance the soil with compost and use grass clippings as natural mulch to limit weeds and boost soil health without pesticides or chemicals. The garden yields over 1,000 pounds of fresh vegetables annually, all of which are generously donated to the Salvation Army. This impactful work is made possible through the support of the Friends of Riverside Gardens, who provide the space for Illinois Extension to grow and give back to the community.