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.
Exension Supported Gardens
Explore the Illinois Extension supported gardens
![image of the animal shelter garden](https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cards_image/public/paragraphs/cards/Mercer%20County%20Animal%20Shelter%20Garden.png.jpg?itok=LW2FWR3G)
Visit Our Pet-Themed Perennial Garden at Mercer County Animal Shelter!
Discover our charming garden, where plants like NineBARK, CATmint, Red Twig DOGwood, and 'Gentle Shepherd' lilies celebrate our beloved pets. The garden is open anytime.
![Pollinator plants and a small gazebo](https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cards_image/public/paragraphs/cards/Mercer%20Pollinator%20Fairgrounds%20Garden.png.jpg?itok=yvtgK_wR)
Perennial Pollinator Garden
This garden features a variety of genus-specific perennials, chosen not only for their beauty but also for their critical role in supporting pollinators. A visit to the Perennial Pollinator Garden at the Mercer County Fairgrounds will inspire you to make your own backyard a haven for pollinators.
![Sensory garden plants](https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cards_image/public/paragraphs/cards/Mercer%20Y%20Sensory%20Garden.png.jpg?itok=Wbh1T_nC)
A Feast for the Seasons
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 outside the entrance to the Mercer County YMCA invites you to engage with nature in a whole new way.
![](https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cards_image/public/paragraphs/cards/Riverside%20Demonstration%20gardens.png.jpg?itok=bu61bqfJ)
Demonstration Gardens at Riverside Park in Moline
Growing Fresh Produce, Sharing Abundant Harvests: a dedicated group of Rock Island County Master Gardeners cultivates fresh produce, experimenting with different growing methods and introducing new vegetable varieties each year.
![](https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cards_image/public/paragraphs/cards/Riverside%20Rain%20Garden.png.jpg?itok=tRPxBewD)
Raingarden at Riverside, Moline
The Riverside Rain Garden serves as a vital educational resource on the importance of managing stormwater runoff. 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.
![](https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cards_image/public/paragraphs/cards/Riverside%20pollinator%20garden%20overview.png.jpg?itok=rkIf0hxa)
Pollinator Gardens at Riverside
Supporting Nature’s Essential Workers the Riverside Pollinator Garden showcases a variety of plants and flowers specifically chosen to attract and support pollinators.
![](https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cards_image/public/paragraphs/cards/Milan%20Extension%20front%20garden.png.jpg?itok=rargOw_r)
Perennial Gardens at the Illinois Extension office in Milan, IL
Year-Round Beauty, Texture, and Variety - that's what you'll find at the beautiful perennial gardens located at the entrance to the IL Extension office in Milan, IL.