One of the ways our local Master Gardener volunteers share their time, skills, and knowledge with the community is through Demonstration Gardens. The public is welcome to visit the gardens to look and learn, but please do not take any of the produce or flowers. These gardens are used for teaching, and produce is donated to local food pantries. Garden visitors must follow the visitor guidelines at each location and only visit during hours when the location is open to the public.

Children's Garden

Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield (requires zoo admission fee)

Meet Master Gardener volunteers for fun educational activities during special events at the zoo.

Dean Home Heirloom Garden

Lincoln Home Neighborhood, 421 S 8th St, Springfield (northwest and across the street from the Lincoln Home)

See mid-18th century vegetables, flowers, and herbs that would have been grown during Abraham Lincoln’s time.

Herb Garden, Idea Garden, and Lorraine DeSouza Perennial Garden

Illinois State Fairgrounds, 2501 N 8th St, Springfield (in front of the Illinois Beef Association building)

Take a self-guided walk through the gardens from dawn to dusk. All plants are labeled.

Native Plant Garden

Oasis Senior Center, 2810 Woodlawn Rd, Lincoln

See 15 different species of native plants, labeled with identification markers, in this 25'x20' garden that was designed by and is cared for by Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers.

Native Wildflower Garden

Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield (near the Ostermeier Prairie Center parking lot)

Enjoy the beauty of sun-loving prairie wildflowers and get inspiration for adding native plants to your home garden.

Prairie to Perennial Garden and Small Fruits & Vegetables Garden

Sangamon Extension Office, 700 S Airport Dr, Springfield (in front of the building and east of the parking lot)

Learn about fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial vegetables, cover crops, herbs, and new practices in home gardening.