The Simpson Demonstration Gardens next to the Alexandria Y celebrated their 20th Anniversary with an Open House on Sunday, 22 September. Between 30 and 40 people attended the event, held on a crisp fall-like day. The gardens include a Waterwise garden (the first one created), tufa gardens, large and small berms for specimen trees, a pollinator garden, a bed with a butterfly soak, and a scented garden, among other beds. The gardens include both native and non-native species, some rare Alpine plants in the tufa beds, and a range of unusual plants demonstrating interesting variants of common plants as well as unusual species.

The Master Gardeners provided seed packets, recipes using garden products, tiny starter plants, and snacks including the use of mint, sage, zucchini, pumpkin, and other edible plants. Many native plants were alive with bees and butterflies, including a black swallowtail (pictured) and many skippers. The gardens are open daily for visitors, and Master Gardeners are at work maintaining them every Tuesday morning, weather permitting.

The Eucalyptus tree that anchors the Scent Garden is recovering after dying down to the ground in the harsh cold of last winter.

Simpson regulars Beth Tindal and Catherine Barry helped organize and staff the September 28 Open House.

Simpson Founder Audrey Faden advised these visitors on native ground covers.

The Eucalyptus tree that anchors the Scent Garden is recovering after dying down to the ground in the harsh cold of last winter.

Extension Agent Kirsten Buhls and a group of visitors at the Simpson Gardens Open House on September 28.

Two views of the half dozen or so Monarch butterflies that adorned the garden the day of the open house, flitting busily from flower to flower, along with hundreds of bees and other butterflies.

Carol Kilroy, who coordinates and publicizes Simpson’s work parties, staffed the refreshment table, which the SimpsonMGs supplied with herb-infused baked goods and waters.

Closeups of what was in bloom at the September 28 Open House at Simpson Gardens.