Crow Wing County Master Gardener Volunteers oversee and care for gardens at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd, Minnesota. With educational signage and themed gardens, the Arboretum grounds are a great place to not only be surrounded by nature, but also to learn about horticulture as you visit. Gardens under Master Gardener management include the Memorial, Gazebo, Rain, Prairie, and Pollinator gardens.
The Memorial Garden is located on the east side of the grounds and features a tiered rock perennial garden and pond. Next to the Memorial Garden is a corner garden featuring drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plants. You will often find staff members from the neighboring clinic strolling by on their breaks, or kids from area day care centers marveling at the flowers.
The Gazebo Garden is on the southeast side of the grounds and is protected from deer and rabbits by a fence. Open the door and enter a world of wonder, with a large hosta collection, numerous ornamentals, pollinator, and sensory plants. The Brainerd Garden Club is a leading contributor to this gem of a garden.
The Rain and Prairie Gardens are located adjacent to the parking lot of the Visitor Center, and feature numerous perennials. with a focus on native plants. The Pollinator Garden surrounds the Community Giving Garden area and is just that – focused on plants that pollinators love! It is a certified monarch way-station, an important resource for this landmark species.
Keep an eye out for volunteers in UMN maroon t-shirts as you tour the Arboretum grounds – you have probably spotted a Crow Wing Master Gardener Volunteer. They would be happy to tell more about the plants in the gardens.
