Our Gardens
The Master Gardeners of Davidson County are proud to cultivate and maintain a diverse array of gardens that serve as educational and demonstration sites for the community. Each garden reflects our commitment to promoting sustainable gardening practices, environmental stewardship, and horticultural education.
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Demonstration and Educational GardensOur Demonstration and Educational Gardens, centrally located in Davidson County, serve as a hub for horticultural education and sustainable gardening practices. These gardens feature various themed beds, such as native plant gardens, pollinator habitats, and water-wise landscapes. They provide a living classroom for workshops and hands-on training, offering valuable insights for gardeners of all skill levels. From composting and soil health to organic pest control and companion planting, visitors can learn a wide range of techniques to enhance their gardening experience. Kitchen Gardens at Andrew Jackson's HermitageThe Kitchen Gardens at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage offer a historical perspective on 19th-century gardening. Situated on the grounds of the Hermitage, these gardens replicate the kitchen gardens essential to the Jackson family's sustenance. We grow heirloom vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants that were common during Andrew Jackson's era, honoring Tennessee's agricultural heritage. Visitors can learn about historical cultivation techniques and the significance of kitchen gardens in early American life. Heirloom Vegetable Garden at the Tennessee Agricultural CenterThe Heirloom Vegetable Garden at the Tennessee Agricultural Center celebrates our agricultural roots by preserving and showcasing heirloom vegetable varieties. These plants, valued for their unique flavors and genetic diversity, offer a glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore rare and unusual vegetables, learning about the benefits of heirloom gardening and the importance of seed saving and biodiversity. This garden serves as an educational resource, promoting sustainable agriculture and conservation. | City CemeteryThe City Cemetery garden combines history and horticulture in a serene, contemplative space. As one of Nashville's oldest public cemeteries, it is the final resting place for many of the city's founders. Our garden enhances the historical ambiance of the cemetery with a mix of ornamental plants, native species, and historically significant varieties. It provides a peaceful green space for visitors and educates them about the importance of historical landscapes and the role of plants in memorializing the past. Harding Gardens at Belle MeadeThe historic Harding Gardens at Belle Meade, maintained by the Master Gardeners of Davidson County since 2010, offer a glimpse into life and gardening on the Tennessee frontier during the early 1800s. Located next to the cabin where John Harding and his family lived during the construction of Belle Meade, the garden features heirloom vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Using organic practices reminiscent of those from two centuries ago, we grow varieties such as Tennis Ball lettuce, Kentucky Wonder pole beans, and Cherokee Purple tomatoes. The garden also includes old roses, irises, and tall native asters, with beehives and fruit trees nearby, providing an educational resource for visitors. Meigs Middle School GardenThe Meigs Middle School Garden is a dynamic educational space where students learn about gardening, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. This collaborative effort between the Master Gardeners of Davidson County and Meigs Middle School aims to inspire a love of nature and gardening in young people. Featuring raised beds, composting areas, and pollinator-friendly plants, the garden serves as a living classroom. Students participate in all aspects of garden care, gaining hands-on experience in plant biology, ecology, and sustainable practices. |
