Discover The Gardens Garden Questionnaires Garden Questionnaire: Wildflower Garden
When was the garden first created?
The garden was originally planted north of the Rose Gardens near the entrance to Close Memorial Park. It was moved to it's current location in 2007 under the supervision of Paul Redfearn.
Who created the garden?
Dr. Paul Redfearn.
Who maintains the garden?
Cindy Willis with the assistance of Friends of the Garden.
How many plants are in the garden?
The garden is being expanded during 2010. Will have about 45 plants total.
How many plant types are in the garden?
All perennials, some reseed themselves.
How many plant species are in the garden?
About 15.
How many plant varieties are in the garden?
All native wildflowers. There are some spectacular 6 or 7 feet tall prairie wildflowers, and some sunflowers are 8 foot tall. Most of the plants are three or four feet tall.
Are the plants in this garden grouped in any special way?
No.
When is the garden in peak bloom?
June and July.
Script for the Guide by Cell Phone project for THE WILDFLOWER GARDEN
Written by Cindy Willis and recorded by Peter Longley
"Welcome to the Wildflower Garden. This sunny plot features many plants native to Missouri’s natural prairies, glades, and forest edges. The plot has recently been extended to include a shaded area for plants native to Missouri’s woodlands. Native plants are well adapted to Missouri’s extreme temperatures in summer and winter, our natural rainfall patterns, native pests and diseases, and typically require less watering, fertilizer, and pesticide applications compared to cultivated varieties. Many native wildflowers, including the Milkweeds and Coneflowers in this garden, are very attractive to butterflies for nectar, and for laying their eggs, making this wildflower garden a perfect neighbor for the Butterfly Garden and Butterfly House."
What’s especially interesting about this garden that visitors would like to know?
All these plants are common in Missouri in the wild. Being native plants, they’re also xeriscape plants, so if someone wants to create a xeriscape garden, these are the plants to use. The sunflowers are spectacular. Some are not common in the landscape. Also shows what hybrid plants derive from. Usually don’t bloom for as long, but they’re low maintenance and can be kept tidy. More swallowtails and butterflies in the wildflower garden. Plants donated some. Would like more stuff people can use at home.
Are there any special concepts or strategies shaping this garden?
Not at this time. I would like to see it look more like the other gardens. I’d like it to have clumps of plants. I’d like to see it have groupings of plants.
Are there future plans for this garden?
Will be expanding it, which will include adding shady areas for shade plants and expanding it to the north to add sun plants. Cindy’s hoping to get more smaller plants, less than 8 feet. Would like to fill it in. There are some really wildflower gorgeous part shade plants, too. Would like to have plants that would lengthen the bloom season.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about this garden?
Wildflowers are great food sources for birds and butterflies.
Notes from Cindy April 2010 -
To the best of my knowledge, the following plants are in the wildflower garden:
See also: Butterfly Garden, Dr. Bill Roston Butterfly House
The Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center
2400 S. Scenic Ave
Springfield, MO 65807
417.891.1515
Botanical Center & Gardens Brochure (782.17 kB) Park Bench Winter 2011-2012 (3.32 MB)The Friends of the Garden mission is to "inspire the discovery, understanding and appreciation of nature by creating and maintaining gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park and by supporting the mission of the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center and Park Board."
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