Evolution of the Demonstration Garden
The Lubbock Master Gardener’s Association (LMGA) Demonstration Garden (DG) was established in 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. The garden is located within The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum, a 93-acre historical site in the heart of the city. In 2022, the Arboretum provided some land in partnership with the Lubbock Master Gardener Association for garden development and educational use. Additionally, the DG was initially funded through a grant from The High Plains Water District and funding from the City of Lubbock.
This Demonstration Garden project parallels with the LMGA’s mission which is to increase gardening knowledge by providing home gardeners with the best information on gardening practices. A pergola is in Phase I of the garden for Master Gardener’s use for monthly education offerings and opportunities. The garden was designed, implemented, and maintained by Lubbock Master Gardeners. The garden includes (21) raised beds of different designs and (1) hydroponic beds.
While the Demonstration Garden was initiated in 2023, the garden will continue to grow in future years. The growth of the garden will be dependent upon fundraising, donor procurement and secured grants.
In 2023, the Demonstration Garden received a donation of a Purple Martin house from Kathy Suchy. This house offers room to the Purple Martins during their migration in February & March. We are proud to say we have Purple Martins who have discovered our house and have made it their home.
In 2024 and 2025, LMGA was awarded grants through the Betenbough Homes Employee Grant Program to enhance both educational programming and visitor experience within the gardens. These funds supported the purchase of a table for talks and demonstrations, benches for seating, and, in 2025, the creation of an accessible pathway system that surrounds the garden beds. Designed to accommodate strollers, older visitors, and individuals with mobility needs, the pathways allow the gardens to be fully seen, experienced, and enjoyed by all. This investment reflects LMGA’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community-focused horticultural education.
In 2024, an honorary donation was made in recognition of Janis Vaughn for all of the help and support she provides. The donation was designated for the installation of an arbor, which was completed in 2025. In 2026, the arbor was planted with roses to create a lasting living tribute. This gift was made possible by Dr. Brad & Priscilla Snodgrass, whose generosity helped bring this space to life in honor of Janis Vaughn’s ongoing contributions.
Demonstration Garden Raised Bed(s) Layout:
Thank you to the following Lubbock Master Gardeners who have nurtured the beds in the Demonstration Garden:
| Master Gardener Name | Bed Type | Garden Location Number |
| Mary Caffey | Perennial Bed | #1 |
| Mary Caffey | Perennial Bed | #2 |
| Sally Doherty | Pollinator (Metal) Bed | #3 |
| Beverly Robbins | Pollinator (Metal) Bed | #4 |
| Bonnie MacLean | Herb Garden | #5 |
| Walt Wilhoit | Texas Native Plants | #6 |
| Krista Jenkins | Potager Garden | #7 |
| OPEN | Texas Superstar Bed | #8 |
| Tricia Farrar | Seasonal Cut Flowers | #9 |
| Taylor Davis | Aromatic | #10 |
| Rita Edwards | Moon Garden Ged | #11 |
| Rita Edwards | Keyhole Garden | #12 |
| Devon Broyles & Beth Trostle | Texas Superstar Plants | #13 |
| Becky Miller / Rita Edwards | 10 Bucket Bed (Basil Hydroponics) | #14 |
| Randy & Rhonda Wood | Corner Cinder Block Bed | #15 |
| Liz Wagner / Claudia Bretz | Rose Bed | #16 |
| Karen Silva & Melba Block | Seasonal Shade Bed | #17 |
| Barbara Jones | Butterfly Garden | #18 |
| Judy McEachern / Janice Vaughn | Xeriscape Bed | #19 |
| Jan Sutton | Tire Bed | #20 |
| Tricia Farrar | Seasonal Bed & Milkweed | #21 |
For Further Information on the Demonstration Garden, please contact the Lubbock Master Gardeners at txmastergardenerlbk@gmail.com.