Outlook GardenWhen the Master Gardeners took over the area that is now the Display Gardens, the Outlook was little more than a pile of rubble. However this spot had the potential to be a garden from which the rest of the grounds could be viewed. The problems of the site included heavily packed, poor soil mixed with rock, concrete, asphalt and more, potential for erosion, and less than ideal water retention for the plants resulting from the slope.
Initially, to prepare the area for planting, a small army of volunteers dug out rocks, put down a layer of manure to enrich the clay soil, tilled to loosen the surface compaction, and covered the area with landscape fabric to control erosion. Next, plants were installed and mulched. Then in 2009, the raised concrete pad and curved ramp were installed, along with twelve large pots for container gardening.
Once an automatic irrigation system was installed at the Display Gardens, the Outlook still faced the irrigation challenges that come with slopes, so the Outlook Team selected perennials and ground covers that are drought tolerant and low maintenance. They also looked for great bloom color and attractiveness to wildlife like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Perennials
Many of the perennials chosen are ones that show up on standard xeriscape (drought tolerant landscaping) lists and have long bloom times. In addition, in 2018 the slope on the east side of the Outlook was replanted with a variety of additional xeriscape plants purchased with funds from the Warrick County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Drone Photos
Photo Gallery
