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Watanabe Gamily Gardens:
These gardens represent plants you would find on a native prairie -- a complex natural community covered with a dense mixture of tall grasses and other herbaceous plants. Plants that occur in prairies have special adaptations such as extensive, deep root systems and hairy stems and leaves that help them survive long periods without rain.
Prior to statehood, prairies made up only about 15% of the area of Indiana, primarily in the northwest and west-central part of the state. The original prairies have been lost to agriculture, drainage and urbanization. Most of the remaining remnant prairie tracts are in pioneer cemeteries and old railroad right-of-ways that have never been plowed.
There are labels for the native flowers used in this garden. An advantage of growing them is that they require less water than many nonnative species yet produce beautiful flowers, vibrant colors and seed pods which are a favorite food of birds.
Find out more about prairie-style gardens by going to our website at www.indianamuseum.org.
This garden was the generous gift of the Watanabe Family. |