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History | What We Do | Friends of McCrory Gardens | Maps | Sights of the Gardens Children's Maze | Centennial Prairie Garden | Rock Garden | Tree Collections | Related Links WHAT WE DO Beauty is its own excuse for being. However, the Gardens serve a more practical purpose. Ongoing research continues to provide new information to the scientific community and the public on the introduction, cultivation, and arrangement of native and domesticated plants. The testing and evaluation of new woody plant selections and varieties in the climate of the northern Great Plains, initiated by Dr. N.E. Hansen almost three-quarters of a century ago, remains an integral part of our research mission as demonstrated by two 1990 introductions: 'Nugget' ninebark (used for the hedge plantings in the Maze Garden) and 'Homestead' Buckeye. Research has expanded into four other areas, including the testing of new turfgrass varieties to lower inputs of fertilizer, water and maintenance, and demonstrating the effectiveness of native plant horticulture in the northern Great Plains. The Gardens also serve as an outdoor teaching laboratory for undergraduate and graduate students at SDSU. Use of the Gardens by primary and secondary school children and students from other regional colleges and universities is encouraged. Questions? Contact McCrory Gardens Martin.Maca@sdstate.edu |
