This sunny, dry garden was strategically designed to provide year-round visual interest while showcasing native plants that support local wildlife.
Address: 101 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. The main entrance to Tyler State Park is at the intersection of Swamp Road and PA 413 (Newtown Bypass). The Park Office/Classroom is located at the first driveway on the right, and the Native Garden is situated behind the building.
Hours: The park is open every day of the year, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
Established: 2009
Type of garden: Native plants
Volunteers maintaining the garden: Four Master Gardeners
List of Plants: There are a variety of native trees, shrubs, and perennials, including Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) and Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) trees, and Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus) shrub.
Perennials include False Indigo (Baptisia australis), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), and Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense).
Plants have labels that include scientific and common names, physical descriptions, growing conditions, bloom times, and wildlife values.
Description of the garden: In 2014, an Eagle Scout project doubled the size of this garden area and added fencing around the perimeter. Volunteers and Park Staff continued to maintain the garden.
In late spring 2024, the Park Staff contacted and ultimately partnered with Master Gardeners of Bucks County to maintain the garden and have it listed as a Demonstration Garden.
The garden was initially designed using the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) native garden template for a sunny, dry garden.
It was situated so that the view from the Education Classroom windows would have winter interest (e.g., pine tree, mountain laurel shrub, Christmas ferns, and coral bells perennials).
As the garden expanded, the goal was to showcase native plants that perform well in this location and are beneficial to butterflies, birds, bees, and other wildlife throughout the seasons.
The Master Gardeners are continuing to inventory and map plant locations to ensure all plants are labeled and to add plants that provide blooms for wildlife throughout the spring to fall seasons.
