Our Idea (Demonstration) Gardens are a resource for home gardeners and are located on the Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center (SEAREC), located at 1446 Auction Road, Manheim, PA 17545 near Spooky Nook.
Each of the gardens has its own theme and personality. You'll have two opportunities to see established native gardens--one in the Idea Gardens area and the other Blooms and Butterflies which is set off on its own. You will find vegetables/herbs, raised beds, potager and a butterfly garden.
Gardens are open dawn to dusk, June until August 31st. To set a time to visit outside of those months, or for group tours, please call 717-394-6851 or email cns5565@psu.edu
We invite you to enjoy the beauty in the surroundings, to learn about the plants, and most importantly, to imagine how you can cultivate your home garden.
You will find free parking on the grassy lawn behind the Research Building (on your right as you come in the driveway).
Maps are available in the Welcome Center.
This garden demonstrates the use of both host and nectar plants to attract and sustain butterflies.
The Native Plant Garden inspires and educates about the use of native plants for their beauty as well as their benefit to the environment.
Raised beds are a convenient, elegant, and easy way to produce homegrown vegetables. They can be an attractive alternative in challenging gardening situations.
Our Vegetable and Herb Garden demonstrates what residential consumers can do with their garden space.
