Education

The Gardens are a part of the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University.

The Gardens provide hands-on learning to students in the horticulture program, as well as students in several other disciplines across campus.

Community programs

The Friends of The Gardens sponsor several community educational programs, including:

• Digging into Gardening
• Garden Tours
• Volunteer Training (Docent) Program - Includes 3 sessions covering an introduction to The Gardens, tour leading, and garden needs.
• Kids K-State Garden Club - Kids (1st-3rd grade) - Five 50 minute sessions on Saturdays starting in March thru May in 2023 are planned to spark interest, present gardening basics, and have fun with hands-on activities. See Events for details.

University programs

Additional educational programs include:

• K-State student projects
• K-State student labs

As The Gardens grow, there will be more opportunities to provide educational programs designed for children and adults in Manhattan and beyond.

Resources for The Gardens Collection plants -

The four K-State Gardens Collections consist of irises, daylilies, roses, and peonies. The following are a few internet sites for information on these plants.

• The Flint Hills Iris Society - This site has information on growing irises, types of bearded irises and contact information if you have questions.
• American Hemerocallis Society (AHS) - This site answers frequently asked questions about daylilies. Also, the home page of the AHS has additional information about the organization.
• American Rose Society - This site is "Dedicated to America's favorite flower: the rose".
• The Old Farmer's Almanac - Search words - "growing roses"(https://www.almanac.com/plant/roses) - Good basic information on growing roses.
• The Old Farmer's Almanac - Search words - "growing peonies" (https://www.almanac.com/plant/peonies) Good basic information on peonies.
• Heartland Peony Society - Site is dedicated to fostering and promoting an interest in peonies

Gardening Calendar

Check out the gardening calendar from the Riley County Research and Extension office

Average Expected Vegetable Planting Calendar for Kansas This calendar may need to be adjusted depending on t he weather eachseason, varieties chosen and your location in Kansas.