Business Details
35 Years
experience
Community Gardening & Horticulture Education in Evansville
Founded in 1991, the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association (SWIMGA) has dedicated itself to advancing horticultural education and community engagement through sustainable gardening practices. Collaborating with Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, we provide expert-led training programs, maintain over 50 community gardens across four counties, and host educational events like our biennial Garden Walk and annual Plant Sale. Our 400+ members contribute to local food security by donating over 10,000 pounds of produce annually to the Tri-State Food Bank while promoting environmental stewardship through initiatives like habitat restoration and composting projects. With decades of collective experience, our team of certified Master Gardeners combines academic expertise with hands-on practice to deliver reliable, research-based horticultural guidance.We maintain rigorous standards of excellence through continuous collaboration with academic institutions and adherence to Purdue University's best practices, ensuring our community receives accurate, trustworthy information. Our commitment to transparency and public service is demonstrated through free educational resources, accessible gardens, and partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Easterseals Early Learning Center. As recognized leaders in regional horticulture, we prioritize accessibility by offering self-guided tours of our 1.2-acre Display Garden and providing accommodations for visitors with disabilities.
Services
Community Gardens
Educational Workshops
Plant Sales
Garden Tours
Horticultural Demonstrations
Youth Programs
Habitat Landscaping
Composting Initiatives
Public Garden Maintenance
Cooking Classes
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in horticultural education.
- Our team collaborates with Purdue University for expert guidance.
- We maintain over 50 community gardens across four counties.
- Our members contribute to local food security through produce donations.
- We offer hands-on educational events and workshops.
Services
Community Garden Maintenance
Our Master Gardeners maintain 50+ community gardens across four counties, including the 1.2-acre Display Garden at Evansville State Hospital grounds. We implement sustainable practices like composting and native plant cultivation while ensuring accessibility for all visitors. These gardens serve educational purposes and provide fresh produce donations to local food banks.
Educational Workshops
We offer hands-on workshops covering horticultural techniques, pest control, and seasonal gardening. Participants learn from certified experts using Purdue University research-based methods. Programs include youth education initiatives and adult classes on topics like soil health and native plant cultivation.
Plant Sales
Our annual Plant Sale features 15,000+ plants including vegetables, perennials, and houseplants. Proceeds fund educational programs and community garden projects. The event provides gardening resources while connecting residents with Master Gardener expertise for personalized advice.
Garden Tours
We host self-guided and guided tours of our Display Garden and biennial Garden Walk featuring private gardens. Tours educate visitors about sustainable practices and showcase diverse garden designs while supporting community horticultural education initiatives.
Youth Education Programs
Our Youth Education & Diversity Committee develops programs for schools and childcare centers, including raised-bed gardens accessible to children with disabilities. Activities teach plant science, nutrition, and environmental stewardship through hands-on gardening experiences.
People
Judy Halstead
President
Judy leads SWIMGA's strategic initiatives and represents the organization at statewide conferences. With over 15 years of service, she coordinates community outreach efforts and promotes horticultural education through media appearances and public events.
Amanda Bradshaw-Burks
Extension Advisor
Amanda connects SWIMGA with Purdue University resources and oversees Master Gardener training programs. She facilitates community projects and provides expert guidance on horticultural practices, ensuring alignment with university research standards.
Kay Haller
Display Garden Coordinator
Kay manages the Master Gardener Display Garden's operations and educational programming. She organizes workdays, coordinates volunteer efforts, and serves as primary contact for garden-related inquiries and tour arrangements.
Jim Willem
Hardscapes Committee Chair
Jim oversees garden infrastructure projects including pathways and seating areas. He ensures accessibility improvements and maintains the Display Garden's structural elements to enhance visitor experience and safety.
Todd Bischoff
Lawncare Coordinator
Todd manages turf maintenance across SWIMGA's properties using sustainable practices. He trains volunteers in proper lawn care techniques and implements eco-friendly solutions for maintaining healthy grass areas.
Questions
How do I become a Master Gardener?
Contact Amanda Bradshaw-Burks at Vanderburgh County Extension for information about upcoming training classes. The program requires completing Purdue University's certified curriculum and volunteer hours.
Can I visit the Display Garden?
Yes, the 1.2-acre Display Garden is open daily during daylight hours. Self-guided tours are available year-round, with information sheets provided during growing seasons.
What community projects do you offer?
We maintain 50+ gardens at schools, parks, and nonprofits, plus collaborate with Habitat for Humanity and Easterseals. Projects include youth education programs and food bank produce donations.
How can I support SWIMGA?
Support through membership, volunteering for garden maintenance, purchasing plants at our annual sale, or buying our Harvest Cookbook. Donations fund educational programs and community garden projects.
Do you offer educational resources?
Yes, we provide workshops, demonstration days, and our Harvest Cookbook with 300+ recipes. Our website offers gardening tips and event calendars for home gardeners.
