These beds are designed to inspire your gardening ideas and showcase plants that thrive in our region. Rest assured, none of the plants here are considered invasive in West Virginia or surrounding states. The majority are native species, providing excellent wildlife value and being well-suited to our climate, precipitation, and soils. While there are some exotic species included, they were part of the original landscape design and do not spread uncontrollably.

Since 1999, our chapter has maintained these gardens at the Berkeley Springs branch of the Morgan County Public Library. Over the years, some plantings thrived, while others didn’t, leading to the addition of new plants to fill the gaps. Wild seeds, carried by wind and wildlife, also naturally found their way into the beds. By 2023, a rejuvenation was needed.

Thanks to generous grants and donations from the Morgan County Commission, the Seeley Foundation, the Bresler Foundation, and Star Eagle Gardens, we were able to update the demonstration gardens. Volunteers from our chapter helped clean the beds and install the new plants, with support from the library Board of Directors, staff, and the local community.

The Gardens

The gardens consist of three distinct areas:

• The Sun Garden, rejuvenated in 2024, features plants that thrive in sunny or part-sun conditions, located at the corner of Washington and Congress streets.
• The Matrix Garden, next to the parking lot, is filled with native plants that thrive in morning sun, afternoon shade, and dry soil. Native grasses and sedges act as “green mulch,” crowding out weeds and cooling the soil, creating a low-maintenance, meadow-like landscape over time.
• The Shade Garden, accessible from an alley along Washington Street, is a peaceful spot for rest and reflection, also used for the library’s children’s programs.

Wildlife Value

Plant tags in the gardens include symbols indicating wildlife value:

• Bird symbol for plants that provide seeds or nectar for birds.
• Butterfly symbol for nectar plants for butterflies and moths (and host plants for larvae).
• Bee symbol for plants that offer pollen and nectar for bees.

Learn More About the Plants

For more information about specific plants, use the drop-down menus on this site to access details on their size, site conditions, and uses.