Prosper Research & Demonstration Gardens

The Prosper Demonstration & Research Gardens are located at Rucker Elementary School, 402 South Craig Street, as well as the nearby water tower at Craig and First Street in Prosper.

The Prosper Demonstration & Research Gardens are four separate garden areas. All utilize Earth-Kind® principles, which start with soil well amended with compost. We don’t use chemicals, thus no herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers are applied. And we always keep three or more inches of hardwood mulch in our beds to control weeds, retain moisture and provide nutrients as it decomposes.

At Rucker Elementary School, you will discover the Jana Thomson Earth-Kind Garden. The garden contains six raised beds planted predominantly with vegetables in both spring and fall. A demonstration bed surrounds the center garden and is filled with more than 70 varieties of shrubs and perennials. The plants are all labeled, so visitors can enjoy self-guided tours. The Jana Thomson Garden contains many pollinator plants, making it a wonderful place to enjoy watching a variety of butterflies.

Two additional garden areas are located up the street from Rucker Elementary School and beneath the Prosper water tower. The first is an extensive research garden that was planted in 2015. This garden contains dwarf shrubs in four quadrants and ornamental grasses in three additional sections. Through research, we hope to identify plants that will do well in North Texas with little water and low maintenance.

Beneath the west side of the tower, we have another demonstration garden with several of the same plants found in the research beds, the difference being that these plants receive regular maintenance and watering. Plants in all areas are clearly labeled for easy self-identification.

Shrubs and Grasses

Our research has identified many excellent options for local gardens including several dwarf hollies (Yaupon, Carissa, Chinese), Abelias (Rose Creek, Kaleidoscope), Dwarf Euonymous, Gulf Stream Nandina, Blue Pacific Shore Juniper, Dwarf Vitex.  Additionally, a host of ornamental grasses perform well in this garden. 

Flowering Perennials & Bulbs

A garden that looks good always has something wonderful blooming within it. Here, Master Gardeners chose particular plants for their long bloom time, while they also chose plants that are seasonal highlights. Whenever you come to the gardens, you will find something lovely to enjoy.

Come See Us!

Collin County Master Gardeners usually work on Thursday mornings and visitors are welcome.

For more information or to arrange a guided tour, contact us.