Volunteer at the UW Extension Teaching garden

Established in 2004, the Teaching Garden serves as an outdoor classroom for training new Master Gardeners and as an educational resource for the public. The garden features 12 distinct garden areas, each with its own plant palette, organized into two macro teams: Natives and Ornamentals.

The garden beds are maintained by Dane County Extension Horticulture Volunteers under the guidance of the Dane County Extension Horticulture Outreach Specialist. The Teaching Garden surrounds the Dane County Extension Office at 5201 Fen Oak Drive in Madison, Wisconsin.

In 2016, the Adopt-a-Garden Program was created to organize volunteers into teams responsible for maintaining individual garden beds. Through this program, new volunteers work alongside experienced Extension Horticulture Volunteers, gaining hands-on experience and practical knowledge while putting their Master Gardener training into action.

Volunteers also have opportunities to support other garden areas within their macro team throughout the season. For example, Master Gardeners who volunteer in the Pollinator Garden may also assist with other Natives gardens, such as the Prairie, Rain Garden, Oak Savanna, and Naturalistic Garden.

Master Gardeners interested in becoming Dane County Extension Horticulture Volunteers and serving on a garden team are encouraged to email Karen Allenstein. Additional information about the Teaching Garden can be found here.