Friends of the Arboretum (FOA) is proud to sponsor our fourth annual “Grass to Gardens” initiative! As an organization, FOA’s mission is to build positive relationships between people and the land through the support of the UW–Madison Arboretum. We are excited to continue our mission with this initiative, by donating three garden kits to community members in 2025. Recipients can choose either a Rain Garden Kit, or an Endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Garden Kit.
**The online application form is closed for 2025.**
**Please check back in the fall for updates.**
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grass to Gardens Initiative?
Grass to Gardens is an initiative from the FOA, designed to reduce turf grass and increase the number of native plant gardens in the Madison area. We also hope to grow awareness of the need to support the Rusty patched bumble bee, and the benefits of rain gardens. FOA is gifting three 32 plant kits, designed for a garden area 35 to 65 square feet, to organizations or individuals who have a presence or live in and around the Madison area.
What is a Rusty patched bumble bee garden?
Rusty patched bumble bees have disappeared from most of their original range, and southern Wisconsin is one of the few areas in the country where they still exist. Bumble bees need flowers that provide nectar and pollen from April through October. This kit provides flowers Rusty patched bumble bees use that bloom throughout this period. Rusty patched also need habitat that is pesticide free and natural, where leaves stems and sticks remain in the garden year round to help provide nest and hibernation opportunities. This kit includes a sign we will ask you to post in a publicly viewed area in your garden that lets neighbors know how you are making a difference with this garden.
What does the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee garden contain?
The Rusty patched garden contains 32 sun or part sun plants, such as Virginia Waterleaf, Wild Geranium, Leadplant, Wild Bergamot, Culver’s Root, Mountain Mint, Obedient Plant, Great Blue Lobelia, Spotted Joe Pye Weed, Giant Lavender Hyssop, Anise Hyssop, Showy Goldenrod and New England Aster. The kit also contains this 24”H x 18”W garden sign with stakes:
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a shallow depression planted with water-loving native flowering plants and grasses that help soak up rainwater and melted snow. They are best placed in an area where they can capture runoff from a building’s downspout and the lawn. Rain gardens help runoff soak into the ground instead of causing erosion or carrying pollution to the nearest lake or stream.
For more information about rain gardens as well as helpful recordings of a virtual rain garden workshop, see the Dane County Rain Gardens resource page.
For the Wisconsin DNR’s printable manual on rain gardens, click here.
What does the rain garden contain?
The rain garden contains a mix of water-loving plants, such as Fox Sedge, Blue Flag Iris, Marsh Blazingstar, Great Blue Lobelia, Purple coneflower, and Blue Vervain. The kit will consist of 32 plants – 2 plants of 16 different species.
Who is eligible for the Grass to Gardens Program?
Any organizations or individuals in the Madison area are welcome to apply.
The applicant must have a suitable planting site; generally 35 to 65 square feet.
The applicant must have or be able to access the necessary tools for planting (including a shovel, tools for weeding, and the capacity to water the garden in times of drought).
The applicant must have a plan for planting and caring for the garden.
How are selections made?
Provided that applicants meet the basic requirements outlined under “Who is eligible?”, applicants will be selected on a first-come-first-serve basis, with the understanding that at least one garden is reserved for an organization.
What if I live in co-housing or a rental?
If you are interested in applying as part of an organization, you will need to secure permission from your landlord, and likely coordinate how long-term care will be maintained. Since applications are accepted first-come first-serve, if you are interested but need time to coordinate, please email the Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale Coordinator, npscoordinator@foamadison.org to hold your spot. We will be reserving at least one garden for an organization or group housing situation in order to accommodate the extra time needed to coordinate.
What to expect if you are selected?
If you are selected, we will provide notice of the selection by February 1, 2025. Follow the instructions provided to prepare your lawn for planting. You will need to begin site preparation steps shortly after you are notified of your award.
You will be responsible for picking up the garden from the Arboretum on Tuesday, May 13 or Wednesday, May 14, 2025 and should be planted within a couple of weeks. Your garden will need extra weeding and watering in the beginning, but maintenance will taper off as plants grow in. For example, a healthy and grown-in garden requires weeding just a few times each year, minimal spring cleaning, and watering just during periods of drought.
In order to best understand what works, FOA asks that you contribute to our shared learning through a final report or interview (written or in-person, based on your preference).
Friends will provide some additional educational materials to help with planting and upkeep for those who are selected.
What do I need to apply?
This application form asks for some information that will be required to submit your application. We recommend gathering this information before you start your application. This information includes:
- The plot address/location
- The size of the plot in square feet (note, one kit is designed to plant 35 to 65 square feet)
- The number of hours of sunlight the plot receives during the summer
- Whether the plot is visible from a public area, like a city sidewalk or park
- A photo of the area where you expect the rain garden will go
- Who will help do the original planting
- Who will help with the ongoing upkeep
What if I have questions?
If you need help filling out the online form or have questions, please email the Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale Coordinator at npscoordinator@foamadison.org.
PRIVACY NOTICE:
The contact information that we gather within this form will fall under the Friends of the Arboretum privacy policy. This information will only be used for contact purposes related to this initiative.