Thank you for your interest.  The application period for the 2026 Grass to Gardens is closed, and ten recipients will receive garden kits.

Friends of the Arboretum (FOA) is proud to sponsor our fifth annual “Grass to Gardens” initiative. 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 by increasing the number of awards to ten Madison area community organizations. Examples of eligible organizations include schools, daycares, neighborhood associations,
churches, and volunteers planting public places like street boulevards.

Include in your email application:

1. Your name and name of contact 

2. Contact phone and email

3. Name of organization

4. Address of garden location. Is the garden visible from a public location?

5. Confirmation of approval for planting if land is not owned by you

6. Recipients will receive two – 32 plug flats.  Please include names of the two kits you would choose: Endangered Rusty Patch Bumble Bee, Short and Sweet Borders, Sunny Terrace, Fall Glory, Spring Woodland, Shade Pollinator, Sunny Pollinator and Green Mulch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Grass to Gardens Initiative?
Grass to Gardens is designed to reduce turf grass and increase native habitat in the Madison area. We also hope to increase awareness of the need to support the endangered Rusty patched bumble bee and other pollinators. FOA is gifting curated Garden Kit mixes designed to support pollinators.  One kit is designed to plant 35 to 50 square feet.

What is a Rusty patched bumble bee garden?
Rusty patched bumble bees are an endangered species. Southern Wisconsin is one of the few areas where they still exist. Bumble bees need flowers that provide nectar and pollen from April through October. The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Garden Kit, our most popular mix, supplies flowers that bloom season long, and are used by Rusty patched. We have 7 additional kits that can also be selected. Bumble bees, butterflies and all pollinators also need pesticide free natural habitat with leaves and stems remaining year round to provide nest and hibernation opportunities. The kit includes a 24”x18” sign.

What plant kits can be selected?

Any two – 32 plug garden kits: Endangered Rusty Patch Bumble Bee, Short and Sweet Borders, Sunny Terrace, Fall Glory, Spring Woodland, Shade Pollinator, Sunny Pollinator and Green Mulch.

Who is eligible for the Grass to Gardens Program?

Any community organization in or around the Madison area with a suitable public planting site that is currently turf grass is welcome to apply.
Applicants should have a plan to prepare soil for spring planting. Guidance on how to smother turf lawn very early in spring so it is ready for May planting is available below in FAQs. Applicants should also have a plan for caring for the native habitat.

What to expect if you are selected?
If you are selected, we will provide notice to you by March 1, 2026. You will receive your choice of any two of the eight curated garden kits. We provide lawn smothering instructions below to prepare your lawn for planting. If your lawn needs site preparation steps, you will need to begin preparation shortly after you are notified of your award. You will be responsible for picking up the kits from the Arboretum the week of May 11. You should plant them within a couple of weeks. Your garden will need extra 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.

FOA asks that you contribute to our shared learning through a brief description of your planting and results, including before and after planting photos.

How do I smother turf grass to prepare for planting?

See the step-by-step graphic below.

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.

Thank you for your interest.  The application period for 2026 Grass to Gardens is closed, and ten recipients will receive garden kits.