In addition to the cultivated raised beds, the garden houses a unique collection of medicinal herbs, groundcovers, and unique plants and trees. You may wish to use the self-guided tour, available in a marked box on the fence, to become familiar with the various areas of the garden. The UEL Garden includes:
Raised Beds
Fifteen raised beds make up the core of the garden. Planted yearly, these beds produce the bulk of the edible fruits and vegetables harvested each season. Each year, gardeners plant crops ranging from sweet corn and zucchini to nasturtiums, garlic, and strawberries. Each gardener is responsible for maintaining her bed- that is, preparing the soil, planting seeds, harvesting food, and, of course, weeding!
The Herb Bed
There are two designated herb beds, and a variety of other herbs scattered throughout the garden. The main herb bed located outside the garden gate contains a variety of common herbs, including oregano (great for spaghetti sauce), comfrey (for soothing burns), and sage (for attracting bees). The patch just inside the gate includes tansy, wormwood, and St.John's wort. All these herbs boast medicinal properties, and the first two may be used as insect repellants. The garden also contains lavender, lemon verbena, several varieties of mint, chamomile, and Echinacea.
The Native Bed
Planted in 1998, this bed contains plants native to Rhode Island, such as: wild columbine, fringed bleeding heart, mayapple, joe pye weed, trumpet creeper, false blue indigo, and bottled gentian. A work in progress, this bed is carefully maintained to demonstrate the amazing variety and hardiness of plants endemic to the area.
The Groundcover Project
Several beds adjacent to the garden contain ornamental plants used as lawn alternatives. Because they are properly suited to their environments, these plants require neither excessive watering nor nutritional supplements. Additionally, the groundcovers are traffic resistant and do not require frequent mowing.