Located near the entrance to Garden in the Woods is the Idea Garden, which showcases innovative uses of native plants in a more “designed” setting. The Idea Garden is quite the opposite of the rest of the Garden, which provides a naturalistic setting for our native species. Whether in pots, hanging planters, on rooftops, or in the landscape, the ideas presented in the Idea Garden can be adapted by gardeners to make their own situations more exciting through the use of native plants.

The Idea Garden is currently being redesigned. As this progresses, we will revamp this article.

Previously, there were five sections to the Idea Garden.

1. The Patio was mainly a container garden with pots and hanging planters providing exciting alternatives to the use of annuals. How about planting pitcher plants in hanging garden baskets? They perform well, help control bugs within the area, and provide a fascinating focal point to the container. With differing shapes, sizes, colors of foliage and blossoms, native plants work beautifully in patio pots. By varying the shapes, sizes, and colors of the pots, a patio takes on new dimensions.

2. The Roof Garden or Green Roof still exists and is a concept explored in this area of Garden in the Woods and fully explained in GROW on this website. A roof garden is a dynamic alternative to asphalt roofing. It provides a great layer of insulation for both summer and winter benefits, showcases a variety of plants rather than having a flat roof structure, and controls rain runoff.

3. The Sedge Lawn offers a lawn alternative to grass, giving the area texture and beauty without the need for chemicals and constant care.

4. Borders are a typical garden design element. The Idea Garden Borders are populated with native plants, thereby offering differing seasonal color, texture, and shapes. The borders in this garden were a showcase both for partial shade and deeper shade plants and also integrated some garden pots into the landscape. These beautiful landscapes were also functioning ecosystems, providing food and habitat for insects, birds, and other animals.
5. The newest section in the Idea Garden is the Edible Garden. The Horticulture Staff continues to work on the design and elements of this garden, however, it already has a number of edible plants which will expand as each season progresses. The three sisters of corn, zucchini, and beans (planted in the ground) were joined by the three brothers of Jerusalem artichoke, groundnut, and wild ginger (planted in containers). Miners lettuce (the only native lettuce in New England) was also  planted in 2010. The edible garden was expanded in the fall of 2010 to include an herb garden which showcases native plants used for medicinal purposes. Tours given in 2011 explained their uses during the Civil War as part of the Framingham Remembers 150 Years; Commemorating the Civil War.

Included in the Idea Garden is a living fence. This composting concept gives the Idea Garden a fascinating organization. The living fence also has its own section under GROW on this website.  

In 2011, the Invasive Plant Jail was relocated from the New England Rare Plant Garden to the Idea Garden. This exhibit of invasive species helps conservationists and gardeners know these plants, understand how to remove them, and helps decide which native species make excellent substitutes.

The Idea Garden is literally full of ideas for gardeners to adapt to their own landscapes whether their landscapes are large or small. Come back to the Idea Garden at Garden in the Woods often to see what has been added or changed.