A Legacy of Growth – DCMGA Celebrating 30 Years of Community Impact!

Door County Master Gardeners Association (DCMGA) is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2025! From its founding in 1995, DCMGA volunteers have left a legacy of gardening education and community service throughout Door County. Organized under the University of Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program, members worked to extend the reach of the University to educate the people of Wisconsin in environmentally sound gardening practices and make a positive impact through community outreach. 

In its very first year, the board had a vision for a positive and tangible educational and service presence with the establishment of a public Show Garden. Over the next several years, the display garden concept ‘took root’ and planning continued. A one acre parcel within the UW Peninsular Agricultural Research Station (PARS) was dedicated to the garden, and the design included woody and perennial gardens on the order of the Allen Centennial Gardens at UW Madison. Actual work began on the garden in 1997 and continued through 2005 with the installation of deciduous border plants, specimen trees, stone paths, a pond, perennial and raised vegetable beds, a garden shed, the central tunnel and the entrance structure. In 2004 the Show Garden was officially renamed The Garden Door. After 10 years of design and development, The Garden Door Grand Opening was celebrated on July 16, 2005. Over the next two decades, the display garden has continued to evolve with additional garden areas, beautiful art and hardscape structures to become a popular visitor destination. Signage on pollinators, invasive species, and the local Niagara Escarpment geology provide important educational elements.

Lifelong learning and community service are key elements of the DCMGA mission and education is incorporated in all our programs. New Foundations in Gardening course participants are encouraged to join our activities in the greenhouse. Our free public lecture series sponsors gardening experts on a variety of current topics. Volunteers working in The Garden Door frequently answer visitors’ gardening questions, and Learning in Retirement and other groups regularly tour the gardens. Member volunteers continuously learn and experiment in the greenhouse, and our plant experts offer practical advice at the annual plant sale. DCMGA members volunteer thousands of hours every year in support of educational and community service projects throughout Door County.  

There have been challenges over the years. During COVID, The Garden Door property and the greenhouse were off limits by University of Wisconsin policy. As a result, the garden suffered from neglect and two consecutive annual plant sale fundraisers were cancelled. UW Extension reduced county educator staff, moved to an online course format, and changed its support of master gardener organizations. Fortunately prudent financial management provided reserves to weather the fundraising drought, board leadership was creative and nimble, and members were unwavering in their commitment. DCMGA emerged a stronger and more resilient organization.   

As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, we look back with pride and gratitude for the impact our dedicated members have had in this community, and we look forward with enthusiasm and excitement for the possibilities of the future!