The Backyard Garden is a one-acre Extension Master Gardener demonstration garden located at the Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center, just south of De Soto. In 2024, the garden celebrated 20 years of education, community connection and growing with purpose.

What makes this space so special? The garden showcases research-based, sustainable techniques that home gardeners can replicate to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. It features fruit trees, blueberry bushes, squash, cucumbers, cut flowers, pollinator plants, native species and more.

The demonstration garden, located at 35230 West 135th St., Olathe, is usually open only during Extension Master Gardener workdays or by appointment. A special 20th Anniversary Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, will allow visitors to explore this vibrant living classroom, discover practical gardening ideas and celebrate two decades of impact.

All food grown is donated to local food pantries—more than 6,000 pounds in 2024 alone —helping fight food insecurity in Johnson County, where 1 in 5 children is food insecure.

Registration to the open house is requested by visiting tinyurl.com/5n9ysv8h or johnson.ksu.edu.