A Riparian Buffer Demonstration Garden
Brickyard Landing Park Demonstration Garden started as a Water Steward project and soon developed into a cooperative project between Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists. It serves the educational mission of the Master Gardeners while meeting the mission of the Master Naturalists by developing habitat, and volunteers from both organizations have been integral to the project’s implementation. This 119-acre park sits at a beautiful spot along the Chickahominy River at 990 Brickyard Rd., Toano, Virginia.
Why a Riparian Buffer Garden?
With so much of James City County on or near water, managing riparian areas is critical. Even people not living on the water often have low, wet spots in their yards or erosion issues during heavy stormwater events. Plants can play an important role in managing stormwater issues, and this project can help homeowners plant the best plants for their situation.
Cooperative Effort
The initiative that began in the fall of 2023 has blossomed into a vibrant community project, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists. With the generous grant funding secured through James City County, Colonial Water and Soil District, and Coastal Resilience and Trees Fund, the project has seen the successful installation of 220 native trees and woody shrubs, and an impressive 1500 native grasses and perennials. The trees and shrubs include a small food forest of blueberries, hazelnuts, plums, and serviceberries. These plantings, meticulously placed by Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers, alongside James City County Parks employees, are now taking root, transforming the landscape into a flourishing ecosystem. Volunteers seeded a native meadow in December of 2024, which included more than 20 species of grasses and perennials. The dedication to nurturing these new additions is evident in the regular watering, weeding, and mulching sessions, ensuring the plants' establishment and growth. It's a labor of love that not only beautifies the area but also contributes to the environmental health of the community.
What is next?
Grant funding from the Ford’s Colony Garden Club will allow volunteers to add larger plants to the meadow so visitors can see what mature plants look like while the seeded plants are getting established. Volunteers will also add grasses and shrubs at the shoreline to help reduce erosion.
Learn More
If you want to learn about native plants, meadow installation, riparian buffers or want to get involved in this garden project, volunteers work in the garden Monday and Thursday mornings through October, as well as at other times when there are major plant installations.
