Developing and Utilizing a Weed Garden in Your Extension Program.

Two weed gardens were constructed at Purdue University to quantify and improve identification skills among clientele. The agronomic weed garden was planted with over 350 weed species based on input from the weed science program,  while the turf and landscape weed garden was planted with over 100 weed species based on survey feedback regarding problematic weeds. The weed populations in both gardens are continually adjusted to reflect the ever-changing demographic of weed populations and weed management related issues in the Midwest. The weed gardens have proved useful for enhancing traditional lecture-based seminars by introducing additional hands-on learning activities. Through seminar and field day attendee feedback, data were gathered on turf and landscape weeds commonly misidentified. The data reflected the need to continue focusing education efforts on weed identification and to emphasize training on weeds commonly misidentified in the field. Through continued use of the weed gardens, extension specialists can enhance clientele identification skills and aid in developing effective weed management strategies.