The newest plant addition to Gilman Park Arboretum is the Wet Mesic Garden, located in the southeast corner of the area.  It was originally planned to be a wetland garden, but the designation seemed to be a misnomer during the recent drought.  The area can be very wet, sometimes with standing water, but during recent years it hasn’t looked at all like a “wetland.”  Hence, the name “Wet Mesic” which is defined as “excessively wet in winter, spring, and after heavy rain, but often dries in summer.” This garden will be a demonstration plot for plants that will withstand very wet soils, and still flourish.  There are presently four species of trees, five shrubs and 16 different perennials planted in the garden. More perennials will be planted in 2008 to finish the project.

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