Where can I see what this type of lawn looks like in person?

By Jon Trappe

We often speak to people about the benefits of improved cultivars, species, or mixtures, and a common question by those looking to learn more is where can they go see and feel these in person. Below are two areas where folks can come and see maintained demonstration plots that are signed and open to the public.

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - Chanhassen, MN

Eleven turfgrass demonstration plots were seeded in August 2024, covered with a Futerra germination blanket, and irrigated until established (Figure 1). The plots were installed to educate the public about the various turfgrass species that make up Minnesota lawns. 

There are 9 turfgrass species represented in the plots, with two plots representing mixtures of multiple species. These plots are maintained like a lawn, based on University of Minnesota best management practices - mowed as needed at a height of 3.5 inches, fertilized as needed, irrigated only to prevent death of the plots, and treated with minimal pest control to maintain plot integrity.

Each plot is signed with some basic information about the species or mixture:

1. ‘Seabreeze’ slender creeping red fescue
2. Bee lawn mixture - 95% fine fescue mix, 4.5% Dutch creeping white clover, 2.5% self heal, 0.5% creeping thyme
3. Fine fescue mixture - 25% each of ‘MNHD’ hard fescue, ‘Radar’ Chewings fescue, 'Cardinal II' strong creeping red fescue, 'Seabreeze' slender creeping red fescue
4. 'Cardinal II' strong creeping red fescue
5. ‘Radar’ Chewings fescue
6. ‘MNHD’ hard fescue
7. ‘Blue Hornet’ sheep fescue
8. ‘Confetti’ perennial ryegrass
9. ‘Saltillo’ tall fescue
10. ‘BlueNote’ Kentucky bluegrass
11. ‘Sundancer’ buffalograss 

The plots are right next to the Red Barn (Figure 2), which is located at the Farm at the Arb. The Arboretum does require a ticket for admission if you are not already a member. You can purchase tickets in advance on the Arboretum’s website.

Generally speaking, we do not recommend planting a single cultivar or species for a lawn. A diverse mixture of species and cultivars is more adaptable to variable site and weather conditions. Check out Buying turfgrass seed for Minnesota lawns for more information on how to choose the right grass seed and mixture for your lawn. 

State Fairgrounds, Saint Paul, MN

There are four demonstration plots located at the State Fairgrounds (Figure 3). These plots include:

1. Kentucky bluegrass
2. Tall fescue
3. Bee lawn mixture - 95% fine fescue mix, 4.5% Dutch creeping white clover, 2.5% self heal, 0.5% creeping thyme
4. Fine fescue mixture - 25% each of ‘Celestial’ strong creeping red fescue, ‘Enchantment’ Chewings fescue, ‘Bighorn GT’ hard fescue, and ‘Blue Mesa’ sheep fescue

The plots at the State Fairgrounds were dormant seeded in November 2023, and they are located outside of the southeast entrance to the Horticulture Building.

The State Fairgrounds are generally free to enter between approximately 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. daily, with the exception of events that require admission. Be sure to check the State Fairgrounds events page if you are planning to visit.