The Gardens at IPPL
Established in 2015, the Gardens at IPPL, formerly known as the Prairie Patch, has provided learning and exploration for youth as kids and teens explore the science behind gardening each summer. This also is a place of relaxation and beauty, which is perfect for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These essential creatures are important for the ecosystem and pollinate the plants that people and animals eat. We wouldn’t have fruit and vegetables without pollinators!
A generous donation from Dhiren and Kailas Sanghani, in honor of their son Keshav, provided needed upgrades to the area in 2022. Keshav’s Garden has raised beds and additional garden furniture and activities to enhance the outdoor classroom. The Gardens at IPPL is a Monarch Waystation. We received certification in 2020 for creating a habitat that helps preserve the species and support the butterflies' amazing migration every year.
Keshav’s Garden
At Keshav’s Garden, young minds are cultivated through programming that teaches kids and teens the math and science behind gardening. Keshav’s Garden was donated by Dhiren and Kailas Sanghani in memory of their son, Keshav.
Bea’s Garden
Visit Bea’s Garden, a special home for insects in the Gardens at IPPL, which includes bee habitats and pollinator plants to attract butterflies and bees. Bea’s Garden was donated by the Lawrence Family in memory of their daughter, Bea.
Girl Scout Benches
Grab a seat on the green benches donated by Girl Scouts Troop 55582! It's a great place to relax.
Outdoor Patio
Snag a seat on a bench or at one of our outdoor tables. Enjoy those sunny spring and summer days at IPPL. It's a great place to relax or get work done as our wi-fi reaches outdoors.
History
The roots of the Gardens at IPPL were started with the community in mind. Originally called the Prairie Patch, the gardens were started in 2016, in partnership with GoodWorx. Since then, the Gardens at IPPL has evolved. With the help of community volunteers and the Darien Garden Club, the Gardens at IPPL not only cultivates fresh food for the community, but it also grows the minds of kids, who learn from library programs. Whenever possible, as the weather allows, the garden is watered using the rain barrel system that was installed by the Eagle Scouts of Boy Scout Troop 101 in Darien.
Seed Library
Stop by our Seed Library on the second floor, where you can pick up up to four seed packets per visit to grow at home. Once your plants produce seeds, you’re encouraged to bring some back to donate and help grow the collection for the entire IPPL community.
Enjoy your harvest and let the healthiest plants go to seed. Save these seeds and return some to the library for next year. Seed donations can be given to staff at the 2nd-floor Kids & Teens Desk with a completed IPPL Seed Library Donation form, which is available in the drawer of the Seed Library. Please be sure that donated seeds are clean of extra plant material (i.e., pods, husks, and chaff) and are dry and mold-free. Note: We only accept openly pollinated and heirloom seeds and do not knowingly accept hybrid, patented, or genetically modified seeds. The Seed Library is generously sponsored by the Darien Garden Club.
