Horticulture/Flowers

Annual and Perennial Beds

The Grand Forks Park District has a variety of flowerbed sites throughout our parks and golf courses that are planted and maintained annually. Between the hard work of our seasonal horticulture crew and the assistance of local contractors, the Park District is proud to provide the community with beautiful flowers each year!

 

Native Prairies

In partnership with the City of Grand Forks, the ND Audobon Society, and Minnesota Native Landscapes, the Parks District has implemented several Native Prairies and Wetlands along the English Coulee. These areas help to mitigate storm water runoff as well as providing habitats for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. To learn more, visit the City of Grand Forks’ website, here.

 

Bee & Wasp Awareness

Native prairies and pollinators like bees and wasps play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring the success of local agriculture. Protecting them starts with understanding how to safely coexist.

Around Bees:

  • Stay calm – Bees are usually non-aggressive unless provoked.
  • Avoid swatting – Sudden movements can trigger aggression.
  • Move slowly – Walk away gently without flailing.
  • Skip strong scents – Perfumes and lotions may attract bees.
  • Cover food & drinks – Sweet items draw bees in; wash hands after eating.

Around Wasps:

  • Stay alert – Wasps are more aggressive, especially in late summer.
  • Avoid sudden movements – Swatting can provoke them.
  • Back away slowly – Don’t run or wave your arms.
  • Seal trash & food – Wasps love sugary and protein-rich items.
  • Wear neutral colors – Bright clothing can attract wasps.

Information provided by Mayo Clinic Health System and Safe Kids Grand Forks.

 

Community Gardens

No room for a garden? We can help! Available through the Park District’s Horticulture Department is an opportunity for you to rent a garden plot in the Community Gardens.

 

Free Compost, Mulch, and Leaves

The Grand Forks Parks District provides, for free, limited quantities of hand-made Mulch and Compost to the Grand Forks community. There is also a large amount of fall collected leaves available for gardeners to use as a mulch alternative in their garden beds.

Amounts available per household are as follows: 

  • Mulch – 1 pick-up load
  • Compost – 2 trash cans
  • Leaves – 2 pickup loads

The materials can be found at our Old Dutch location at 2474 Bacon Rd, Monday-Thursday from 7:00am-4:30pm and Fridays from 7:00-11:00am.