The Cedars in Lenexa in Johnson County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Gardens: A Way to Survive

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026

1. Gardens: A Way to Survive Marker

Inscription.
Gardens were important to early settlers because of limited places to purchase produce and other goods. Settlers needed to grow their own food to survive. Each generation taught the next how to garden and prepare food for storage. This garden includes many herbs used for dyes, medicine and flavor.

A volunteer garden committee made up of Lenexa Historical Society members was put together in 1985 to create a plan for the garden. The garden was originally modeled after the type of herb garden the Legler family likely had in the late 1800s. Their plan was achieved with a donation from the Shawnee Mission Belle Questers group and help from several community members.

Many varieties of native plants can be found in the garden. There are many benefits of planting native plant species.

Native Plants
•…do not require fertilizers and require fewer pesticides than lawns.
•…require less water than lawns and help prevent erosion.
•…help reduce air pollution.
•…provide shelter and food for wildlife.
•…promote biodiversity and stewardship of our national heritage.
•…are beautiful and increase scenic values!

Erected by Lenexa

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Historical Museum and Lenexa Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1985.

Location. 38° 58.236′ N, 94° 45.551′ W. Marker is in Lenexa, Kansas, in Johnson County. It is in The Cedars. It can be reached from West 87th Street Parkway east of Lackman Road. Marker is located behind the Legler Barn at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14907 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa KS 66215, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas and specifically in Greater Kansas City.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

on the Southern Plains,

and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Legler Barn: A Lasting Legacy (a few steps from

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026

2. Gardens: A Way to Survive Marker

this marker); Wait Station: Connecting Suburbs (within shouting distance of this marker); The Burlington Northern Caboose: Control Center & Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Lenexa Railroad Depot: Spurs Growth (within shouting distance of this marker); Depot Operations & Layout (within shouting distance of this marker); Bandstands: Bringing the Community Together (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Rose Family (approx. ¼ mile away); Lenexa Rolling Magic Skate Park (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lenexa.

Also see . . . Legler Barn Museum Depot (City of Lenexa website). (Submitted on September 30, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

nearby marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026

3. nearby marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.