‘Three sisters’ are almost ready to harvest

Crops are ripening at the Three Sisters Garden at the UW–Madison Arboretum, planted by Madison area tribal communities in coordination with staff from the Arboretum and the Department of Horticulture. The “Three Sisters” are the three main agricultural crops of many Native American tribes: corn, beans and squash. Often they’re planted together in a single mound.

A friendly scarecrow stands guard at the Three Sisters Garden. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Corn is one of the 'three sisters," along with squash and beans. Photo by: Bryce Richter

An orange pumpkin is ripening at the Three Sisters Garden. Photo by: Bryce Richter

A sunflower, heavy with seeds, begins to droop. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Photo: An overall look at the garden surrounded by a fence.

The entrance to the Three Sisters Garden planted by Madison area tribal communities in coordination with staff from UW-Madison Arboretum and the Department of Horticulture. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Stalks of amaranth take in the afternoon sun. Photo by: Bryce Richter

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Photo gallery ‘Three sisters’ are almost ready to harvest