Enabling Garden
SELFLESS DEDICATION, CREATIVITY, AND PERSEVERANCE: We echo those words of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, spoken during a virtual Volunteer Awards ceremony on July 14th. Three of our gardeners, Sandie Hamilton and Gary and Marlene Olson were among them. Sandie was noted for her fantastic leadership through the expansion years of the garden. She helped to budget, coordinate and provide guidance. She also served on the Master Gardener Steering Committee. The Olsons were nominated for their artistic and creative talents, organizational capabilities, and hours of hard work behind all events. They have encouraged every single one of us to believe that amazing results can and will surpass all expectations (see attached photo).
The word went out that presentation of certificates would occur during our regular Tuesday work night on August 31st; pizza party on the house. Thirty-five attended, testifying to the fact of how deserving all three are of this award. Thank you, Sandie, Gary and Marlene; you really have been the ‘steam in our train’. Alone we can do so little; together we accomplish much.
A BIT OF HISTORY: While on the subject of awards, this seems like an opportune time to share with you a previous Enabling Garden award winner. After taking Master Gardener classes in 2001, Paula Winslow had a dream and a desire to develop a garden for volunteers in her native Altoona. Fundraising and architectural plans began in 2002. I came along in 2004. After two years of working alongside Paula, I nominated her for Altoona’s 2006 Citizen of the Year Award. She was honored at the annual Chamber of Commerce awards night in January 2007. Paula has left a legacy not to be forgotten by Altoona and East Polk County. “You have no idea what your legacy will be because your legacy is every life you touch” (by Maya Angelou). Watch for more history of the Enabling Garden in future newsletters.
RAIN GARDEN: It was totally renovated beginning last fall and into early spring. Along with plants that do not mind ‘wet feet’, colorful flowers and shrubs were added. You’ll notice the seeds and roots of native Iowa prairie flowers are tough; they did not mind being resettled through all the movement of soil. Thank you, Mike and Eva Henderson, for seeing the possibilities, checking with other sources, following through with a plan for preparation, and bringing all to fruition. We love the results.
ADDING SOME SHADE: We’ve planted another tree. Where is it? It is across the trail from the garden entrance. A Frontier Elm reaches 40’ in height and 30’ in width. Its small leaves turn a lovely red-purple coloration in the fall. Bearing no seeds, it should prove to be an ideal tree in the urban landscape.
Altoona’s city arborist asked for names of all the trees recently planted in the garden. If given a quiz about younger trees in the garden, how would we all do? For the records, here’s a review going back two years: Bald Cypress, Wild Fire Black Gum Tree, Korean Sun Pear, Ann Magnolia, Yellowwood, American Larch, Firebird Crabapple, Frontier Elm.
A FEW FACE-LIFTS: 1. Thanks to a number of volunteers, the porch swing and two brown benches have been sanded and painted. 2. A fold-down umbrella was purchased for the green picnic table. 3. After being reset and flowing again, the bubble rock is now surrounded by a fresh arrangement of smaller rocks, plants and grasses. The whole picture pulls you in to pause, look, think, and connect. “It’s far too restricting to say that art can only be found in art galleries and not touch other people’s lives” (by Ken Done).
FALL CLEAN-UP DAYS AHEAD: We all agree, it was a hot, dry summer. If summer heat and allergies bothered you, then say hello to fall clean up days in the garden. Two dates have been scheduled: Tuesday, October 12th (starting around 4:00 PM or earlier), and Saturday, October 16th (starting at 9:00 AM). With a weekend option, we hope to see some new faces. Several beds remain open for adoption; they vary in size. If you’ve had to back away and would like to sign on for next spring, please take a look. One of the chairs will assist you.
A GARDEN OR PARK? As volunteers in the garden, how many of us have intentionally spent time in the garden to just relax, read, or to enjoy a group visit with others? Most of us call it a garden, appealing to all of the five senses. This year I’ve frequently heard the garden described as a ‘park’ from both adults and children. Walkers and bicyclists pause for a break. Retirees and senior citizens are frequent visitors for the sole purpose of fellowship. They come carrying their lawn chairs; a testimony that comfortable seating is equally important as satisfying the senses.
Sometimes you just have to believe you’re positioned to be in the right place at the right time. My husband, Larry, drove by Caring Hands Secondhand Treasures and spotted a stack of four patio chairs in front of the building. He drove home to pick me up. Upon hearing that these chairs were going to the Enabling Garden, the volunteer staff gave us a deal and added another chair. Five comfortable chairs for a fraction of what they’re worth. Comments of appreciation continue to reach us.
NOTES FROM THE MAILBOX: 1. I love this garden; there is a sand pile (from a child). 2. A beautiful park. This 91 year old grandma enjoyed it so much with her 4 year old great granddaughter (from Clear Lake, IA).
3. Beautiful place; birds chirping, butterflies playing, hearts opening. Thank you!
Submitted by Ruth O’Connor
Co-Chairs:
