Phase 1 of Garden Project Set for Fall Festival Debut

Usually, my Groundhog article is a recap of the previous month’s program. However, roses will be the topic for a future issue, because this person forgot about the deadline and needs more time to get that one all together. President Rhea Pirch made a great presentation, but I forgot to ask for her notes. According to some scientific research, forgetfulness can be a sign of higher intelligence. The brain’s ability to selectively forget irrelevant information allows it to focus on what’s truly important for making better decisions and adapting to new situations. That sounds like a pretty good excuse to me!

What several folks in the Rhododendron Garden Club have been focused on is transforming the space between the Shigley Amphitheater and Moon Lake Gym into a wildflower/shade/native garden. Mostly, it’s been an effort to control invasive plants and weeds, but no more! We have a plan.

By the time the Fall Festival takes place, Phase 1 will be completed. The plan is to build a wattle fence; power wash and level the gazebo; power wash the back of the gym and paint an eye-catching mural on the wall; and finally, add rain barrels. During the festival, please visit the garden, see the progress, and take a photo with Beatrix the Butterfly (Latin for “blessed one”). We may have a kaleidoscope, which is the name for a group of butterflies. Papilio is Latin for butterfly, so a kaleidoscope of Papilio.

According to Fernhill Garden Center, “Wattle fencing has been around for centuries. It’s done by weaving thin branches through poles to make panels, and it goes right back to Neolithic times, so it’s a well-tried technique! Use a low wattle fence to define the edge of a bed and make a good wind barrier to protect young seedlings. It can be used to keep out critters or keep pigs, goats, or even cows penned in. Our wattle fence will be located in front of a berm. The berm was an easy way to recycle the sticks, weeds, and leaves but wound up looking unkempt, so this wattle will hide that and add beauty. Willow sails used in building will often take root, and then the wattle will become a living fence. No willow wattle — too much growing already.

A wildflower, pollinator garden was started and maintained by founding members of the RGC. Bill Berry, principal of Moon Lake, supported the garden, and after the school closed, he asked the club to return the garden to its former glory. The shade, invasive plants, and weeds prevented the return to a wildflower, pollinator, or native garden, so we adapted. Like a family, the garden has matriarchs, stately and stoic; some babies, new and needing attention; but, unfortunately, many cousins, those annoying ones that just keep coming back!

Phases 2 and 3 will incorporate an arbor to invite folks into the space, and the area below the path will be planted with natives only. Markers will be placed with common and botanical names to add an educational benefit. A boardwalk from the amphitheater entrance to the gazebo will replace the sawdust-covered walkway currently being used. Paths to meander through the space and boardwalks along the creek will be added.

Maintenance of the area must be addressed. These bodies aren’t getting any younger!

Remember to come by the fairgrounds and visit the Flower Show, Night at the Movies. A special “Oscar” will go to the Design or Botanical Arts voted Best in Show by the public. That’s you! Make your choice known.

Our next meeting will be on October 14 at the Library at 10 a.m. The topic will be Garden Photos by RGC’s own Lesa Cummings, photographer extraordinaire!