OUR LADY'S GARDEN
Anyone who has gardened knows there's no such thing as a finished garden. A garden is always a work in progress, even though at times it may seem to look "just right." Today's flowers fade, only to be replaced in another area with plants of equal beauty. The freshly mown grass turns brown from the hot sun and eager weeds jump into place. There is always one more wall to build, rock to move, or gate to construct.
The loyal Facilities & Grounds Ministry Team, who have worked from the very beginning to make Our Lady's Garden a reality have not only contributed blood, sweat and tears, but theirs has been a true labor of love. To the casual observer, it has undoubtedly appeared to be a very slow process. But all of the volunteers did such an unbelievable amount of work, showing up Saturday mornings through every kind of weather for the past three years. They gave of their time, talents and money to offer this garden named for Our Lady, to be used by our parish and the community.
Every project begins with an idea, a workable plan, donors who start things moving in the right direction, and then a group of workers who are willing to make it a reality. Everyone involved knows who they are and how much their effort is appreciated. It took all of us to create Our Lady's Garden, and will take many more willing hands to make it worthy of the name above its entryway. We hope all of you know that you are not only welcome but needed as gardeners for Our Lady.
Adopt a Garden Bed Plan
A total of 19 wooden-framed beds are available for adoption by our parishioners. At present, they are planted with both perennials and annuals. Planters on the Frederick Avenue side contain climbing roses which help to buffer the traffic noises. The roses will continue to be maintained by ministry team members. However, any other plants in those boxes will be the responsibility of the parishioner(s) who adopt the beds.
Beds will be identified by number and can be selected accordingly. At present, most beds require sun-loving plants. As our trees continue to grow, shade plants may be used. Plant suggestion lists will be available at the parish, which may be helpful for you. Buying plants, caring for them according to their needs and replacing those that fall prey to varmits, weather, or other problems will be your job and your joy. Wait until you see someone admiring your flower bed! Each bed will be marked with the name of the adoptive gardener and may be kept as your own until you choose to place it back up for adoption at the end of any year. We hope you will fall in love with gardening and will choose this as one way to use your God-given talents.
