Children’s Garden sports new features

VW Parks Department information

Come and visit the award-winning Children’s Garden this summer. The Smiley Park Children’s Garden was chosen as one of the top 10 destination gardens in the nation by Horticulture magazine. Not only will area residents see why it has received such honors, but they should also take the time to get a glimpse of the new and exciting things in the garden. At the top of the list is the Crooked House, a very popular spot for the children to play and imagine. Eric McCracken of Lee Kinstle’s GM Sales & Service made this new feature possible.

Those who walk through the gardens will notice a few new beds. Kennedy-Kuhn John Deere sponsored the “Growing Food for the Hungry” garden. These raised beds have been planted with vegetables and everything people would find in their own back garden. All the produce from these beds will be given to the local food pantry.

Don’t forget to check out the new addition to the Fossil Garden. A new dinosaur has made it his home. Robin Kraner from Stoneco has been the driving force behind this garden and will also be conducting classes in conjunction with the Master Gardeners on how fossils are formed and about the rock beneath us.

Many thanks to Alex and Bryce Campbell as they once again have designed and are caring for the Van Wert County Hospital’s “Healthy Me” garden. New this year in this garden is a root box that shows carrots and potatoes growing. All the produce from this garden will also be donated to the local food pantry.

Master Gardeners Connie Rhodes, Amy Moser, Dee Jackson and Ruth Ann Covey have been working hard to bring educational programming into the Gardens this year. The first program was held in the new raised bed garden called “Busy Hands Garden”. Under their direction the children planted these gardens. Those who missed out on the first two programs shouldn’t miss these:

• July 5, 10-11 a.m. — Let it Rot, Composting at its Best! (fossil and sand art presentation also)
• July 19, 10-11 a.m. — Treasure Hunt Extravaganza! (It’s a pirate’s life for the day! Find treasures in the garden and take them home)
• August 2, 10-11 a.m. — Pollination Jubilation! (What do hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bees and bats have in common?)
• August 16, 10 a.m.-noon — Grand finale! Garden party!

To register for any of the remaining sessions contact the Parks Department at 419.238.9121. Each Session is $5 per child. Fees can be paid the day of the program.

Without the support of the community, Smiley Park Children’s Garden could not be enjoyed by all or have the success it has had. The Master Gardeners and Van Wert Parks Department would like to say “thanks” to all who have helped and supported the garden.