Dear Editor,
(In response to: ‘Village heritage garden issues grow,? The Citizen, Aug 1, page 3. Editor’s note: text is written from the perspective of a rabbit.)
Dear enlightened citizens of Ortonville and Brandon Township:
The children are finally out on their own so I finally have a few stolen moments to write to you a long overdue thank you.
We, my large extended family and I, have for many years now been forced to make our nests in dangerous and unfriendly turfs. That’s right, turfs. As in well-mowed, dog and child-infested, two-inch high, mostly inedible grass. That kinda describes the yards in Ortonville where I live.
But, finally, three years ago, some dedicated enlightened folks (master gardeners and such) decided it was high time they showed (as in educated) the locals what yards and gardens and fields should look like. You know, what attracts and supports the wildlife that they so dearly love, and what protects and enhances the creeks, ponds and lakes that calm the local folks? hearts from all their daily stress. They call it Heritage Garden.
Well, you get the idea. I just wanted to say thank you. The grasses, flowers, bushes and trees are just what we need. They give us shelter and food we, and so many of our wildlife friends, need. I remember great-great-great-great-great grandpa telling us about the gardens back in the days of the working downtown and flowing waters at the mill. This looks and feels just like he described. It’s perfect.
I sign this with gratitude for your insight and foresight and love of your historical and environmental culture. Hopefully, everyone will respect your work.
Cheryl L. Gault, Brandon Twp.