For over a hundred years, children have listened with imagination to Beatrix Potter’s ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit.?
Very soon Clarkston area children can see that story and three other childhood favorites come alive at the Independence Township Library thanks to the Clarkston Farm and Garden Club.
On June 10, the club planted the first of four children’s gardens at the front of the library. Club members installed a rabbit topiary and mailbox, while planting seedlings of cabbage, parsley, carrots, radishes and other plants needed to recreate Mr. McGregor’s garden where Peter Rabbit caused mischief.
‘We want to stimulate the imagination and the fascination for reading with children,? said Clarkston Farm and Garden Club Chairman of Library Grounds Anita Andes.
Club president Cathy Grogan also expressed excitement about the opportunity presented by the four gardens which will be completed as funds allow.
‘I just can’t wait until it’s all done. I love everything about this project,? said Grogan. ‘There’s so much in the garden to catch kids? attention.?
The garden was made possible after the club received a $1,500 Hazel Herring grant from their national organization on June 3 and by funds collected through the local group’s activities set aside a year ago. Andes said the garden cost a over $1,600.
Herring was a former national organization president, still living, who set aside the funds so people doing worthwhile projects can benefit, explained Grogan.
‘This is a perfect project for the grant because the national group’s focus is on education and gardening. It fit in so well with what the grant is all about. It’s very appropriate,? said Grogan.
‘We just think it’s amazing. They do so much work here. They’ve been doing the gardens for years. They raise the bar every year,? said Independence Township Library Director Julie Meredith. ‘They make the library look spectacular and we couldn’t have (these gardens) without them.?
According to Andes, who headed up the project, the four theme gardens include ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit,? ‘The Giving Tree,? ‘The Secret Garden? and ‘The Frog Prince,? which all will include story related items. The idea was inspired by a children’s garden at Michigan State University.
‘These are all garden-related stories and the titles were chosen by vote of membership. These were the top four favorite children’s books of the club.? said Andes who estimated the entire project may take two years, but that the next garden would start soon.
The club is also opening up the opportunity for community members to honor family and friends by making donations towards the establishment of the gardens, said Andes.
For more information visit the Clarkston Farm and Garden Club’s Web site at www.clarkstongardenclub.org.