The Rochester Hills Public Library received a Keep Michigan Beautiful (KMB) award on October 21st for the garden behind the library. The garden is 20 years old and is an example of community involvement. The Women’s National Farm and Garden – Rochester Branch (WNFS) originally purchased the plants for the garden, which was maintained by the library. Over the years the WNFG members have rearranged and replanted the garden.
“I love looking at this garden,” said library director Christine Lind Hage. “People walk their children and pets through the garden year round.” This semi-hidden garden is a real Rochester treasure.
In 1993 Dick and Robyn Moore donated the garden’s bronze sculpture entitled Keep the Ball Rolling in memory of the son Andrew. In 2005 the Al and Michelle Jones enhanced the area by creating a butterfly garden in memory of their son Tyler. Glenn and Wanda Tarr were memorialized by their family through the donation of two flowering dogwoods. A few years later Joe Stouffer, son of library trustee Chuck Stouffer, added a flagstone path through the garden as his Eagle Scout project. So many people have contributed to making this garden special.
One of the most significant and ongoing contributions to the beautiful garden is given by area master gardeners. Master Gardener Karen Sadovsky has tended the garden for the last few years. Each year she prepares the flower beds, thins out perennials and weeds throughout the summer. The garden has truly flourished under her care.
Library Board Trustee Chuck Stouffer received the award plaque at the KMB conference in Grand Rapids at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. “We are honored to have this garden recognized for the gem that it is,” said Stouffer. “It truly reflects a community wide project and enriches the lives of all who visit or view it from the library.”
Located on Olde Towne Road, across from the post office in downtown Rochester, the library is open from 9 – 9 Monday through Thursday, from 9 – 6 on Fridays and Saturdays and from 1 – 6 on Sundays during the school year. The garden is open 24/7 year round.
About Tom and Ann Gendich