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To contact the Lee County Historical Society, call Deborah McCord at 334-821-1301 or email bigalmccord@bellsouth.net.
Project Description:
Grandma’s Garden in Pioneer Park in Loachapoka started in 2010 by Lee County Master Gardeners who had a vision for a cottage style garden to occupy the area between an herb garden and an old timey medical office. The space was an empty field full of weeds, but the MGs were determined to develop the garden into a cheerful space filled with color and beauty.
The vision began with a sketch of an informal garden with wandering paths and raised beds filled with old fashioned plants. Weeds were pulled. Rocks were used to create walls for raised beds. The soil was improved with mulch and compost, until no trace of red clay remained. Loachapoka Community Members donated old bricks for edging the walkways, a grist meal wheel, gravel for the walkways, and machinery from a cotton gin. Local gardeners, Charles and Peggy Mitchell, donated a covered bench and planted a Peggy Martin rose next to it.
Crepe myrtle trees, butterfly bushes, gardenias, althea, and spirea provide foundation pieces. Heirloom narcissus, iris, rambling roses, and daisies bloom in the spring. Summer brings daylilies, gladiolus, rudbeckia, and cannas. Swamp sunflowers, native ageratum, and confederate roses bloom in the fall. During the winter, defined paths and benches provide a framework for enjoying the remaining greenery. Whimsical pieces such as a footed bathtub, bicycle, rooster, weathervane, leaf shaped bird bath, and millstone fountain are all on display.
The garden is visited by the public the second Saturday of each month. Concerts, book readings, and school field trips take place throughout the year. The Historical Society’s annual fair in October brings thousands of visitors through the garden paths. Strong friendships have been forged over the years as the MGs have continued to shape and tend the garden. The vision has become a reality.
Volunteers are welcome. If you would like to volunteer to help at any of the Lee County Master Gardener projects, please contact the Lee County Cooperative Extension Service Office, 600 S. 7th Street, Opelika AL 36801 to be connected with a project leader. Office: 334-749-3353
Project Description:
Grandma’s Garden in Pioneer Park in Loachapoka started in 2010 by Lee County Master Gardeners who had a vision for a cottage style garden to occupy the area between an herb garden and an old timey medical office. The space was an empty field full of weeds, but the MGs were determined to develop the garden into a cheerful space filled with color and beauty.
The vision began with a sketch of an informal garden with wandering paths and raised beds filled with old fashioned plants. Weeds were pulled. Rocks were used to create walls for raised beds. The soil was improved with mulch and compost, until no trace of red clay remained. Loachapoka Community Members donated old bricks for edging the walkways, a grist meal wheel, gravel for the walkways, and machinery from a cotton gin. Local gardeners, Charles and Peggy Mitchell, donated a covered bench and planted a Peggy Martin rose next to it.
Crepe myrtle trees, butterfly bushes, gardenias, althea, and spirea provide foundation pieces. Heirloom narcissus, iris, rambling roses, and daisies bloom in the spring. Summer brings daylilies, gladiolus, rudbeckia, and cannas. Swamp sunflowers, native ageratum, and confederate roses bloom in the fall. During the winter, defined paths and benches provide a framework for enjoying the remaining greenery. Whimsical pieces such as a footed bathtub, bicycle, rooster, weathervane, leaf shaped bird bath, and millstone fountain are all on display.
The garden is visited by the public the second Saturday of each month. Concerts, book readings, and school field trips take place throughout the year. The Historical Society’s annual fair in October brings thousands of visitors through the garden paths. Strong friendships have been forged over the years as the MGs have continued to shape and tend the garden. The vision has become a reality.
Volunteers are welcome. If you would like to volunteer to help at any of the Lee County Master Gardener projects, please contact the Lee County Cooperative Extension Service Office, 600 S. 7th Street, Opelika AL 36801 to be connected with a project leader. Office: 334-749-3353
Decorative features like bottle edging and split-log benches delight visitors. It's a great place to see plants that thrive in our climates and find cute decorating ideas.
Majestic pink Crinum Lilies
Lush Coneflowers
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Elegant Tiger Lilies and vibrant Summer
Phlox
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Fall is especially fun in the garden!
SPRING CLEANING 2019 AT GRANDMA'S GARDEN
MASTER GARDENERS AND FRIENDS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NICE WEATHER TO SPRUCE UP THE GARDEN IN TIME FOR "SECOND SATURDAYS" HELD AT THE LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM.
MASTER GARDENERS AND FRIENDS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NICE WEATHER TO SPRUCE UP THE GARDEN IN TIME FOR "SECOND SATURDAYS" HELD AT THE LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM.