Garden enthusiasts across the nation today are celebrating National Public Gardens Day to raise awareness about the many green oases that grace our lands. For many, public gardens play an integral role in promoting responsible stewardship of the environment, teaching people about the role of plants and water in the natural world.
In honor of the event, the nonprofit Sawtooth Botanical Garden south of Ketchum will hold a Family Gardening Day on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The garden—south-central Idaho's only public garden—has invited area residents to celebrate with the organization's friends and board members.
The organization offers numerous services to the community, including educational programs and free access to its acres of gardens.
"We are looking for volunteers," said Jennifer Colson, the garden's executive director. "We are trying to put people in touch with our public garden by offering volunteer opportunities for pruning, planting, preparing the children's garden and also by working in the garden."
Projects for Family Gardening Day include improvements to the Garden of Infinite Compassion (a Buddhist-inspired "contemplative garden"), preparing the children's garden for gardening season, planning garden areas for the Living Botanical Art Contest and beautification of various outdoor areas. Indoor volunteer opportunities will also be available.
"Gardening is one of the top hobbies in the country," Colson said. "The Sawtooth Botanical Garden has a plant collection of significant value in terms of biodiversity, and it offers green space, which in major metropolitan areas can be extremely important. Our green space is equally as important in a mountain town because we provide an education about the green space around us."
A potluck barbecue will be offered to attendees. If there is bad weather, the event will be rescheduled.
For details, call 726-9358 or e-mail molly@sbgarden.org to sign up for Family Gardening Day and for year-round volunteer opportunities.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Sawtooth Botanical Garden events
Saturday, May 16
· Camas Prairie Wildflowers and Sustainable Farm Day Trip—Meet at the garden at 9 a.m. to visit the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh and Sandhill Farm, an organic farm that runs on renewable energy sources. An organic lunch will be served. Space is limited.
Tuesday, May 19
· Backyard Compost Workshop, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Learn how to create and maintain a backyard compost system for any size home or apartment. Meet at the compost educational display area located in the Community Allotment Garden. Workshop is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
Thursdays, May 21 through June 25
· Morning Wildflower Walks meet at 9 a.m.—and evening walks meet at 5:30 p.m.—at the garden. Join wildflower experts departing to different locations each week throughout the Wood River Valley following the spring bloom. Bring water, sunscreen, food and wear good hiking shoes. No dogs, please.
Sawtooth Botanical Garden volunteers and program participants gather for a workshop in rock design with Martin Moscow in the Garden of Infinite Compassion.
