Smiley Park Children's Garden in Horticulture Magazine

If there was anyone more excited than I was to see the Smiley Park Children's Garden featured in Horticulture magazine's current issue, it was likely my mother. If you've ever met her or you've been a follower of this blog for awhile, you probably know that she had a lot to do with its creation. There isn't another single person out there that can top her promotion of that garden, because from the start, it was something that she wanted for the children of the community and she believed it could happen.

She used all of her abilities (and that's a good many) to help make it the success it is today. Mom is a Master Gardener and she submitted the idea, which was voted on and chosen by her particular class (2005) as their class project. The Master Gardeners of Van Wert County have continued to maintain the garden since its creation.

The Recognition Garden, where donors are
recognized for their contributions.

She loves to tell the stories of the wonderful businesses and people from all over the country as well as local residents, that joined forces to create a true oasis of color, fun, and learning about gardening for all ages, not just children. The Master Gardeners of Van Wert County have maintained the garden since its creation.

So she was tickled when she found out that I'd been asked to write a story about the garden that would be in the Destination Gardens Issue of Horticulture. I was happy to write it because not only did I know that it would make her smile, I'd also watched over the last few years as the garden took shape, and got to hear stories about it that most people have never heard. There are so many little tales of triumph and tears that have been borne out of that garden.

The Rainbow Garden

If you're in the bookstore or walk by the news stand and see the January/February issue of Horticulture, pick it up, take it home, and have a look at the Smiley Park Children's Garden. It's on pages 56-59. And if you're ever in the Northwest Ohio area, driving along U.S. 30, take a slight detour into Van Wert and see the garden for yourself. You won't be disappointed. I promise.

The Petals and Feathers Garden welcomes birds, while the Butterfly House in the
background is a haven for butterflies. It has been repainted since the
photographs in the Horticulture article were taken.