Early on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, Morrison Garden Club volunteers began fulfillment of a promise made last fall. Their goal was to beautify the area surrounding a new metal sign at the front of Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. Lots of weeding was the first order of business–here and among the other library planting beds. One is on the northeast corner of the parking lot.
“It was bad since the last time we were here,” noted Sharon Moore.
Earlier that morning morning, Gene Ryan’s RTS Mulch, Inc. crew had spread a large tarp on the parking lot near the main flower bed. It was topped with “15 yards of [dark brown] mulch,” stated Moore. “The Library paid for it.” Bucket loads were transferred to various planting locations surrounding the library. A thick layer was applied to keep down weed growth, Moore explained. Jan Kelly reported that evening that only ten yards of mulch had been laid down. Garden Club volunteers would finish the task on Thursday, June 14.
Last year the Garden Club planted three Japanese Maple trees, which were a donation from Todd and Sabrina Statzer of Morrison. A month ago, they planted eight shrubs which were funded by another donation. ComEd makes an annual donation to the City to use as they wish. City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen surprised the Garden Club with the donation. In addition, the City graciously “pulled the ‘retired’ shrubs to become compost,” Moore said.
Pictured left-to-right are Diane Garcia, Jan Kelly, Sharon Moore, Jan Mayes, Patti Nice, Brendan Hollister, and his mother Laurie. Sabrina Statzer and Vern Latwesen were not available when the photo was taken. You can admire their labors when next you visit Odell Public Library.
Morrison Garden Club also wants to “grow” its crop of volunteers. Call Sharon Moore at 815-230-9652 if you would enjoy making Morrison more beautiful.
