by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
Wanted: volunteer flower gardeners to further beautify the parks and the nooks and crannies of Sartell.
Bonnie Schraut, a long-time member of the volunteer Sartell Garden Club, is hoping volunteers will roll up their sleeves and help out.
What’s needed are individuals and/or entire families to “adopt” a current flower plot or create a new one and then weed and tend it through the growing season. The flower “garden” can be anything from a small patch to a more elaborate configuration.
In its heyday, 10 to 20 years ago, the Sartell Garden Club members planted up a colorful storm all over Sartell – everything from hanging flower baskets to long rows of flowers and green plants along roadways and in public parks and neighborhood parks.
But since that heyday, Schraut noted, many club members have moved from the city, have become too old to do the work or passed on.
“As long as we’re physically able, we’re going to keep gardening,” she said.
Schraut plants, weeds and tends several gardens in the city.
Meanwhile, she and others are reaching out for more helpers. They don’t need to have “green thumbs” at all, and active members will be glad to show them how to plant, what to plant and other helpful suggestions.
Schraut noted many planters put plaques or artwork with their family names in the garden plots. Others like to place other art works or decorations in them, some with themes, such as “Fourth of July.” Many bring their children or grandchildren who delight in the helping.
Sartell currently has 42 garden beds of all sizes and descriptions, as well as 28 parks (public and neighborhood ones) and 48 miles of trails.
The new name for the “re-invented” Sartell Garden Club, Schraut noted, is the Sartell Community Garden Club.
Anybody willing to adopt a garden or start a new one should contact Nikki Sweeter, engagement specialist for Sartell. Her email is nikki.sweeter@sartellmn.com.
