By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

VAN WERT , Ohio — Louise Hartwig enrolled in Master Gardener training in 2004. Three years later she is now the driving force behind the creation of a one-acre garden filled with vibrant rainbow-colored flowers. This extraordinary creation can be found in the heart of Van Wert, Ohio.

“The land was offered to us by Smiley Park and we thought a garden would be good for the city,” said Hartwig, 75, who is an OSU Extension Master Gardener, and one of the proponents in the development and maintenance of the garden. “We thought it would add to the citizens’ enjoyment, as well as attract people who visit Van Wert. We chose a children’s garden because we wanted to create a place of fun as well as education.”

The multicolored garden, located in Smiley Recreational Park, includes 20 different vibrant gardens within this one-acre, each with separate themes covering such things as birding, butterflies, story time and many others.

“The garden was created over a three-year period,” said Hartwig, one of 25 Master Gardeners in Van Wert. “We had no start-up money, and we started from scratch. If we went out and contracted the design and construction of the garden it would have cost us $400,000 to $500,000.”

Master Gardeners are required to give 50 hours of service in the form of a project as part of earning their designation as a Master Gardener. In Hartwig’s class each member submitted an idea, then the group voted on the ideas to choose how they would give their time back to the community in which they lived.

“There are so few places, where one can get outside and enjoy nature in a safe environment,” Hartwig said. “This garden provides that for adults and children alike.”

Hartwig had the vision of a community children’s garden, where kids could learn about the growing process and all that was involved in caring for a garden. She saw it as a happy, fun place for them to be, while learning in the process. Hartwig had seen children’s gardens in other parts of the country and wanted this for her own hometown. The group voted and Hartwig’s idea was chosen.
“This garden brought a lot of people together and people in the community feel a sense of ownership with this garden,” said Dee Jackson, an OSU Extension Master Gardener. “They can say that this garden is theirs and they’re proud of that.”

Construction of the Smily Park Children’s Garden began in 2006, and it officially opened in 2008. A walk through the garden takes visitors to 20 points of interest. For starters, there’s the official wildlife waystation for Monarch butterflies, and a place to experience the transformation of caterpillar into butterfly. Then there’s the 100-Aker Woods, where the story of Winnie the Pooh and his friends comes to life. And next comes the Healthy Me Garden, which emphasizes eating more vegetables.

The Enabling garden is designed for people with disabilities, and the Secret Garden is a special place of respite and sharing amid three weeping mulberry trees. The Rainbow Garden highlights plants from around the world and the Sun Dial Garden teaches youth how to tell time using the sun.

To date, Van Wert residents, community businesses and other interested parties have donated upwards of $175,000 to support the garden. A plant sale each spring and an annual garden walk helps defray some of the costs. According to Hartwig, generosity of individuals and corporate donations help make these projects a reality.

Many citizens in this rural city have contributed as well. For example, the entrance to the garden was built by an OSU Extension master gardener with expertise in welding. The tiles found along the outside of the gazebo (in the center of the grounds) were made by area schoolchildren. The flower art was designed by local street artists. The benches, plants, street lamps, picnic tables and other items were donated by area residents and businesses.

The garden attracts visitors form around the world and is recognized for its creativity. Recently, it was named a 2009 Ohio Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer Project.

“This was all volunteer work and it’s all we can handle right now,” Hartwig said.

Hartwig’s daughter, Kylee, can attest to her mother’s hard work.
“My mom was just a farm girl who grew up and stayed in our rural community,” Kylee said, but her zest for life and the ideas that come from her knows no bounds. She’s an incredibly positive person who knows how to get things done, and the word ‘can’t’ just isn’t in her vocabulary.”

The Children’s Garden is located in Smiley Park across from the Van Wert Airport on Leeson Avenue on the west side of this small town.