Spring will come, so volunteers get busy

The Master Gardener Volunteers at Montgomery Botanical Gardens have been preparing the gardens for the inevitable arrival of Spring. When Winter seems to be at its most bleak, that is the time for the optimism of gardeners to inspire the preparation of gardens for the coming of Spring. The dedicated volunteers at MBG have been removing winter debris, preparing seasonal beds for planting, pruning plants as appropriate and removing weeds. 

In addition to the ongoing need to maintain the gardens, MBG is anticipating scheduled tours of the gardens in April and May. Volunteers have also initiated propagation in the Greenhouse to prepare plants for Spring. 

All are welcome to become MBG volunteers and contribute to the health and beauty of this wonderful oasis of nature in the midst of our urban area. So, join us on the THIRD TUESDAY of each month beginning on MARCH 15, 2022, at 9 am. Contact Cathy Maddox if you have questions. 

Faithful volunteers, Sara Brown and Justin Skipper, rest a minute between activities.

Volunteer Lynne Kuhlmann adds to the impressive collection of debris gathered for removal. 

Volunteers in the greenhouse.

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Partnerships are vital to the Garden

The City of Montgomery and the Department of Parks and Recreation are true partners with the Montgomery Botanical Gardens Board of Directors. From the garden’s inception in 2013, the staff of Parks and Recreation has assisted the board, responded to our needs, and supported our mission in numerous ways. Recently this group of dedicated workers, along with others from the City, intervened to quickly solve a problem and to avoid a bigger problem. 

A few days ago, a destructive type of Ambrosia Beetle was identified in a large old tree in the garden that had suddenly died. To avoid infestation of other trees, this tree and the beetles had to be removed before consistent warm weather returned. The warm weather would have initiated their movement, multiplication, and destruction to other trees. So, time was of the essence. 

The Parks and Recreation staff not only removed the tree killed by the beetles but also removed two other trees that were badly damaged and weakened over the years. The board of directors is sincerely grateful for the strong working relationship that we have with Parks and Rec staff and we commend them for their assistance and quick response. We especially want to thank David Card, Ethan Fowler, Russell Stringer, and Ray Shaw. 

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Beauty in the Gardens

During these long, cold, blustery Winter days the Montgomery Botanical Gardens offers a place of beauty and respite for our community and tourists alike. The bright yellows of Spring are beginning to peek through the grey/brown shades of Winter. The sunny Daffodils have returned to stretch their stems toward the sun and proudly display their golden blossoms. These were donated by a class from the Bear Exploration Center. They push up through the fallen leaves each year just when we all need to renew our hope of better times to come. Come take a walk in the gardens, stop to rest on a bench or bring you own folding chair. Enjoy the Daffodils, Forsythia, and Japanese Magnolia as they introduce a breath of Spring to our longing souls.   

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Become a volunteer for Montgomery Botanical Gardens

The Volunteer Coordination Committee of MBG invites you to join our other faithful volunteers as we nurture and enhance the gardens. Our volunteers are the key to the success of the many varied activities, events, and tasks in the gardens. As we perform our assigned volunteer functions, we enjoy the added benefits of getting to make/continue friendships, learning about plants and garden techniques, and taking pride in knowing that we are vital to the beauty of the gardens. Our volunteers come from many locations and backgrounds with varying levels of garden knowledge. But we all come from our love for the gardens and a genuine interest in providing a place of peace and beauty in the midst of our city. So, join us as we strive to support the Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park.  
 
If you are interested in becoming a member of our volunteer crew, please contact Cathy Maddox at catmaddox@aol.com to request a Volunteer Registration Form and learn about our volunteer schedules.  

Support the Montgomery Botanical Gardens when you shop on Amazon and a portion of your purchase will go to improve the Gardens.

1. Go to smile.amazon.com

2. Click the ‘Start Shopping’ button

3. Shop as usual.