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McCloud Park
By Karen Long, Union County Master Gardener

The city part on the west side of Marysville, where 4th and 5th Streets converge, is a Master Gardener Demonstration Garden. In cooperation with the City of Marysville, the Master Gardeners gave grown hundreds of annuals from seed and planted them in the existing beds to enhance the beautiful perennials, woody ornamentals and trees in the park. They also saved the tubers’ from last year’s plantings and started them in the greenhouse in February for this spring’s planting. They include cannas, elephant ears, dahlias and caladiums. In designing the plantings, Chairpersons, Patsy Bushdorf and Karen Long, have included plants with colorful and interesting foliage as well as the old favorite impatiens, zinnias and wave petunias for blossom color. The garden features plants for both sunny and shade locations. Each month, Master Gardeners converse upon the garden to weed, feed, prune, plant and mulch the beds. The Knockout Roses are in full bloom now, so it’s a good time to visit the garden and see what a wonderful place the Master Gardeners have created.

Veterans Monument Plaza
By Karen Long, Union County Master Gardener

The recently dedicated veterans monument and plaza at the corner of 5th and Court Streets in Marysville has been enhanced by landscaping designed and installed by the Master Gardeners. The granite monument and brick and stone hardscape provide good bones for the garden. The Master Gardeners chose plants that require little maintenance and are low growing to keep the monument the focal point of the plaza. They chose plantings for color of foliage and blossom as well as different shapes and texture. The landscape reflects the colors of the flag – red, white and blue. The plants in full bloom now are the red roses, blue cranesbill and white sweetspire. The landscaping not only enhances the monument, but provides a pleasant environment for reflection. Each group of plants are identified by botanical and common names, so visitors to the monument can learn about them and see how they can use them in our own garden.

The Master Gardener Offers horticulture advice and tips, focusing on current issues by volunteers who are with The Ohio State University Extension, Union County Master Gardener Program. For answers to gardening questions, call 937.644.8117 or e-mail gmcvey@ag.osu.edu. Hourse are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday