Their objectives were to provide a horticultural experience in a peaceful retreat that would introduce the public tothe value of proper landscaping by combining shape and color for each season. They also had the goal to provide an opportunity to identify plants, their cultural requirements and proper care. 

While some funding was provided by the City, considerable sums came from a private source. Soils, compost materials, fertilizer, as well as, weed, insect and disease controls were donated by Scotts and other local companies. Master Gardeners held fund raisers to buy plants, the markers and supplies. The City provided the labor for underground irrigation and changing the slope of the land. Master Gardeners pruned shrubs and trees, raised and culled existing perennials, worked with Pam Hitchcock on the design for the new landscape, amended the soil with organic matter, watered, fertilized, mulched and added control products as needed. 

Several years later, McCloud Park has become a living classroom of indigenous and less common plants. All of the perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees are labeled with the scientific and common names to teach plant identification. Articles have been written about the plants displayed in the park, their cultural requirements and landscape value throughout the seasons. Lectures have been held in this park such as the hands-on clinic to teach the city workers how to properly prune trees and shrubs. 

Today, there is a playground for children and tables for family picnics. There are shelters with benches for rest and relaxation by all who visit this park. New decorative walkways and raised beds invite folks for a stroll, and the gardens can be enjoyed by the physically challenged. The City currently mows the park and maintains the park equipment and playgrounds. Master Gardeners continue to maintain the plants. 

Marysville has received many comments from the community about what a joy this park has become and how much it is now used. But work is not finished on this project. The Master Gardeners are planning a children’s garden for the east end of the park to encourage our youth to seek professional opportunities in field of horticulture and instill their pride in our community. 

As you can see, the Master Gardener program is more than a horticulture class or a garden club. It is a volunteer program that enables participants to serve their communities through horticultural education. It also promotes personal growth. Not only do Master Gardeners increase their knowledge of horticulture, but they develop communication, management, and leadership skills that can be used in all aspects of their lives. 

If you would like more information on how to become a Union County Master Gardener, contact the OSU Extension Office, 246 West Fifth Street, Marysville, OH 43040, visit the website at http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/mg/union/ or call 937 644-8117. A new class is starting February, 2002.