Sunplace Special for hands-on growth

Cultivating an appreciation of nature

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

CORTLAND

What recently was a stretch of poison ivy and overgrowth is being converted to a series of closely linked gardens — with children firmly in mind.

“It will be nice for them to be part of it, not just walking along,” said Monica Parkhurst, referring to Sunplace Special, which is a series of eight gardens consisting of various sizes and children’s themes.

The Fowler woman, along with several other master gardeners, spoke recently about the plants behind the Trumbull County Agricultural and Family Education Center, 520 W. Main St.

Each of the eight gardens is being tended to by the certified gardeners, all of whom took several months’ worth of classes and logged at least 50 volunteer hours for certification, she noted.

The main thrust of the burgeoning gardens — situated on æ acre — is to provide children and their families with an interactive environment that gives them an opportunity to more deeply experience and appreciate nature in a variety of settings.

They also are designed to instill in visitors a stronger sense of environmental awareness and responsibility, according to the group’s mission statement.

The children’s theme gardens, dedicated May 8, are “a work in progress” and should be fully functional next year, noted Janet Russell, a master gardener in charge of the barnyard garden.

That one is to feature a billboard with a slanted tin roof that will simulate a barn, Russell explained. Its focus will be on plants associated with common farm animals, she continued.

Also busily clearing weeds and preparing her patch of land was Denise May of Cortland, who is handling the reading garden.

The three-year master gardener is planting green seeds to resemble pumpkin stems, all intended to connect with various children’s stories. Eventually, a maze to the garden will be erected, she said.

“Slowly, but surely, we’re getting there,” May added.

Attracting wildlife is the driving force behind Susan Berlin’s garden, which, among other things, is being built to show at-home gardeners better techniques for attracting certain animals to their yards.

Impatiens and pansies are a sample of the offerings at this site, Berlin explained.

It doesn’t take long to notice a few odd but colorful additions lining several pathways. Those include bowling balls painted to resemble large lady bugs, brightly painted seats made from pine wood and small plants protruding from children’s shoes.

The property also has a shed, a stand to hold informational fliers and a sign welcoming visitors, all of which were built by members of Boy Scout Troop 54 of Cortland for their Eagle Scout projects.

It is hoped that people who visit the site will take home ideas as well as inspiration for their gardens, Russell said.

Several group members also praised Trumbull County commissioners, who donated the land, for cutting the grass as well as general upkeep.

“They have supported us tremendously,” Parkhurst added.

For more information, go to http://trumbull.osu.edu and click on “Master Gardener Volunteer Program.”