A few years ago my daughter, Teddy, and I installed a Habitat for Humanity garden with Dan Mulhern, husband of our Governor, Jennifer Granholm. Teddy did something bizarre (and apparently memorable…probably not in a good way…oh God!) while eating too many brownies and he remembered her, which in the long run worked to our benefit. He is an advocate for community leadership and obviously he is interested in gardening. So, when it was decided that The Giving Gardens’ installation for this year was going to be at the Grand Rapids Public Museum I thought it would be cool if the Governor’s residence would donate plant material. I contacted him, he remembered us (thanks to Teddy…yay!) and he gave the idea two thumbs up.
Dave Joling, Grounds Superintendant for the Governor’s Residence and I splitting Japanese Anemonae
Last week, during Earth Week, Teddy, Kathleen Schiefler (a Master Gardener) and I had the opportunity to visit the Governor’s residence. We excavated plant material for installation at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which will occur in May. We also collected plants for The Giving Gardens’ “Celebrity Plant Auction and Plant Sale” which will take place on June 15th.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing. We had our “wish list” from the museum and they were able to donate everything on that list plus some for the auction. The staff was helpful and generous. It was such an incredible day!
Teddy and Kathleen excavating hostas.
Potting chives.
That’s me in the “lovely but oh-so-functional overalls” literally redistributing plant material from an area of abundance to areas in need. This crazy idea of mine that I had on a bike ride one day, five years ago, is actually working! How cool is that?
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