RICHLAND, Wash. – Scott Wells, a Richland resident, is facing the potential loss of a garden he has tended for years along Columbia Park Trail next to the Columbia River.
In 2021, Wells began planting a few plants, which have since blossomed into a full garden. Now, the garden’s future is uncertain.
“Just having the plants is not only soothing and comforting, but it’s good for the environment,” Wells said.
After experiencing personal losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wells sought something positive. While driving past the Reach Museum, he noticed trash along the road.
“I thought to myself, ‘I wish somebody would pick that up.’ And like a bolt of lightning, something hit me in the back of the head and said, ‘you’re somebody,'” he recalled.
Wells, who studied horticulture at Long Beach Community College in California, decided to plant flowers in the open area.
“I happened to notice what a beautiful place we live in. And I have a gift. Anything I put in the ground grows. And so I just thought I’d share it and just spread the joy,” he stated.
Over four years, the garden has expanded to include more than 20 different species. The community has responded positively to his work.
“Just by it being here and by people seeing one pretty flower, it’s like they’re attracted to it and they have to come over and they have to look and and I explained to them, this is a community garden is forever, everybody,” Wells said.
However, city officials informed Wells that he had not sought permission to plant the garden. “I really didn’t realize I was in Richland…I talked to the city of Kennewick before and they were great and said, yeah, you know, we don’t mind as long as you’re not messing anything up. And they’ve been out a few times and never give me any problems,” Wells explained.
Wells understands the situation and offered advice to others.
“I’m not doing anything bad, I don’t think, but I understand. Maybe I should have gotten permission. And I recommend to anybody out there that thinks of doing something like this. Get permission before you do anything,” he said.
Wells is scheduled to meet with the city on Monday to discuss the future of his garden in Richland.