By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
People of Glasgow and Barren County have a new, updated green space available for them, bedecked with the vibrant yellows and reds of flowers, complemented by the occasional oranges of fluttering butterflies.
Members of the Barren River Area Extension Master Gardener Association had a ribbon-cutting ceremony behind the Barren County Extension Office on Sept. 11 to celebrate the new raised garden beds. President of the association Pat Baker said the original garden was not as vibrant as it is now with chicken wire, wooden bedframes and a “bedraggled” wooden fence.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the UK Extension Office on West Main. President of the Barren River Area Extension Master Gardener Association Pat Baker said Extension Agent Chris Schalk presented the budget to the UK Extension Board that was approved. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1
“We repaired it several times and we finally went to [Extension Agent Chris Schalk] and said ‘we need to do some extensive repairs. What can we do?’” Baker said. “His response was ‘repairs, how about a total renovation,’ so there was a lot of research done, we put together a budget, we took that to Chris [and] he took it to members of the extension board, and they approved it.”
“This has been a months-long process. Our group, which is rather small, has been totally involved [and] with the exception of the fence, the master gardeners provided all the labor,” she added.
Seemingly in competition with Baker for the crowd’s attention, orange butterflies floated from one flower to another in the nearby garden, which Baker said used to be just an empty green area. Baker explained this area is a certified Monarch Waystation.
Off to the left of the raised bed there is a small area designated by Monarch Watch as a certified and registered Monarch Waystation, meaning there are plenty of milkweeds and nectar sources for the butterflies to eat. Pat Baker said “we bring the plants and Mother Nature brings the butterflies.” Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1
“The public can come and enjoy this garden,” Baker said. “Eventually, our plan for the future is to have some programs here where we can invite the public in and teach them different aspects of gardening.”
“We’ve got a lot going on here,” she said.
The 12 members with the Barren River Area Extension Master Gardener Association planted the flowers that vibrantly adorn the raised beds. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1
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