Ray Schroeder leads tour of Ward Meade gardens

Ray said he remembered a group of TAWGS members helped build Anna's Pond several years ago when it was extremely hot. (I remember that very distinctively as I nearly passed out from the heat that day.)

A dry stream bed and bridge ambles through the garden with rocks and a bridge, all salvaged from Puddles and Pads when they went out of business. Several TAWGS members helped with that project as well.

Ray said at one time the fountain was one of the largest in the world. The problem was it was designed to be an indoor fountain so it didn't fare very well in the outdoors. There were lights around it that could be seen several blocks down Fillmore and it was something for the city to really be proud of. It was eventually removed and a smaller 3 tier fountain was put in with a big pond circling it.

TAWGS members helped fill part of the large area of the fountain with dirt a few years ago because the concrete pond had a leak in it which couldn't be repaired. Now, the fountain sits in a much smaller area of water and is circled by a 3 foot area of dirt with blooming plants.

"Thanks to TAWGS, lots has happened here (in the gardens)," Ray said. "We really appreciate it. Water gardening is hard work but very rewarding."