Garden Show display was a group effort
Grow Green was this year's Garden Show theme. Both the arbor and pergola were constructed from recycled electric power poles, most of the materials were brought in from local sources which reduces the amount of transportation energy, and the water gardens are certainly an example of many savings over a similar size grassed area. Visitors were able to view five different Japanese style gardens which made the Display area rather intense. Most local gardeners want to have at least a touch of Japanese style in their gardens and from the comments I heard, many ideas were going to be added this spring.
One of the goals that has helped drive me to see that our organizations provide a “spectacular” Garden Show Display is that it will tend to motivate other organizations and vendors to develop better displays also. This should increase attendance to the Garden Show which in turn should result in more individuals being motivated to develop their own personal gardens. I feel we are succeeding at that.
I wish to thank TAWGS members *Mary Borough, *Michael Bradley, Brad Cheney, Bill Clark, Duane & Mary Eberhardt, *Allen Ellis, Don Hutley, Rob Nordyke, *Doug & Mary Kay Peterman, Tom & Helen Platis, Don and Sandy Regier, Todd Regier (their son), *Bob & *Cheryl Saathoff, Hi Stockwell, Don Taliaferro, *Phil & *Amy Thompson, Kip Walker, *Mark Weaver and Jim Roberts (Mark's neighbor) for their dedication and willingness to see this project to fruition. Also, from Topeka Beautification Association, *Jerold Binkley, *Jolene Grabill, Dave Hedstrom, Gary Cool (Dave's Son-in Law) and Carroll Morgenson. (* indicates those on the Display Planning Committee)
The Docents that tended the Display during Show hours were: Dale and Earlene Jirik, Tom and Helen Platis, Don Taliaferro, Mark Weaver, Stan and Susan Wilch, Tom and Georgia Sirridge, Bill and Susan Kraus, Mary Borough, Joe Breitenstein, Kent and Colleen Hampton, Larry and Barbara Shipman, Duane and Mary Eberhardt, Hi Stockwell, Michael Bradley, Jim Green, Doug and Linda Reynelds, Allen and Connie Ellis, Doug and Marikay Peterman and Bob and Cheryl Saathoff. We are grateful to our supporting businesses. Without their donations of materials, supplies, plants and vast knowledge this quality of Garden Display wouldn?t be possible. Thank you to Capitol Concrete Supply, Grabill Garden Visions, Skinner Garden Store, Sunrise Garden Store, Veteran's Administration Horticultural Center, Water's Edge Water Gardens, Waterscape Concepts, White Star Machinery & Supply Co. and the Westar Energy Green Team.
A special thank you to Allen Ellis and Mark Weaver who, trust me, can build anything and make it work. The use of Allen's building facility and Mark's ability to acquire items made the Display possible. Also, to Jolene Grabill who went the extra mile in vision and design. Jolene did have to be told a couple of times, “that won't work”. Again, thanks to the volunteers for all their sincere hard work. I'm sure the experience will forever be a fond memory.
