Community Gardens

A couple of weeks ago, we visited our son in eastern Iowa.  He and his family are in the process of relocating there from North Dakota.  One of the towns we visited was Monticello, IA - a small town with a population just under 4,000.  They have a beautiful community garden called Riverside Gardens.  

The garden includes more than 25 flower beds.  This turn of the century horse trough, which was once located in the downtown area of Monticello, sits in front of the pergola.

I think one of the reasons I like it so well is because it falls into my category of liking to re-purpose old things. What a better choice but a flower planter ~

The gardens are a showcase for the diversity of flowers available for the area.  From wild flowers to the newest hybrids.

Pink Yarrow 

Yellow Yarrow, Stargazer Lily, Cranesbill Geranium, Daylilies, Monarda, Peony, just to name a few ~

I was really excited to see this nice big clump of  Pink Double Delight Coneflower, since I planted one this year.  Mine isn't nearly as full as this one, but hopefully it will get larger every year.

Such pretty blooms 

The gardens were built and is maintained by volunteers.  Some were in pristine condition . . . some needed a little more attention.

Pergola with sitting area

There are brick walkways throughout as well as a gazebo, wishing well, and wetlands area.  Victorian streetlights were added in 1991, and a house was bought on adjacent property in 1998 and is utilized by the gardeners for meetings and annual sales.  It is funded by memberships, donations, memorials and an annual plant and bake sale held on the first Saturday after Mother's Day.  For such a small town, Monticello really knows how to create and care for their community garden!