Together, the three women put in about six hours of work each week from spring until fall, she said. Much of the work at the park now involves dividing perennials and maintaining the gardens through fertilizing, mulching and watering, Kathleen said. She also does some pruning and has made it a personal mission to keep the web worm nests out of the crabapple trees. The area has both sunny and shady spots. The sun-filled areas boast a variety of perennials, including lavender, phlox and columbine.
Bulbs planted over the years include tulips and daffodils.
There are also iris and rugosa roses and annuals such as impatiens and pansies. Kathleen said the park provides some of the plants, but she has also brought in specimens from her own garden to plant here. The shaded areas are perfect for the rhododendron and azalea bushes. About three years ago, Kathleen noted, a couple donated many rhododendron and azalea plants, along with hundreds of daylilies. The plants were initially heeled in to section of the garden until it was determined where they would go.