COME TO THE GARDEN PARTY — Members of the New Richland Town and Country Garden Club gathered to survey the damage to their garden on Hwy 30 caused by the September 2010 floods. The garden sits adjacent to the county ditch running through town. Pictured from left: Barb Finseth, Lu Anderson, Delores Bartholmey, Ellie Schutop, Eleanor Schlaak, Chuck Espe, Kay Adams, Avis Rugroden (kneeling) and Gerald Hullopeter. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
“Good Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise...”
This age-old salutation really holds true for members of the Town and Country Garden Club of New Richland. The creek did rise during the rains of September 2010. After the floodwaters receded, the once pristine garden area along Highway 30 was left a shambles.
“The floodwaters washed away all the new mulch we had laid down last year,” said Barb Finseth of the Town and Country Garden Club. “There’s probably weed seeds left in the soil as well.”
Founded in December of 1965, the Town and Country Garden Club has been busy ever since making New Richland a nicer place to live. Besides their plot on the highway, they maintain the landscape at New Richland’s City Hall and lend their expertise in assisting with the planters along Broadway Avenue. Currently, there are 18 members in the club. Other activities include an annual plant sale in May, and a flower show during Farm and City Days in July.
With the added labor which will be required to ready the garden for the spring planting season, the club is looking for people interested in beautifying their community to help them. Individuals or groups are welcome to assist.
“Everyone is welcome to come help out,” said Finseth. “There is no long-term commitment involved. Right now we just need some extra help. A reminder to all that our plant sale is scheduled for May 14 this year.”
For more information about the Town and Country Garden Club or to offer assistance, contact Barb Finseth at (507) 463-3306.
