Garden blooms in Andrew County
by St. Joseph News-Press
Thursday, June 25, 2009

SAVANNAH, Mo. — The Andrew County 4-H Clubs created a low-maintenance garden using Missouri native grass and flowers at the Andrew County Museum in Savannah.

The garden is made up of natural plants that would have been found here as the settlers moved in, said Carol Williams, youth program associate with the county Extension office. The garden was delayed this spring when students were plagued with cool weather and rain, Mrs. Williams said.

Seventeen volunteers laid black fabric, hauled 150 bags of mulch and set 120 plants. A $750 Kemper Foundation grant provided the finances for this heritage garden. Tom Fowler, horticulturist from Buchanan County, presented a gardening program to 15 participants. Betty Grace, Grace Native Seeds owner and a 4-H supporter, provided assistance in choosing plants. A former 4-H youth, Carl Duncan, drew up the landscape plan that 4-H youth used on the space of 22 feet by 70 feet. A 4-H father, Jeff Lance, removed the sod from the proposed area. And a 4-H youth volunteered to make a sign.

The museum will be in charge of watering and weeding. The garden will be available for schoolchildren to experience. High school students will be encouraged to use this garden in their biology studies.