Columbus Botanical Garden Walton Bray
Mission: “To preserve a portion of the rapidly diminishing open space in Columbus and to provide the public with a unique educational facility that is based on environmental awareness, horticulture, historic preservation and agricultural values. This facility shall strive to inspire and leave a lasting impression on those who visit."
Shed where tools were kept
History 1890’s: The farmhouse that currently serves as the Columbus Botanical Garden headquarters was built. 1910’s: Adams family purchase farmhouse and surrounding property and move into the farmhouse. 1999: Farmhouse moved from original location on Veteran’s Parkway to current location on Weems Road. 1999: First Columbus Botanical Garden board is organized. 2000: Restoration of farmhouse by Historic Columbus Foundation 2000: Partnership with Columbus Technical College Foundation and Environmental Horticulture Department : Additional upgrades to house and landscape 2004: Dedication of Garden (see image above) 2004: First Master Plan developed : Landscape expansion, additional renovations to farmhouse 2007: Nicole Sanchez is appointed the first Executive Director 2007: Monthly educational programs offered 2007: Monthly newsletter established 2008: Gin House moved from previous location on Veteran’s Parkway, initial renovations completed
History 2008: Herb Garden beds renovated 2008: Columbus Technical College Foundation announces plan to divest Columbus Botanical Garden 2008: Landscape Architect, Gary Gullatte, updated Master Plan and designed Joann Holt Walking Trail 2008: Joann Holt Walking Trail opens to public 2008: Columbus Botanical Garden conducts first annual fund drive 2008: Phase II of Joann Holt Walking Trail development begins 2009: Newsletter moved to bi-monthly format offered in print or electronically: mailed distribution grows to over 300 per issue 2009: Membership benefits expand to include 10% discounts at locally owned garden centers and nurseries 2009: Columbus Botanical Garden offers checkout privileges in 500-volume library to members 2009: First comprehensive plant labeling program offers correct botanical information to visitors 2009: Funding from a variety of sources provides for landscaping upgrades, street signs, improvements to farmhouse interior, and donation box on property 2010: Awarded an irrigation grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust 2010: Awarded a grant to create a pollinator garden 2011: Martha Miller Lopez is appointed the new Executive Director
Supervisors Virginia Ely “Stanley” Runs Columbus Botanical Garden Preferred to not have picture taken Grounds keeper
Day 1 Worked 2:00- 6:00pm on June 20 Spread pinestraw Focused on sidewalk edges & beds
Day 2 Worked 2:00-6:00pm on June 21 Spread more straw Focused on the beds
Off to get more straw...
Day 3 Worked 12:40- 4:40pm June 23 Pulled weeds THE WHOLE TIME Very hot day
Day 4 Worked 12:00-4:00pm July 26 Worked on cleaning out the shelter Pulled weeds, threw away solid debris such as wood, string, and plastic Spread dirt or moved it to dump
Day 5 Worked 12:00-4:00pm July 27 Continued the previous day’s project
It was hard work, but I was done.