1. Columbus Botanical Garden Walton Bray

2. 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."

3. Shed where tools were kept

4. 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  2002-04: Additional upgrades to house and landscape  2004: Dedication of Garden (see image above)  2004: First Master Plan developed  2005-06: 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

5. 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

6. Supervisors Virginia Ely “Stanley”  Runs Columbus Botanical Garden  Preferred to not have picture taken  Grounds keeper

7. Day 1  Worked 2:00- 6:00pm on June 20  Spread pinestraw  Focused on sidewalk edges & beds

9. Day 2  Worked 2:00-6:00pm on June 21  Spread more straw  Focused on the beds

10. Off to get more straw...

11. Day 3  Worked 12:40- 4:40pm June 23  Pulled weeds THE WHOLE TIME  Very hot day

12. 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

13. Day 5  Worked 12:00-4:00pm July 27  Continued the previous day’s project

14. It was hard work, but I was done.