Flowers Coming Soon to Reading Garden

The foundation is in place, the fence is up and Tom Pitzen's beautiful mosaics are installed in the Library Reading Garden. All that's needed to welcome readers . . . the flowers!

For the past few months, volunteers and organizers have been working around the clock to get the Library Reading Garden open for guests! This Thursday, officials will begin planting flowers and plants in the garden.

Architect Christopher "Toffer" Ross says plans include 12 different species inside the garden including Red Rocket Crape, Myrtle, Spotted Leopard Plant, Black Monkey Grass, Foxtail Fern and Horsetail. Ross adds that the native Autograph Tree will invoke activity in the garden.

Ross says they plan to add 10 different species of vines to be planted outside the garden on the fence.

She expects 90% of the planting inside the garden to be completed in time for World Book Night.

Everyone is invited to World Book Night to both celebrate reading and visit the garden for the first time. Phyllis Plotnick, a vital volunteer in this project, says Tuesday, April 23 will serve as a "soft opening."

Gulfport's second annual World Book Night begins at 7:15 Tuesday, April 23. Between now and the event, people are encouraged to stop by the Gulfport Public Library and decorate a lantern to be hung during the event.

The Circle of Friends Chair, Phyllis Plotnick, says she's excited to finally open the doors to the public. People can expect to be surrounded by color, both in nature and in the decor of the garden, which includes red, yellow, blue and lavendar bistro chairs and tables.

"The greatest thrill for us will be seeing people sit in these wonderful chairs, reading, relaxing, meditating," Plotnick said.

Although plans are coming together just in time for World Book Night, Plotnick says the garden will always be an "on going" project. Permanent lighting still needs to be installed, a curved stationary bench is being considered and a "sculptural wall" may be installed in the next three months.

Plotnick's wish list includes an art installation of a Cheshire cat, perhaps nestled in the large tree next to the garden, she says.

Memorial bricks will continue to be installed over time as they are bought and engraved, she adds.

As part of fundraising efforts, people can purchase bricks to honor friends, family, authors and books. Twenty bricks have been sold already including two to Plotnick. One of her bricks reads, "When you have a book, you always have a friend."

The bricks can be bought for $100 each or two for $150. For more information about purchasing a memorial brick, call Mary Stull (727) 249-8979 or email mstull59@aol.com.

The entire garden is estimated to cost between $40,000 and $50,000. The Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library was awarded $25,000 from The Library Specific Special Revenue Fund for the project in December. Architect Christopher "Toffer" Ross has donated her services for this project.

When complete, reading garden will be a 1500 square foot space located west of the library. It will be used for outside reading, studying, writing and meditation. It will also serve as a meeting place for book readings as well as social gatherings and celebrations.

“It’s going to be a gem, just like Gulfport is,” Plotnick said.

For more information:

To become a member of the Circle of Friends contact Membership Chairperson Angela Herrick at (727) 290-6590.

To purchase a brick for engraving contact Mary Stull at (727) 249-8979 or email mstull59@aol.com.

Related Coverage:

• Library Reading Garden Blooming Soon!
• Library Reading Garden Breaking Ground
  

Sign up for the Gulfport Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.