Library Receives Award for Garden

The Rochester Hills Public Library recently received a Keep Michigan Beautiful award for the garden behind the library.

The garden is 20 years old and is an example of community involvement. The Women’s National Farm and Garden – Rochester Branch originally purchased the plants for the garden, which was maintained by the library. Over the years the WNFG members have rearranged and replanted the garden.

“I love looking at this garden,” said library director Christine Lind Hage. “People walk their children and pets through the garden year round.”

In 1993 Dick and Robyn Moore donated the garden’s bronze sculpture entitled "Keep the Ball Rolling" in memory of their son, Andrew. In 2005 Al and Michelle Jones enhanced the area by creating a butterfly garden in memory of their son, Tyler.

Glenn and Wanda Tarr were memorialized by their family through the donation of two flowering dogwoods. A few years later Joe Stouffer, son of library trustee Chuck Stouffer, added a flagstone path through the garden as his Eagle Scout project.

Master Gardener Karen Sadovsky has tended the garden for the last few years. Each year she prepares the flower beds, thins out perennials and weeds throughout the summer. 

“We are honored to have this garden recognized for the gem that it is,” said Stouffer. “It truly reflects a community wide project and enriches the lives of all who visit or view it from the library.”