Local Landscaper Tackles Museum's Rhododendron Problem

Madison-based O'Donnell Landscape Services donated its services to the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts this week.

The museum at 9 Main Street, in Madison's James Library Building, is in the early stages of a major remediation project, and overgrown rhododendrons and other plants along the building's east side were an immediate concern.

The plants were trapping moisture that was being absorbed into the granite walls, according to a museum news release.

"The problem was that the Museum had no funds to pay for the removal of the offending foliage," the museum said. "To the rescue came Robert (Bobby) O'Donnell of O'Donnell Landscape Services. He volunteered to trim back the bushes as a donation to the project."

O'Donnell and crew members Juan Bicente and Diego Sok spent several hours Wednesday trimming and clearing the east wall of the building. Museum Trustee Christon Kellogg arrived to help direct the work, and to help with the cleanup efforts.

"My family has been in Madison for five generations," O'Donnell said. "We love the town, so I was pleased to aid in the preservation of this historic building."

"This is a great example of what makes Madison a special town," Museum Chairman Thomas Judd said. "When there's a problem, Madisonians step up to help."