The Concept
Master Gardeners of the Ozarks have been working hard on a Community Enhancement Project with the Kimberling Area Library Association.
The concept is an interactive garden with a playground. Playground equippement was donated and installed by the Rotary Club and the American Legion post both of Kimberling City. Master Gardener Julie Jacob submitted and got approved a variety of gardens. A large butterfly in the middle of the garden is made of whimsical flowers. The gardens are made possible through private funds. Master Gardeners Julie Jacob and Kathryn Kufahl says volunteers are greeted with ooohs and aaahs from kids learning in the ABC garden.
KAL Children's Garden
The Mission of the KAL Garden is to provide a garden environment in which plant based and reading activities generate interest and appreciation of reading and horticulture that lead to a lifelong pursuit of these beneficial activities.
The KAL Children’s Garden was started in 2008 based on an idea of MG Alice Troyke and as a two year college project for MG Julie Jacob. Julie designed the garden and created the text for the interactive signs as part of her Horticultural Therapist training at Colorado State University.
The garden is anchored by a large bed in the shape of a butterfly filled with beautiful annuals and perennials. The body of the butterfly contains the ABC garden. There is a plant for each letter of the alphabet. Also, within the Children’s Garden can be found the Arbor Garden, the Rock & Roll Garden and the Rest & Read Shade Garden. These gardens are maintained by Master Gardener voluneers as an educational resource for the community and especially children. They are used to educate the children as part of the KAL Story Hour. The garden is also maintained as a demonstration area in conjunction with the series of gardening classes offered by Master Gardeners at the Kimberling Area Library.
The garden has flourished because of the dedicated Master Gardeners who work on this project in all types of weather. During the growing season you will find them out there the first and third Wednesday mornings of the month. We are always looking for Master Gardeners to help us out with this fun project. Please contact this year’s project leader, Joanne Anderson, if you would like to help with this wonderful project.
Contact Information
Library hours are Mon-Wed-Friday 10am to 4pm
Tuesday-Thursday 10am to 7pm
Saturday 9am to 12 noon
For more information or for possible interviews, please contact:
Master Gardeners of the Ozarks are affiliated with the University of Missouri Extension Service – Tim Schnakenberg – 417-357-6812 or email – schnakenbergc@missouri.edu
