The Shaker Farms Garden Club been helping Harrison improve aesthetic more every year.
One of the Club’s newest projects is the Larry Mortashed garden behind the Harrison Community Center. The Club raised $1,000 with a plant sale in the spring, and received a $500 grant from Garden Club of Ohio. The funds covered the cost of trimming of three crabapple trees. The funds also purchased irises, day lilies, hostas, herbs and a number of other perennials and annuals. Club volunteers are maintaining the garden, which includes rose bushes that were already there.
“It’s nice when you’re working there and people come by and say, this is so nice,” said Gail Chuck, who leads several committees for the Garden Club.
Chuck said the volunteers are watching to see which plants work well before installing more, along with a bird house.
The Club’s handiwork extends beyond the Community Center. There are about 85 Beautify Harrison planters around City. Each year the Club invites businesses to purchase a pot, which they can renew annually for a smaller fee.
“I want to give credit to the City’s Streets Department workers who water them and take of collecting them and putting them in storage,” Chuck said.
Lohman’s Greenhouse provides storage space for the large pots.
The Club maintains several gardens at two historic sites: the Looker House on Marvin Road and the Passmore Cabin on Baughman Road. The Club also partners with Harrison Township to maintain all four quadrants at the Dry Fork Road exit of I-74.
Currently the Club is focused on collecting nominations for its annual Civic Beautification Awards. All outstanding gardeners in the Southwest Local Schools District are welcome to apply. Nomination forms are available at the Harrison Branch Library, Lohman’s and other stores throughout town.
The Club handles all these activities, in addition to enjoying tours and activities, with about 25 members. Chuck said they would love to have more members. Anyone interested should email Chuck at gchuck@fuse.net or Club President Karen Fuchs at karenf311r@gmail.com.
