The collaboration continues at the Matson Mowder Howe Celebration Garden. April 10 was another fine day in Redding that brought together members from the Shasta Chapter CNPS (Sarah Jarrett, Chris Gray, and Shirley Martin), Shasta Master Gardeners (Tamlyn Faris and Kim Stempien), dual CNPS and Master Gardeners (Jan Carter, Kay Gibson, and yours truly), and North Valley Art League (Sue Mandel).
We pulled a ton of weeds, spread yards and yards of City of Redding wood chip mulch, and finished the planned irrigation in preparation for the usual Redding sizzling summer. I was amazed by the willingness and enthusiasm of volunteers to pull a zillion weeds, even while being attacked by ants. Almost all of the 35 Shasta Chapter CNPS-donated plants that were planted this past fall and winter are thriving, with some already providing nectar for pipevine swallowtail butterflies. When we left the garden, I am fairly sure I heard the plants say, “Thank you.”
This summer, aside from general maintenance, we will cogitate on the plan for the next flurry of native plant gardening this fall/winter. Now, if only we could prevent the homeless from camping in the garden, that would really help beautify this iconic space. Maybe more people wandering through and experiencing the gardens would encourage the homeless to seek refuge elsewhere. So, when the thermometer ticks up to hot, why not take a refreshing stroll through the wonderful Matson Mowder Howe Celebration Garden down by the river?
-Doug Mandel
