In Milan there is a new destination in Wilson Park which was created and dedicated in 2012 called Milan Veteran’s Wall of Honor. Milan Garden Club will be responsible for planting the several raised planters in that area and would love to hear what plant suggestions our readers have for the 3 raised beds and the two areas in front of the two raised beds. There are two “L” shaped beds in the front which are 16″ high and planting area is 34″ inside width. The shorter length of the “L” is 9′ and the longer length is 15′.
The third planter is located in the center of the memorial area, is square, also 16″ high, and the inside planting area about 22″ wide. Because of the statue in the center of this planting area the height of plants can not exceed 16″ when mature.
This area faces west and has some large trees on the east and south sides but it receives about 6 hours of sun each day. All plant suggestions must be drought tolerant (there are soaker hoses in the planters) and low maintenance (no shrubs that require pruning for shape). The photos show some mums in pots which were planted last fall for the Veteran’s Wall dedication. These plants will probably be moved to another location.
Plants under current consideration are Lavender Hidcote (18″ x 18″), Bolder Blue Festuca (12″ x 12″), Happy Returns Daylily (18″ x 18), Carefree Sunshine Knock-out rose, OSO Happy Petit Pink Rose, and Pennisetum Little Bunny (12″). The grasses you see in front of the raised planters are Little Zebra and were planted last fall by the city in preparation for the dedication ceremony. They are going to be removed and replaced with a shorter variety grass (and perhaps the mums) because they will mature to be taller than the planters. Suggestions from our readers are needed for that area as well. We are also thinking of using Profusion Zinnias annuals for color this first year while the perennials mature.
Please reply to this post for your suggestions. Let’s help Milan Veteran’s Wall of Honor grow!
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
Just a small correction – the Milan Veteran’s Wall of Honor was built and dedicated in 2011. It is worth the ride to Milan’s Wilson Park to see this tribute to all veterans from the Milan area and which also displays a beautiful Blue Star Memorial plaque honoring veterans around the US and presented to the city in 2005 by Milan Garden Club.
i want to visit-over past couple of years, i have been involved in creating a veteran park for my town. not yet done but willing to share some plant ideas i had, i also want low maintenance but want symbolism ex: Hostas-such as Loyalist, or Patriot. Lavendar-Blue Cushion; northern lights grass or native
switch grass. have other ideas- but i do not have planting
containers…open beds–restricted in that by a creek and cannot use mulch..will
look over other ideas i had and share with you if i think they will work