Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Script-Jennie
Photos-Gail
As we leave the Wildwood Metro Park: Manor House & Ellen Biddle Shipman’s Garden; on route to the Toledo Botanical Gardens-I want to share some parting words- a quote from Ms. Shipman:
“The Garden is a portrait of the person & it should express her likes & dislikes” The short, air-conditioned ride freshened us up for TBG,


Stella was able to describe the many changes taking place in recent years, s the botanical gardens have become part of the city park system.

She showed us where the sensory garden will be built, and various collections and projects,…

like the hedge of white rugosa roses on the way to the color garden where she usually volunteers, when she is not helping with the plant records.

She had high praise for the hard work of the three horticulturists, improving the garden experiences in spite of frequent staff turnovers. It was fun to hear background on many of the plants,

like the Katsura trees near her area giving off a strong cotton candy aroma as their leaves turn in fall,
and the internal staff debate over the fate of the barberry bushes in the red garden
Both places are worth visiting at many times of the year and our two hours with guides will help us appreciate them more, remember more plants, and share info with others we take there.
As our tour came to an end most everyone opted to head home, weary from all the walking; some us continued to flit around since we were already here:

Here are some other highlights:

THANK YOU-to Stella our very own MG who served as docent for this portion of our day. Both tours today were great!!!
We are lucky to have such diversity within our membership- and fortunate to neighbor with such valuable resources!!!!