TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.- April 29, 2013 - It takes a great deal of time to plan and execute the creation of a botanical garden, but Karen Schmidt of the Botanical Garden Society of Northwest Michigan understands the challenge, and with the help and support of her fellow board members and the great community of Traverse City, she can see the first seeds beginning to sprout. "It takes 15 years to plan a garden and get a shovel in the ground," Schmidt explains to moderator Kimberli Bindschatel. Curious to learn more? Catch the next episode of IN FOCUS, a weekly exploration of local treasures and important local issues on public access UpNorthTV 97 & 992.
The botanical garden will be a public garden, a park free for everyone to explore and learn new things about gardening, different plants, and conservation. The mission is to build a garden that can be open year round, displaying both native and endangered plants. Plans began nearly thirteen years ago, with almost an entire year in meetings just to find a location. Finally, in 2004 a wish was granted, and the Historic Barns Park, on the site of the old Traverse City State Hospital, became home.
Schmidt hopes, along with being a beautiful location for people to explore and admire, the gardens also become a model to teach others how to create sustainable environments through workshops and classes that would be offered. All that is needed now is the support of funds and the community.
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