Message from the President
Nov. 18, 2009
Dear Friends of Lendonwood Gardens:
As we prepare for the quieter winter months in the Gardens, it is an appropriate time to review the accomplishments of the past year. Thanks to our hard-working volunteers, Lendonwood has never been more beautiful. Newly designed flower beds greet our visitors, both at the front and back entrances. Pesky weeds were dispatched during twice-weekly volunteer work days led by Master Gardener Linda Moore and former President Cindy Reynolds. Along with our regular volunteers, members of the Grove Rotary Club made a huge difference in the beauty of the Gardens, with their efforts during spring and fall cleanup days.
This year, Lendonwood has hosted several special events, including the annual Earth Day in April, with more than 300 area third-graders participating in multiple environmental activities on the grounds. Lendonwood also hosted a “Business After Hours” event for the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, in which Lendonwood was introduced to a broad range of local business leaders.
We also have had a number of group tours of the Gardens this year, including various Master Gardeners organizations, area garden clubs, and organized tour groups. Lendonwood has been the venue for numerous weddings as well as the annual “prom day photo ops” that draw students from several area high schools.
Every day, Lendonwood continues to attract visitors from the Grand Lake area as well as many from around the world. For example, the guest book has recorded visits by people from England, Canada, and other foreign countries. Their comments are uniformly positive – a tribute to the work of our volunteers.
Beyond the beauty of plants, trees and shrubs, Lendonwood offers a terrific backdrop for birdwatching. This year, we have had sightings of the American bittern and pileated woodpecker, not to mention the usual cardinals, robins, red-headed woodpeckers, wrens, and many others.
Lendonwood has many wonderful attributes, but perhaps the greatest is this: every week, there’s something different to see. In a matter of days, the landscape changes, offering new colors and textures for all to enjoy. That’s why I recommend that visitors come back again and again – there’s always more to see in Lendonwood another day.
In the year ahead, we are planning some terrific improvements to the Gardens. As I write this, a new entrance pathway is being installed with solid pavers that will make the Gardens more handicapped-accessible. Plans are in the works for adding new trees to replace those lost to ice storms and normal wear and tear. Indeed, we look forward to another great year in one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the Midwest. My thanks go out to all who make it possible.
Sincerely,
Jim Corbridge
President
Lendonwood Board of Directors