Chili Public Library Native Plant Garden and Seed Library

by Cindy Cuthbert

There’s a new garden in town. In 2022, Hubbard Springs Garden Club of Chili applied for and was awarded a Civic Beautification Grant from the 7th District Federated Garden Clubs of NY State to plant a new garden south of the Chili Library. The purpose of the garden is to provide educational opportunities for the community, to beautify the new community center, and to provide enrichment and enjoyment to all. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new garden was held at the library on June 8. Planning for a garden for that area began in the fall of 2022. The planning committee consisted of Sue Ackerman, Project Coordinator; Maryann Wagner, Garden Club President; Becky Cornell, Garden Club Vice President; and Jeff Baker, Library Director. Plants were purchased this spring, and garden club members began preparing the garden for planting in May after the town crew removed sod from the area. After much hard work moving dirt and mulch, setting paving stones, situating soaker hoses, and planting around 39 plants, the garden was completed by the end of May. Plants were chosen for their sensory appeal (scent and tactile stimulation) and benefit to pollinators. Planners prioritized deerresistant perennials and native plants. Some of the plants included are Echinacea, Purple Milkweed, Lavender, Orange Butterfly Milkweed, Salvia, Lamb’s Ear, Yarrow, Bee Balm, Lupine, Goldenrod, and various herbs. A tag identifies each of the plants.

The garden includes a flagstone walking path (materials donated by Debbie Toogood’s family) and a trellis (constructed and installed by Sue and Mike Ackerman). Maryann Wagner made a glass birdbath, which serves as a garden centerpiece, as well as other glass adornments. Some members donated plants and/or seedlings for the project. The town planted a border of boxwood shrubs on the driveway edge of the garden. The Hubbard Springs Garden Club of Chili will continue to maintain the garden. The club is always looking for new members to help with civic beautification. If you are interested in joining, email Maryann Wagner at mustang_64@live.com.

The garden can be accessed from the south side of the Chili Community Center or from inside the library by the south door. Take some time to enjoy walking through it, smelling and touching plants as you go. Or take a book outside to read beside the garden. It is a beautiful, peaceful place.

In addition to the grand opening of the new garden, the Chili Public Library has launched a new Seed Library. With a generous donation from the Chili Lions Club, the library was able to purchase a variety of flower and vegetable seeds and a small card catalog in which to house them. All of the seeds are able to be “borrowed” by members of our community at no cost. The library hopes that, at harvest time, patrons will save some of their seeds to donate back to the library, making the seed library sustainable for years to come. The more seeds in the library, the more community members can experience the pleasures of growing their own food and flowers and enjoy the fruits of their labor.