About 50 people gathered at the Elm Creek Community Garden in Iola Monday for a memorial service to honor seven people, now deceased, who made contributions to the garden.
“When we started the garden in 2004 we never thought about losing any of our Miracle Growers,” said Carolyn McLean, garden administrator, of those whose names are on plaques on the side of the Memorial Garden Farmhouse.
Honored were Jeanie Larson, Vicki Lucas, Bob Talkington, Connie McRae, Michael Diebolt, Corinna Heard and Donald E. Sigg.
The Rev. Steve Traw shared thoughts, including that the garden was similar to life, with “challenges and disappointments. I have a plot here and I’ve marveled at what has been happening with the garden. It is excellent testimony of what the community has done for itself.”
The garden has evolved from a handful of plots to a thriving community project, including raised garden spaces to accommodate handicapped gardeners, even those wheelchair-bound.
Service honors garden supporters
