LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Volunteers remain the heart of the Allen County Children’s Garden, continuing a tradition of community service that began 30 years ago.
Tuesday is volunteer day at the garden, and crews spent the morning weeding, feeding and mulching throughout the grounds to keep the popular attraction looking its best. The garden is maintained by the Allen County Master Gardeners and continues to evolve with new signs, sculptures and plants, giving visitors something different to experience with every visit.
Volunteer Maggie Ditto said she discovered the opportunity during a visit to the garden and has been returning ever since.
"One day we came here to look around and someone was working and we asked who did all this. And she said, there are volunteers that comes and help. And she said that they come out every Tuesday. And so I just started coming," said Maggie Ditto, a volunteer.
Allen County Master Gardener Kay Studer said volunteers are essential to maintaining the garden and encouraged others to get involved.
"It used to be all master gardeners, but we really, really need volunteers. And there's other groups that have come down and spent the day. And we really appreciate it because we do not have a budget to hire help. So, and it's all been volunteer for 30 years and look what we've accomplished. It's been great," said Kay Studer, an Allen County Master Gardener.
To celebrate three decades of beauty and education, the Allen County Children's Garden will host a butterfly release on Sept. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend and participate in activities celebrating the garden's 30th anniversary.
