ASHLAND — The creation of two new outdoor gardens aims to commemorate the life and interests of an Ashland librarian.
The Prairie Skies Public Library District is hosting a grand opening for Dorothy’s Garden at their Ashland branch from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Attendees can enjoy performances by local artist Tim Kelly as well as a recital of “The Kissing Hand,” written by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Ruth Harper.
The updated garden consists of two sections located on the west and east sides of the building. To the west, the library created a bee- and hummingbird-attracting pollinator garden complete with seating areas, musical drums, and a space designated for storytelling sessions. On the eastern side, a vegetable and herb garden has been planted to cultivate various produce items like fresh herbs and veggies. Additionally, themed zones within this eastern section include interactive spaces designed for tactile experiences through touch-sensitive plant varieties as well as an area inspired by the classic tale “Peter Rabbit.”
Garden produce can be bought through a freewill donation to support the library. Additionally, Prairie Skies plans to launch a Garden Club during the summer months; local children will gather on the first and third Thursdays of every month to explore nature and assist with maintaining the gardens.
The garden is dedicated to Dorothy Newell, a longtime librarian at Prairie Skies who passed away in 2023. According to director Cindy Boelke, establishing this garden as an homage to Newell made perfect sense since it merges her passion for both reading and horticulture.
Boelke mentioned that Dorothy adored Ashland because it allowed her to spend time with friends, read books, engage with children, and tend to her garden. Therefore, this area truly encapsulates everything dear to her heart and offers something distinctive to downtown Ashland.
Each garden will feature plants that Newell particularly loved. The library will add yellow tulips to the western garden in the fall and cherry tomatoes to the eastern garden, Boelke said.
Staff member Deb Gruen mentioned that the garden was conceived based on the community’s recollections of Newell along with the aim to improve Ashland’s downtown area. She noted that Newell was a strong advocate for libraries and stayed engaged within the Ashland community right up till her death.
“Each day, whenever possible, right up to her last days, she could be found riding her bike or taking a walk,” Gruen stated. “She wouldn’t think twice about stopping someone and asking, ‘Did you visit the library today?’”
Samantha Thompson, another team member, stated that the gardens are designed to appear “vibrant and inviting,” mirroring Newell’s personal demeanor.
She expressed her hope that it will be vibrant and inviting for everyone in the community.
Gruen and Thompson concurred that Newell would have been delighted with the inclusion of the gardens.
Gruen mentioned, “His daughter keeps in touch with us frequently,” he explained. “She often repeats, ‘He’s simply beaming widely right now from up in heaven, looking after all of us.’”
