Columbus Botanical Garden

Walton Bray

Mission:

“To preserve a portion of the rapidly diminishing open space in Columbus and to provide the public with a unique educational facility that is based on environmental awareness, horticulture, historic preservation and agricultural values.  This facility shall strive to inspire and leave a lasting impression on those who visit."

Shed where tools were kept

History 1890’s: The farmhouse that currently serves as the Columbus

Botanical Garden headquarters was built. 1910’s: Adams family purchase farmhouse and surrounding

property and move into the farmhouse. 1999: Farmhouse moved from original location on Veteran’s

Parkway to current location on Weems Road. 1999: First Columbus Botanical Garden board is organized. 2000: Restoration of farmhouse by Historic Columbus

Foundation 2000: Partnership with Columbus Technical College Foundation

and Environmental Horticulture Department 2002-04: Additional upgrades to house and landscape 2004: Dedication of Garden (see image above) 2004: First Master Plan developed 2005-06: Landscape expansion, additional renovations to

farmhouse 2007: Nicole Sanchez is appointed the first Executive Director 2007: Monthly educational programs offered 2007: Monthly newsletter established 2008: Gin House moved from previous location on Veteran’s

Parkway, initial renovations completed

History 2008: Herb Garden beds renovated 2008: Columbus Technical College Foundation announces plan to

divest Columbus Botanical Garden 2008: Landscape Architect, Gary Gullatte, updated Master Plan

and designed Joann Holt Walking Trail 2008: Joann Holt Walking Trail opens to public 2008: Columbus Botanical Garden conducts first annual fund drive 2008: Phase II of Joann Holt Walking Trail development begins 2009: Newsletter moved to bi-monthly format offered in print or

electronically: mailed distribution grows to over 300 per issue 2009: Membership benefits expand to include 10% discounts at

locally owned garden centers and nurseries 2009: Columbus Botanical Garden offers checkout privileges in

500-volume library to members 2009: First comprehensive plant labeling program offers correct

botanical information to visitors 2009: Funding from a variety of sources provides for landscaping

upgrades, street signs, improvements to farmhouse interior, and donation box on property

2010: Awarded an irrigation grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust

2010: Awarded a grant to create a pollinator garden 2011: Martha Miller Lopez is appointed the new Executive Director

Supervisors

Virginia Ely “Stanley”

Runs Columbus Botanical Garden

Preferred to not have picture taken

Grounds keeper

Day 1

Worked 2:00-6:00pm on June 20

Spread pinestraw

Focused on sidewalk edges & beds

Day 2

Worked 2:00-6:00pm on June 21

Spread more straw

Focused on the beds

Off to get more straw...

Day 3 Worked 12:40-

4:40pm June 23 Pulled weeds

THE WHOLE TIME

Very hot day

Day 4 Worked 12:00-

4:00pm July 26 Worked on

cleaning out the shelter Pulled weeds,

threw away solid debris such as wood, string, and plastic

Spread dirt or moved it to dump

Day 5 Worked 12:00-

4:00pm July 27 Continued the

previous day’s project

It was hard work, but I was done.