The flower beds at Bartlesville Public Library are bursting with color thanks to the Washington County Master Gardeners, who maintain the beds as a community service project.
“We plant and maintain a variety of plants for the community to enjoy and learn,” said Neil Loftis, who chairs the flower bed project. ““When tending the gardens, we get comments and questions from visitors about specific plants or their gardening questions. …The 2,500 square feet of gardens are the first things a visitor sees when entering the library. Now is the perfect time to visit and tour the gardens.”
The library covers the costs for plants and materials for the flower beds, and also received funds provided through ConocoPhillips volunteer grant program for retirees.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Washington County Master Gardeners for their dedication, creativity, and countless volunteer hours spent beautifying the library grounds,” said Library Director Kiley Roberson. “Their work not only enhances the appearance of our library but also creates a welcoming and inspiring space for the entire community. The gardens are truly a vibrant first impression for all who visit us.”
Recent additions to the gardens include new landscaping to a flower bed on the north side of the library building, where Loftis said Master Gardeners planted a Seven Son tree, abelia, junipers, boxwoods, barberry and variegated liriope.
The Washington County Master Gardeners are part of the OSU Extension program and offer numerous educational and community service projects.
