Expansion and Beautification Project

The rose garden at VFW Post 4142 on Waldo Hatler Memorial Drive in Neosho was the recent recipient of an expansion and beautification project.

The Hill and Hollow Master Gardeners from Newton and McDonald counties tackled the project at the Post as volunteers gathered to pull weeds, tend existing roses, and add additional plants to the rose garden. A stone border was also added, as well as a new layer of mulch throughout the garden.

Workers not only enlarged and enhanced the existing garden, but for the most part, they did it “green.” A layer of newspapers and broken cardboard boxes went down first, followed by a light watering. After a sprinkling of a weed preventative, the entire garden was topped off with mulch and watered thoroughly.

Keeping with the patriotic color scheme, the Master Gardeners purchased blue salvia plants to pair with the existing red roses. The salvia plants were purchased with funds raised at the annual plant sale in May, the group’s fundraising event for the year.

Volunteers worked to have the project completed by Memorial Day, wanting it to be an additional tribute to those who had served and sacrificed for our nation. While Memorial Day (or Decoration Day as it was first called) tributes seem to have diminished through the years since 1868 when Memorial Day was officially proclaimed by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, flowers have remained as a constant and traditional way to help honor those who have given their all for their country. The living tribute at Post 4142 is to help all who see it remember the great sacrifices given by those who have gone before.  

Submitted by Kathleen Reiboldt