Garden set to bloom

The Hanna Agricultural Resource Team (HART) met April 25 at Hanna Hometown Mart's Cafe area to discuss the plans for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the garden in the land where Hanna Elementary School once stood.

A date could not be confirmed but it is hoped to be at the end of May. The meeting focused on plants that were deer resistant and easy to grow. Members present offered to donate plants starting to sprout in personal gardens that are known to fit the criteria of plants needed.

Some flowers and shrubs, although not guaranteed to be deer proof, are found to survive the Hanna deer herd. Bulb plants resistant to cervine appetites aredaffodils, iris, crocus and baby grape hyacinth. Flowering plants mentioned were satvia, Russian sage, butterfly bush (buddleja davidii), mint, catmint (nepeta), marigold, white daisy (shasta daisy), red poppies, purple coneflower, lavender and goldenrod. Bushes recommended were the bramble rose and potentilla.

The book, "Rocky Mountain Fruit & Vegetable Gardening: Plant, Grow, and Harvest the Best Edibles - Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah & Wyoming (Fruit & Vegetable Gardening Guides)" by Diana Maranhao a paperback, published July 15, 2014 was presented for the members to peruse.

Ellen Freeman and Rose Dabbs, two members credited by most others in HART for keeping the project moving, hope to have the park's opening before the next meeting.

The next scheduled meeting for HART will be May 30 at 5:30 pm at Hanna Market Cafe.