Volunteers help keep the city beautiful

We'd like to recognize volunteers from Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities who are helping to beautify the city parks and public buildings. The flowers we'll be seeing throughout the city are the result of cooperation between the Parks Department and Noelridge Greenhouse volunteers.

Work on the 2011 summer plantings began early last fall when staff and volunteers took cuttings of Noelridge Park plants. During the winter months, volunteers have helped to transplant cuttings and seedlings, care for plants in the tropical greenhouse and refurbish the greenhouse partitions and doors.

By the middle of May, thousands of plants will be ready to be planted by seasonal employees. You may see volunteers in the park during the summer, weeding the flower beds or grooming the flowers.

Most of the hosts at the Easter and Mother's Day showcases are volunteers, sharing their love of plants with those who come to enjoy the beauty of the greenhouse. The shade structure being erected nearby is another volunteer effort. Private donations and volunteer labor are making the structure and hosta garden possible.

It would be hard to describe a typical volunteer. Ages range from high school students to retirees, some in their 80s and 90s. Skills include horticulture, carpentry and record-keeping.

What all have in common is an interest in plants and a desire to keep the greenhouse and parks as Cedar Rapids showplaces. Our thanks to all who are helping make this happen.

Jean and Bill Snyder

Cedar Rapids