WILLIAMSBURG — One afternoon Peggy Krapf, a certified landscape designer, was walking at Veterans Park when she saw an opportunity to transform an overgrown muddy ditch into a beautiful garden.
“It was an ugly, unattractive drainage ditch. I saw James City County (JCC) workers out there struggling to mow this 200 foot by 12 foot section. I thought what a waste it was of this space right by the pavilion, but what a perfect place to put an educational garden!” explained Krapf.
After approaching the planning commission about four years ago, JCC said it loved the idea but could not commit to the upkeep of a community garden. So, Krapf made a plan that would mutually benefit everyone.
JCC would pay for the initial plants, publicize planting days, and provide staff to help prepare the new garden. Krapf would design the garden and make sure the space was maintained.
“Initially, I relied on community volunteers, but now, this has become an official Master Gardener project. Once a week, they are out there pulling weeds and deadheading plants,” said Krapf. “It looks wonderful!”
Now, three years into the project, the pollinator/rain garden boosts hundreds of native plants, flowers, a sign that explains the importance of the garden and two benches that welcome visitors to sit and enjoy the beauty of the space.
The next step is to create a children’s program.
“About ten years ago, I realized how important it is to change the way we garden. From just something pretty to something that is actually useful to the world around us.” Krapf continued, “People stop all the time to admire and ask questions. So, it is doing exactly what I hoped.”
To learn more about Williamsburg Master Gardeners, visit their webpage. Learn more about Veterans Park here.
