Lendonwood invites volunteers for Spring Work Day

Wake Up the Garden
Volunteers of all ages helped “Wake Up the Garden” at Lendonwood during a past workday. This year’s Spring Workday will be held on Saturday, March 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the botanical garden located at 1308 Har-Ber Road, Grove. Any amount of time offered would be appreciated. Lunch will be provided.

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to Lendonwood Gardens to help “Wake Up the Garden” on Saturday, March 25. The annual spring workday, sometimes drawing up to 70 people, helps get the botanical garden ready for the tourist season.

“It’s not necessary to be an experienced gardener for volunteers to make a huge difference at Lendonwood,” said Jim Reynolds, coordinator of the workday. “We have a wide variety of tasks, from light to heavy-duty. We’ll match up teams of people with the appropriate level of chores.

“Besides that, it’s a lot of fun,” Reynolds said. “There’s a sort of camaraderie that develops among our volunteers, making acquaintances and building friendships.”

In past years, the event has drawn members of Grove Rotary, youth groups, church groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, business employees and other community-minded volunteers. Some local companies have encouraged staff members to become involved in community service, such as Lendonwood’s workdays.

Lendonwood President Jim Corbridge expressed his appreciation for the spirit of voluntarism in the Grand Lake area: “We are fortunate to live in an area where people help each other and local organizations. Lendonwood is operated entirely by volunteers. So, our community workdays are essential to keeping the garden going and growing.”

Specific projects at the spring workday will include such jobs as picking up downed branches, staining bridge decks, planting new plants, spreading mulch, weeding, cleaning benches, painting, clearing leaves from the stream, repairing pathways, and many other tasks.

Volunteers are asked to gather at 8:30 a.m. by the barn at the back of the garden for donuts and coffee. Supplies for the various projects will be available on site, although volunteers should bring their gloves and wear comfortable work clothes. 

Lunch will be provided, including grilled hot dogs, baked beans, chips, and cookies. The workday usually concludes at about 2 p.m., but any amount of volunteer time is appreciated, Corbridge said.

Each year, Lendonwood draws several thousand tourists to see colorful azaleas, rhododendrons, Japanese maples, daylilies, hostas, dogwoods, peonies, and many more plantings. Popular stops include the Oklahoma Garden, featuring plants that thrive in the state’s variable climate. Other highlights are the Japanese Pavilion, Koi Pond, Monarch Waystation, Hummingbird Garden, and the Angel of Hope Statue and Garden.

In case of inclement weather, “Wake Up the Garden” will be held on Saturday, April 1.

            For more information about the March 25 workday, contact Jim Corbridge at 918-786-8375.