PLAINS — Learning to treasure the preciousness of the birth of a child can be a meaningful way for the parents and the child to grow and develop. One of those ways is to plant a tree or a flower in that baby’s honor.
So, that is what Julia Coleman, known as “Miss Julia” to many, decided to do on the site of the Plains High School. The area is now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, but “Miss Julia’s” dreams of a garden in honor of the children of Plains has truly bloomed.
National Park Service rangers, like Stephen Theuss, have continued to cultivate and care of “Miss Julia’s” garden as best as they possibly can.
Theuss pointed out a tree, large and massive, in the side yard.
“This whole area was called the Friendship Garden, and we’ve been told that ‘Miss Julia’ probably planted those trees in honor of some child being born.”
He gazed down at the pretty pink flowers in one of the beds.
“The word is that ‘Miss Julia’ wanted to beautify the school campus, and so she added a new plant or flower each time a baby was born in the community.”
Theuss’ eyes grew bright.
“And all of this you see is a part of that garden started many years ago.”
Students at the high school participated in “Friendship Garden” work days, hence the name, and flowers weren’t the only things to bloom under “Miss Julia’s” care.
During the week of April 20-24, the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site will celebrate two events, (1) National Park Services week, and (2) Earth Day. Theuss, and Site Superintendent Gary Ingram are excited about the next week and the plans for the next few weeks and months, and invite all of the public to stop by and take a walk outdoors in “Friendship Garden.”
“In the Yard” is a new feature in the Times-Recorder to be published normally on Tuesdays, focusing on the outdoors, gardens or statures that are unique and have a story or a purpose. If you know of a special outdoor place that should be featured, e-mail becky.holland@gaflnews.com.
Local News
April 23, 2009
Friendship Garden blooms on ...
Dream of former teacher symbolizes more than just outdoors
- Local News
-
- Citizens seek answers from Sumter BOE
- Brooks: ‘I will continue to put students first’
-
Beloved dog ‘walking dead’
- Valentine’s Special
-
Students learn team play, games at Sumter Elementary
-
Meeting and making history
- Morning clouds, afternnoon sunshine today
-
Lost in time
-
Sumter Gymnastics bring home first places
The Sumter County Gymnastics Academy team has entered its competition season for 2012. They attended two meets in January and brought home first places awards in both.
- PDA meets today
- More Local News Headlines
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
