Shady Characters

Edward Becker, Winona Nursery, plants a tree at Sauer Memorial Home

Surely no one’s e-e-ever used that pun when typing a landscape post, but I couldn’t resist. Yes, I’m referring to our annual community tree planting; this year we got to spread the shade to not one, but two worthy organizations! The two chosen for tree donations were Sauer Memorial Home on Hwy 61 and Ridgeway Community School.

We lucked out and got sunny, beautiful days both times: May 1, an Autumn Blaze Maple went in for Sauer Memorial Home. It was a little chilly so no residents came outside , but they were watching from the windows! One woman even clapped her approval, really making our day. Since this maple is a fast grower, the residents can watch it put on the inches this summer, too.

And the Ridgeway School planting on May 8 was a ton of fun. We weren’t the only outdoor attraction that day: we had to compete with the cute baby calves in the nearby corner and ice cream sandwiches on the playground, but the students were focused and energetic.

First we talked about the Swamp White Oak that was going to be helping to shade their new playground–did I mention these kids are smart as a whip, too; they answered all my questions perfectly!–and then everyone pitched in for the work. K-through-4th graders gathered compost to enrich the soil, and the outgoing 5th grade class did the actual digging of the hole. When asked if the graduating 5th graders would still come check on the tree to make sure it’s being watered, etc, they said all answered a resounding YES. And I know they will.

PS–If your not-for-profit organization would like to be considered for a tree donation next May, please contact us at info@winonanursery.com.