Humboldt County
Historical Association
PO Box 162
Humboldt, Iowa
50548
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The Old-Fashioned Garden
“It’s a baby garden,” Donna Day explains about the old-fashioned garden close to the Hardy Church on Humboldt Museum grounds. “It will need a few years to develop; it’s only been growing since 2007. We wanted plants that have a nice appearance for the whole year. We also wanted plants that don’t need a lot of care.”
The list of the plants in the garden is long and includes the daylily, chrysanthemum, and peony. All three of these plants were blooming hundreds of years ago in China. The ancient Chinese people used the daylily for food and a Chinese philosopher advises, "If you would be happy for a lifetime, grow Chrysanthemums." The peony is one of the oldest plants grown for its flower. The Chinese name for the Peony is "Sho Yo", or "Most Beautiful."
From the Trojan War to the Civil War, yarrow has been used to heal wounds and traditionally in Britain, yarrow was burned on the eve of St. John’s Day to protect against evil.
During Medieval times, doctors believed that dried Columbine flowers when powdered and made into a drink were a universal antitoxin. The Native Americans used minute amounts of the crushed Columbine seeds for headaches and also as a love charm. To control lice, they rubbed the seeds into their hair.
The garden also has pinks, coral bells, phlox, Russian sage, the Asiatic lily, catmint, sedum, veronica and grasses for the lawn.
To the east of the garden are seven crabapple trees which will provide a glorious spring blossom background.
The garden is like all babies—it takes a lot of work. Donna has helpers; her husband Roger is chief lifter and hauler. Other helpers who have contributed to the garden include Joan Arnold, Bill Fort, Dan Holstein, Marlys Johnson and Master Gardener Interns. She needs volunteers for the coming year so get in touch with Donna if you would like to be part of this wonderful garden’s growth.
Each year involves a major project. Last year a brick border was laid out to enclose the garden. This year Donna wants to add roses to the plant roster and plans are underway to build an arbor.
The Old-Fashioned Garden is and will be a beautiful spot for special photos. Or if you plan a special event for a garden setting, such as a wedding or baptism, contact Museum Director Connie Overby for details.
SPECIAL
TOURS MAY BE ARRANGED BY CALLING
Museum Director: Connie Overby (515) 890 9652
c.overby@mchsi.com