AUBURN - One of the Seymour Library's best assets isn't its collection of books, but the soon-to-be blooming garden outside.
Angela Kershner / The Citizen
Baylee Kennedy, of Auburn, 5, talks with Hermine Drossos, of Keepsake Gardens, about the importance of trees, before a group of children help to plant a lilac tree behind Seymour Library in celebration of Arbor Day Friday.
Baylee Kennedy, of Auburn, 5, talks with Hermine Drossos, of Keepsake Gardens, about the importance of trees, before a group of children help to plant a lilac tree behind Seymour Library in celebration of Arbor Day Friday.
About 20 children, parents and administrators christened a refurbished section of the library's landscape and celebrated Arbor Day with a tree planting Friday afternoon. It was the library's first observance of the annual statewide tree tribute.
“We had been talking about we really don't promote the library grounds,” director Sheila Anderson said.
The extensive landscaping out front has been a point of pride for the library for several decades. Hermine Drossos, who hosted the planting, has been the caretaker for about 30 years.
“Can anyone tell me what Arbor Day is?” Drossos asked a small group of children anxiously eyeing a shovel and spade. “It's a day that we dedicate to planting trees.”
The newly installed lilac tree will be an aromatic centerpiece to the section of garden hidden from view on Genesee Street. The area was just rehabilitated to give the majority of patrons who enter from the rear parking lot something to admire, as well.
“A garden is a growing thing, so this has been a growing project,” Drossos said.
Anderson, who became library director in February, said she plans to uphold the green priorities of her predecessor, Stephen Erskine.
“We're hoping to get some benches back here so people can come and enjoy the garden and relax,” Anderson said.
The library also hosted a tree-friendly activity indoors to mark the end of TV-Turnoff Week. Children “recycled” defunct paper catalog cards by crafting buildings and other village features.
Drossos said gardening is a great way to educate youngsters, who seem to be naturally drawn to plant life.
“Good luck little tree,” Drossos said with a few gentle pats before turning to the children. “You'll have to come back and visit.”
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
“We had been talking about we really don't promote the library grounds,” director Sheila Anderson said.
The extensive landscaping out front has been a point of pride for the library for several decades. Hermine Drossos, who hosted the planting, has been the caretaker for about 30 years.
“Can anyone tell me what Arbor Day is?” Drossos asked a small group of children anxiously eyeing a shovel and spade. “It's a day that we dedicate to planting trees.”
The newly installed lilac tree will be an aromatic centerpiece to the section of garden hidden from view on Genesee Street. The area was just rehabilitated to give the majority of patrons who enter from the rear parking lot something to admire, as well.
“A garden is a growing thing, so this has been a growing project,” Drossos said.
Anderson, who became library director in February, said she plans to uphold the green priorities of her predecessor, Stephen Erskine.
“We're hoping to get some benches back here so people can come and enjoy the garden and relax,” Anderson said.
The library also hosted a tree-friendly activity indoors to mark the end of TV-Turnoff Week. Children “recycled” defunct paper catalog cards by crafting buildings and other village features.
Drossos said gardening is a great way to educate youngsters, who seem to be naturally drawn to plant life.
“Good luck little tree,” Drossos said with a few gentle pats before turning to the children. “You'll have to come back and visit.”
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
