Anyone who walks or drives by the Library on Main Street, or enters the library from the Main Street entrance, will notice a beautiful garden around the community sign. The garden called “Mel’s Garden” was created in memory of Mel Marx. Henrietta and Aurora Marx donated money to the library in memory of what would have been Mel’s 75th Birthday. The Library decided to create a garden around the sign with the donation. The garden ended up becoming a true community garden with most of the materials, and work being done by volunteers.
Jane Kopidlansky was instrumental in making the garden a reality. Jane took a brief plan created by Dorene Schuster of Greenleaf Landscape and expanded it to create a garden in an area that Department of Public Works employees had filled in. She arranged and planted the plants, added mulch, created a path and contacted individuals to help with the project, Most of the plants and materials used were donated by individuals and businesses. Eventually a brick path will line the walking path and edges and a stone engraved with “Mel’s Garden” will be added to the beautiful, fragrant garden, that will bloom most of the year.
Jane was assisted by volunteers and used donations of materials and plants to create the garden. Here is a list of contributors to the project: Kathy Lane, Peace Church, Mary Maciejewski, Dottie Umbehaun, Schroth’s Floral, Carol Pritzl, Carol Burich, Julaine Huth, Mary Ariens, Ken and Dorene Schuster, Rob Schroth, Henrietta Marx, Jolene Gerhartz, Brendan Daun, 4X Concrete, and Jane Kopidlansky.
The garden is being maintained by Jane and some of her friends. It is wonderful to see this spirit of volunteerism in the community. The Library thanks her and all of those who contributed to make this garden a success. From digging a path, to planting, to watering and weeding the plants, to donating rocks, gravel, limestone or bricks, the Brillion Library thanks you for your assistance in making Mel’s Garden a reality.
