Full Text:

The Task Of Keeping The Town In Bloom

(with photo )

BY JEFF WHITE

For Maryanne Muskus, a member of Newtown's Town and Country Garden Club, the

pails of water that she carries to refresh the flower island on Glover Avenue

have been heavier this summer, thanks to the drought that has clamped onto

most of the region.

"In past summers, when we could count on rain, I would come around four times

in a two-week period," Mrs Muskus explained. "This summer, I've had to come

six times during a two-week period, and for the first time, we're using five

gallon containers of water."

The Town and Country Garden Club's members all take turns watering and

maintaining the garden islands on Glover Avenue and Queen Street, rotating in

cycles that last two weeks.

On a typical day, Mrs Muskus can be seen on that Glover Avenue island, picking

up trash and cigarette butts from the flower beds and mulch. The New Guinea

impatiens, day lilies, mums and annuals all receive individual attention, as

she saturates them with a steady stream of water from her large green pail.

It has always been a labor of love for Mrs Muskus, but it has grown more

tedious this summer with the dry weather, water-evaporating temperatures, and

unrelenting sun.

Until very recently, the responsibility for maintaining these flower islands

resided entirely with the Town and Country Garden Club. Mrs Muskus has had to

haul more water to the flowers from her house, where she fills several large

buckets each time before setting off for the islands.

"When you have to drag all this water here, it makes the job very tedious,"

Mrs Muskus admitted. "When the temperatures are as high as they've been this

summer, you have to water at least every other day."

For most of this unusually dry summer, members of the club have often felt

that they need the town's help in keeping these islands watered.

"They're doing a wonderful job," said Fred Hurley, director of public works

for Newtown. However, he recognized that the lack of rainfall has made their

job significantly more difficult, saying that public works would be willing to

work with the first selectman toward a solution.

Two weeks ago, it appeared that the club's prayers had been answered. Newtown

Hook and Ladder has agreed to help with a weekly dousing of the area flower

islands, according to Mrs Muskus, although it is not clear if this is a result

of public works lobbying.

Referring to Hook and Ladder's aid, Mrs Muskus called it "wonderful," adding,

"I think we do need some help, and although I wish they could water more, some

water is better than no water." She recognized that the help will ease the

burden on the club.

The over 100 flowers on the Glover Avenue island will no doubt enjoy a Hook

and Ladder drenching, mostly because the beds are comprised of more annuals

than perennials, which require greater amounts of water, Mrs Muskus said.

The efforts of the 70-year-old horticulturist and the other members of the

club this summer have not gone unnoticed. It is not unusual to see drivers

slowing down while club members are watering, shouting "Thank you for doing

what you're doing" through open car windows.

Still, members of the club see any help they can get as a chance for them to

keep the flower islands beautiful, despite weather that has depleted many area

gardens and lawns of moisture.

"We love flowers and plants and keeping the environment nice. That's why we're

in the club," Mrs Muskus mused. "We love our community and want to have it

beautiful."