Early in the plans for rebuilding the Brainbridge Library, we knew that our original gardens would need to be demolished for parking. The Chagrin Valley Herb Society has been involved in all public meetings of the Geauga County Library Bainbridge Branch planning to let our voice be heard. We are committed to rebuilding our gardens for our community and the pollinators who visit.
We thank the Library Board for their help in this endeavor and we thank the public for voicing their desires to have us rebuild. We continue to try to raise the funds necessary to complete our project.
Demolition
Plants
Many of our plants are being cared for in our member’s yards. Many others were transplanted to Kenston and by The Kenston Giving Garden Club. This group of talented students brought trucks and shovels to help us move plants to their garden at Kenston High School. They have helped to care for our plants there. We are so grateful. The group, moderated by our member, Kenston math teacher Mrs. Connie Kramer, has become a valued partner of the Herb Society. We look forward to years of collaborating with this group on various community projects.
Tea House
We would have loved to keep our tea house, but the cost of moving it and putting it back was prohibitive. South Russell agreed to take the tea house and move it to the South Russell Park on East Washington Street. Moving day was quite exciting and we are proud to have the tea house in its new setting.
Rebuilding
Our garden representatives presented a plan to the Library Board and it was approved. The Bainbridge Library donated $15,000 and the sprinkler system basics. These funds took care of the building of the west garden boxes. We added funds for better drainage and additional fill soil.
The West and East Gardens plans include a new, slightly larger, tea house to be placed on the hill between the gardens.
Our plans include the same garden themes as the old garden, with a new layout that will allow for more movement through the library grounds.
Support
If you would like to donate to help us rebuild the gardens, checks can be written to the Chagrin Valley Herb Society c/o Bainbridge Library or sent to our GoFundMe page.