For The Chronicle Trees make a difference in a landscape. Trees define a space by providing the framework of a garden or green area. The eye is drawn first to the tree, then to the corresponding landscape environment. Trees are restful, provide shade in the summer time and are planted to form windbreaks or define property lines. Birds love them and so do neighborhood children intent on building forts. The art of planting and caring for trees is celebrated nationally once a year on Arbor Day, and events are planned for local Arbor Day activities on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at several locations in Centralia. This second annual event for the Centralia area will feature educational tours of the Borst Park Arboretum, heirloom gardens, park trail clean-up opportunities, as well as tours of the historic Borst Home. Other events include a tour of the native plant landscaping at Centralia College, and the kick-off tree planting event at Cedar Street Park. The neighborhood park near Centralia College is currently undergoing a renovation led by local citizens. When you ask people if they know where the Cedar Street Park is located, even local Centralia residents will ask, "Where is that park?" said Laura Noreau of Laura's Garden Renaissance. A landscape designer, Noreau and fellow garden enthusiast Rodney Thurman, an arborist, have plans to landscape the park. "It's a great park," enthused Noreau. She and her husband often go to the park to play basketball and tennis. The park has a tennis court, basketball court, playground toys and "lots and lots of grass." It is also a very hot and dry park in the summertime, without the benefit of shade trees, and Noreau and Thurman want to change that. "We want to create something that everyone can come out and enjoy," Noreau said. To that end, the two have formed the Twin Cities Green Team with plans to purchase and plant shade and flowering trees in the park and on the right of way. The team has already received the backing of the City of Centralia, which will maintain the water supply to the park and continue with the maintenance mowing schedule.water supply to the park and continue with the maintenance mowing schedule. Trees to be planted in the right of way include Stellar's Pink Dogwood, European Hornbeam and Red Baron Crab Apple. In the park will be planted Red Beech, Tulip Poplar and Emerald Queen Maple. "These are not seedlings," said Noreau. The larger-sized trees will ensure that they are producing flowers and providing shade within a few years. Noreau figures the cost at about $1,600 for the trees. The City of Centralia, Noreau and Thurman are each donating one of the trees to the project. "At this point what we're hoping for is community involvement to help us raise the money to pay for the trees," Noreau said. Funds may be donated to the Cedar Street Park project through the City of Centralia. "We've had lots of positive feedback, people giving $10 and people giving $100. "One thing about the park project is to educate people," said Noreau. "They think planting trees in the right of way is a hassle, that the trees pop up sidewalks and cause problems, and that's simply not true: it's about planting the right tree for the right place." Victoria Stewart is a freelance writer and photographer. She can be reached at creative01writer@yahoo.com.
