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7/2/2012 2:00 PM
For many in Champaign-Urbana, the Master Gardeners’ Garden Walk is an annual tradition and a sign that summer is officially here. For Crisis Nursery volunteer and Master Gardener Gerri Kaha, whose
garden was featured on the walk, it was also a source of anticipation. “It’s an honor, it really is. And you go the extra mile to make sure it’s perfect,” Gerri explained. When the “extra mile” means more than the typical seven hours a day spent in the garden, you know there’s something special to see.
Just four years ago when Gerri and her husband, Arthur, moved into their Champaign home, there was not a single flower bed in their yard. Now it’s filled with roses, hostas, and lilies, and earned the prestigious honor of being one of the eight gardens on last weekend’s Walk. That might sound like a lot of work, but she sees it differently: “To me, when I get in the garden, it’s not work. I lose myself. Nature is just wonderful; it’s so peaceful.” Gerri began gardening as a young girl, when she would follow her grandmother around the yard, and continued through her 25 year stint working at a bank. She remembers, “I would get off work at 2:30pm, head to the yard, and stay until dark.”
These days, Gerri can be found volunteering in Crisis Nursery’s gardens every Tuesday morning. Shortly after completing the University of Illinois Extension’s Master’s Gardener class, which meets once a week for three months, Gerri’s friend Wilma asked for her assistance working in the Nursery’s gardens. Now, eight years later, Gerri has taken the lead managing one of Crisis Nursery’s many gardens, the “Sensory Garden”, full of bright plants to feel and smell. While her love for plants is apparent, Gerri’s favorite part of volunteering, as you might guess, is the kids she interacts with. “I love working here; this is the best,” Gerri said with a smile. “The kids love to come out and smell, and they want to help me water. It’s a satisfying feeling knowing that I’m making it pretty for a child who is going to learn about flowers.”
For those who want to learn, Gerri certainly has a lot to teach. But when new gardeners ask her “what to put where”, she simply recommends experimenting. “That’s the only way to do it,” she explains. “You gotta see it in your head. Do what you like. What you like will please your eye.” There is a common question Gerri is asked when working in the Crisis Nursery gardens, “Can I take a flower home for my mommy?” Her answer is always yes.
Click here for more information on University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener Program. For more information on volunteering at Crisis Nursery,
click here, or call 337-2731.
9 comment(s) so far...
Re: Volunteer Spotlight - Gerri Kaha
I've known Gerri for many years. She and Art used to by my daughter's next-door neighbors. I had no idea she was one of the gardeners I see on Tuesday mornings. But it doesn't surprise me. She's a very giving person.
Marilyn
By Marilyn Reid on
7/3/2012 5:39 PM
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Re: Volunteer Spotlight - Gerri Kaha
Gerri did a great job, I know that is a lot of hours, but it sure looks good.
Richard and Sherrie
By Richard T Kearney on
7/4/2012 7:22 AM
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Re: Volunteer Spotlight - Gerri Kaha
Gerri, you are getting well deserved praises for all your gardening efforts. We are proud of you and your many talents. Your yard is outstanding!
Janet
By Janet Stark on
7/4/2012 3:10 PM
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