The Jackson County Memorial Garden at Rafter's Park, Holton, by the gazebo (by the swimming pool) is an inviting place to visit and to evoke wonderful memories.

Beginning in 2003, the Garden is the result of a vision, months of planning, moving soil, building sidewalks with handicapped accessibility sidewalks and rock pathways; then planting, nurturing and watering. This work of love in progress is a combined effort of Jackson County Friends of Hospice volunteers, of Holton Parks and Recreation with Mike Reichle, Marcia Zimmerman of Holton Greenhouses and the kind donations from the annual Holton Garden Tour benefit. Again, the June 26, 2005, Garden Tour raised more funds for the development of this vision. The community and Hospice families have donated to the Memorial Gardens as well through memorials.

The Memorial Garden actually has several gardens within it. The first area is around the flagpole. Called the flag garden, plants were divided, moved and new plants have been added each spring. The city of Holton brought a water hydrant to the site. The gardens feature a memorial fountain given in memory of loved ones, a miniature rose garden, perennials mixed with annuals, blooming shrubs, and a variety of decorative grasses.

A children's bench and four other benches have been added. There are plans to create a children's garden. In May 2005, Cory Keehn, as an Eagle Scout project and with the help of his father, Gary Keehn, completed a rock water feature. The impressive waterfall was designed and donated by the Gary Keehn family in memory of Cory's grandmother and Gary's mother.

Can you tell how excited we are to be a part of seeing this beautiful garden develop? If you are interested in helping care for the garden or to make a donation, call Marcia Zimmerman (364-5120) or Gin Fox (364-4365) or Friends of Hospice Treasurer, Edrie Thompson, 364-2116.