“ We ’ re excited about engaging with the community in this area of life at the Foreman Prairie House ,” she said . “ Our goal has always been to present this living history and this space that ’ s so important to our heritage here locally , to the public and engage with the public .”
President of the Foreman Prairie House Foundation
Laura McGouran
on his “ Eagle Project .”
In the process , the scout installed pavers , gravel , as well as plantings with his crew .
“ The garden was planned as a memorial garden in honor of Gail Loafman ’ s brother ,” she said . “ When Loafman saved the house and started the Foreman Prairie House Foundation , her brother came and designed and did a lot of the initial plantings around the house , after it was renovated .”
After he passed , his widow donated some of the money to start the garden .
“ We still have some of the money in that fund to buy plants ,” she said . “ We also have other flower beds throughout the property that really need some attention annually .”
Also to keep timely pieces , McGouran said they continue to seek out heritage plants for the garden areas , as well as perennials and shrubs with color during the winter , foliage or interesting bark .
“ The old fashioned plants or heritage plants tend to be along those lines as well ,” she said .
McGouran said the garden had a fountain donated and other then needing a new pump , the fountain will be a great addition to the garden .
With several accessible times to view and enjoy the gardens , staff at FPH also seek community help to find plants to suit the era of the home as well .
“ We spend a lot of time out there during our events ,” McGouran said .
Events such as the Spring Tea on the first Saturday in May gives visitors a chance to spend some time in the garden .
“ We book the entire house ,” she said . “ Downstairs , upstairs , porch and lawn .”
According to McGouran , they have their regulars who come back each year to join them , requesting the front porch , the gazebo or the lawn .
“ We love to make it a peaceful place ,” she said . In addition to the gardens , McGouran said they grow their own herbs .
“( We ) use those in our cooking ,” she said . “ When we do a special event that incorporates food .”