Butterfly garden honors Koslowsky granddaughter
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Harry and Theodora Koslowsky have been gardening at their home at 100 Washington St., Marion, since they moved there 40 years ago.
The large garden is filled with flowers and plants of all kinds as well as fruits and vegetables.
"Harry does the vegetables and I do the flowers," Theodora said.
A stone trail winds through the garden from one end to the other. One section is a butterfly patch Theodora planted for their 7-year-old granddaughter Emily.
It contains bee balm, purple coneflowers, zinnias, butterfly bushes, cosmos, and even dill.
In the middle of the blazing colors is a child's bench complete with a teddy bear and the sign, "Emily's Butterfly Garden."
Theodora said the patch is full of Monarch butterflies in August.
Another special spot is dedicated to the Koslowskys' 13-year-old grandson Peter. "Peter's Place" is a bench under a Redbud tree.
Castor beans are allowed to grow voluntarily in the vegetable garden to provide filtered shade during hot summer days. The lower leaves and seeds are removed, but a few seeds shatter and fall on the ground to sprout and grow the following year.
Grapes and blackberries grow along boundary fences. A row of cotton soon will produce big fluffs of white.
Interspersed throughout the garden are handcrafted items such as a scarecrow and redbirds carved of wood. White picket fences, short and tall, trim the walk along the way.
Antique items such as a garden cultivator and cream separator also have a place.
A tall white fence recently was installed around one section of the yard, providing a distinctive background for blooming red cannas. A water fountain is a favorite bird haunt.
Harry's knack for gardening carries over into his job as custodian at Butler of Marion. He keeps the grass mowed and beautifies the grounds with plants and flowers.
At the back of the Koslowsky house is an old storage shed which the couple rebuilt, insulated, and use as a potting shed. It is beautifully decorated with nostalgic items from the past.
The couple enjoys sharing flowers with others. At various times throughout the summer they take bouquets to Marion Manor and St. Luke Living Center.
"The residents are thrilled to see them," Theodora said.
A child the Koslowskys are mentoring was given a small area in which to plant flowers of his own. He visits regularly to take care of them and help in the garden.
The couple recently entertained a small party of friends, who toured the garden and enjoyed lemonade and cookies.
However, for the most part, the garden is for their own pleasure. Summer vacations are out of the question.
"It's a part of us," Theodora said. "We enjoy it and we enjoy sharing flowers and vegetables with others. We'll do it as long as we are able."
