Twenty-three years ago, Jack Andrews bequeathed funds to Grantham’s Dunbar Free Library in memory of his wife because “The library was very important to Joyce, as was her love of flowers. The fund was established to perpetuate those loves.”
In researching the story behind this, I went through a stack of paperwork that was all about the flowers—what to plant—where to plant—how to care for them… William Shakespeare’s works were researched to find reference to flowers. Many of those flowers were planted in the garden with hardiness zone and light taken into account. It is obvious that a lot of people devoted a lot of time to making this little garden beside the library the gem that it is. I could not find personal information about Jack and Joyce but am sure that theirs was a love story. If they could see the thoughtfully cared for garden today, they would be pleased.
The following people, listed in the library’s Shakespeare Garden file, volunteered hours of labor to ensure that this garden remains a lovely remembrance of Joyce Andrews: Barbara Burt, John Carroll, Judy and Bob McCarthy, Linda Sadowski, Gale and Andy Schmidt, and Beverly F. Woodhouse. Our GGC hard working president Elise Kendall has been maintaining the garden for the past few years. As with each successive volunteer, Elise has added her special touch to the garden. It is truly a labor of love.
The next time you go to the library (which now is happily open for outdoor pickup) please take a few moments to stop by the Shakespeare Garden and enjoy the sight and aroma of flowers blooming. Find the dedication to Joyce Andrews. Don’t miss the colorful rocks inscribed with quotes from Shakespeare’s plays (another Elise touch). Taking a moment in the garden reminds us that life is a short and fragile gift to enjoy.
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