We can’t thank the family of Joanna Hastings-Kiessling and her friends enough for their generous donation of plants to a new woodland garden at Adelaide Bentley Park in Towson. Below, are some of the ferns that were donated and planted by volunteers from Blue Water Baltimore.

We’ve written of Joanna’s fabulous legacy previously and we intend to honor her family and friends and dedicate the new garden in her honor on the afternoon of Sunday, September 30 from 3 to 5:30 PM. (Football Fans - The Ravens play the Steelers away that day and the game doesn’t start until 8 PM).

We also intend to recognize Councilman Marks with a Green Jacket for his tireless efforts to support the creation and preservation of parks and open space in the County. The Councilman was instrumental in securing a community benefit that partially funded the creation of the park and in having the park named for long-time community activist, Adelaide Bentley. (He also helped us plant over 200 perennials last spring).

Last, but certainly not least, we want to recognize the inaugural members of the Donald C. Outen Urban Tree Society and officially tag their trees in the park. We started this program with Don Outen’s support because of the experience we had in constructing Bentley Park. What started out as a woodland garden became something slightly more sunny. The reason: many of the original trees had to be cut down owing to having been entangled for years in invasive vines. We thank those who stepped up to help us protect healthy existing and new trees in the park. They include: Ms. Kirsten Burger, Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin, Ms. Kirsten Coffen, Mr. Joe Gochar, Ms. Nancy Horst, Mr. Jim Kelly, Dr. Stanley McGhee, Dr. Carol Newill and Mr. Brough Schamp, Mr. Don Outen, Ms. Juanita Sergent, and Ms. Shari Wilson.

There will plenty of seasonal beverages, food, and seating under a tent in the park arranged by Councilman Marks.