Landscaping in front of library gives facelift to overgrown area

 In mid-July, the bank in front of White County Public Library that overlooks Bockman Way received a facelift as crews began preparing it for its new inhabitants: daylilies.

Earlier in the spring, the city and county governments worked together to remove trees on the bank that had become a danger, one of which had become broken and was leaning against another tree and presenting a danger to power lines as well as pedestrians.

“Most of the trees removed were Ailanthus altissima known locally as lampus, however, it is commonly known as tree of heaven – I call it tree from hell,” Donna Fare, White County Garden Club secretary, said, and explained the trees are on the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council’s list of invasive plants. “These trees are invasive because the female tree produces thousands of seed each year.  Many of the seed germinate and grow very quickly.”

The problem that needed to be solved after the trees were removed was a critical one: how to keep the bank from eroding and falling out from under the structures above, including the White County Public Library.

According to Fare, TDOT’s publication Landscape Design Guidelines lists several plants that work well in a steep bank planting such as the one that overlooks Bockman Way. Ultimately, daylilies were chosen for Sparta because they thrive in hot dry areas and have a root system that can hold soil in a steep bank situation. 

“Plus, they have pretty flowers,” Fare said, adding that an anonymous donation was made to assist the library in the cost of buying plants for the landscaping. “The selection of daylily that is being planted is Buttered Popcorn, a selection considered as a rebloomer- which means they can bloom two and three times during the summer and fall.”

To keep the cost of the landscaping at a minimum, State Representative Paul Sherrell, of White County, contacted  Bledsoe Correctional Complex and requested assistance from the inmates to remove the remaining small plants from the bank and replant with daylilies.

“Any time we can make sure the taxpayers’ money is working for them, we want to do that,” Sherrell said. “The program that allows us to have the inmates come help us, while saving labor costs, is a great way to see that happening. I am happy to make these calls and get the help where it’s needed.”

“The inmates have worked very hard in this summer heat to make the area look great,” Fare said, adding that employees from the library, along with volunteers from the White County Garden Club, were happy to provide lunch to the workers as a show of appreciation for all they have done to help clean up the area. “They have done a tremendous service to our community that will have long lasting effect.”

Fare said that once the planting is complete and the work is completed, there will be minimal maintenance that will still need to be done periodically to keep the hillside looking great. She said that some of that maintenance will require removal of any Ailanthus seedlings, along with other unwanted plants, that emerge.

“We are so pleased to see this progress. I am anxious to see the hillside in full bloom and think it will be a wonderful addition to our lovely property,” Cathy Farley, White County Public Library director, said about the new landscape that will be outside her office window. “I am also very thankful for the state, county, and city working together to make this happen.”