East Lake Branch Library Plants Tiny Garden Project

James Walker and Wanda McGinnis show that the East Lake Library Tiny Garden can promote physical distancing, while the  scarecrow supervises. Patrons have been able to follow the project on the library Facebook page. 

As the Birmingham Public Library joins libraries across the country adapting to new and creative ways to serve patrons and communicate virtually with the public, staffers from the East Lake Branch came up with an idea to combine a hobby with fun.

The East Lake Branch Library Tiny Garden Project was born. According to Library Assistant III Wanda McGinnis, the East Lake garden idea began in two windows in the library foyer that would be used during summer programming.

The original idea was to start plants and flowers from seedlings and give them to young patrons participating in 2020 Summer Learning programs. That plan was scratched due to virtual programming and no contact servicing enacted for safety reasons amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We decided to offer the patrons the concept/idea of planting their own garden and allowing them to take the journey with us as our garden grew,” McGinnis said. “The idea was if we can grow a garden, you can too. The next phase was to meet the workers in the garden.”

James Walker shows what happens to an ear of corn on the plant when it is pulled out of the ground early and left to dry. Perfect for upcoming fall decor.

The Masked Gardner (James Walker) was the first to be introduced on the East Lake Library Facebook Page. Other garden workers - McGinnis, Library Assistant II Patricia Douglas, and Branch Manager William Darby - have been featured in photos while watering, pruning and planting. To showcase the importance of reading, Darby has posed with books in the garden.

Darby said East Lake’s Tiny Garden has been a big hit among patrons and staffers.

“The Tiny Garden has provided both instruction and entertainment for our patrons and ourselves,” he said. “We have enjoyed getting our hands dirty, smelling the freshly turned earth, and watching tiny sprouts turn into food for the eyes, stomach, and soul.”

Wanda McGinnis pulls off dead leaves from a plant.

Patrons following East Lake Library’s Facebook page have been able to join in the project by growing similar gardens from the comfort of their own homes. 

Wanda McGinnis said the goal is to encourage parents to help their children experience lifelong learning through gardening. East Lake Library staffers have shared science through gardening projects and activities children can learn from home during home-schooling.

“Parents, are you looking for an activity for your children to do at home? Try starting a container garden or growing plants and vegetable in a small space outside,” McGinnis said. “Plants and vegetable can grow inside your home. You just need to find the right spot.”

Patricia Douglas said the Little Garden Project allows patrons to come into the building in a sense during the pandemic.

“Although they can’t physically come in, they can watch the plants grow through the windows,” she said. “Some of the plants are doing great out there.”

The scarecrow is the boss of the Tiny Garden.

Three months into the project, the Tiny Garden in the side foyer of the East Lake Library continues to grow with the TLC that the gardeners give to the plants.

“Social distancing gardening is the name of the game, with the scarecrow supervising,” Douglas said. “And hand sanitizer is located conveniently by the door to the garden.”