Gardener a budding hero

Thank you for highlighting (July 25) the great work of Steve Smith, Manito Park’s Rose Hill gardener. Steve does a wonderful job of maintaining this gem of a municipal rose garden and his infectious enthusiasm for roses makes him a perfect resource for local gardeners and visiting rose fans alike. Steve has been called on frequently to speak to local garden groups, and he addresses the Spokane Rose Society annually.

The greatest appreciation anyone can enjoy from this great garden comes from monthly visits to notice the stages of the roses’ dormancy, budding and blooming in real time. None of this would be possible without Steve’s diligence and focus regarding what’s needed and when. Steve does all this himself with only the part-time help of two seasonal co-workers.

Locals who might not always value their own local municipal garden should remember that in 2007 Rose Hill was named top display garden by All-American Rose Selections from a field of more than 100 other gardens throughout the United States.

Thanks again for profiling our great municipal rose garden and our very own “King of the Hill.”

Brooks Sackett

Spokane