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Plant A Memorial To Mark Arbor Day

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: January 15, 2009

DADE CITY - For 13 years, the annual Dade City Arbor Day Memorial Tree Dedication Program has given residents a chance to plant a memory - to establish a long-lasting tribute in honor of a loved one or a special occasion.
Dade City and the Dade City Garden Club jointly sponsor the Arbor Day program, which will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at the Dade City Garden Center, 13630 Fifth St. The public is invited, and light refreshments will be served.

"In this program we recognize all of the Memorial trees that have been given in the past year in memory of a loved one, in honor of someone, or to celebrate a special occasion," states a written announcement from the Dade City Garden Club.

"It's a way for someone to remember someone who has touched their lives, either as a memorial or if they're still here," said PennieJefferson, grounds chairwoman for the garden club. "They could honor a teacher or mentor, a grandchild or an occasion like a wedding."

The prices to purchase and dedicate trees are $65 for a 15-gallon tree and $110 for a 30-gallon tree. These prices include a marble plaque to permanently mark one's dedication gift. Fifteen varieties of trees are offered, and special requests are taken. Most trees are purchased through Treemart in San Antonio.

"We offer varieties such as oak, maple, elm, holly, magnolias and crepe myrtle and will try to locate other requests," Jefferson said. "We encourage people to order drought-tolerant trees."

This year's tree has an additional dimension. The city and the club are sponsoring a project to landscape Dade City Cemetery.

"If you do not have a specific city location already for your tree, your tree could be part of this worthwhile project," states the written announcement.

"The 2009 Dade City Cemetery Landscaping and Revitalization program being done jointly with the City and Garden Club is just one of the projects that help us fulfill this mission," said Sally Redden, president of the Hollyhock Circle of the club.

"In the past we have worked with the City on other projects such as planting the medians on Meridian Avenue. Our Median Landscaping project was selected to be in the Great Neighborhood Book."

Jefferson said the memorial tree project benefits the community in a variety of ways.

"Dade City is a Tree City," she said. "To have that designation, we have to have a certain amount of trees and a greater diversity. Also, trees add shade to the downtown area, making it easier to shop, and adds to Dade City's historical, small-town USA atmosphere. Trees are relaxing and therapeutic."

The planting of trees, Jefferson said, also supports the global environment.

"Trees help with global warming as they add oxygen to the atmosphere and take away carbon monoxide," she said. "Also, trees are weather moderators."

For information about the annual Dade City Arbor Day Memorial Tree Dedication Program or to order a tree, call Jefferson at (352) 521-6886.

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