The Racine Literacy Council project is the installation of a Shakespeare themed Urban Garden.
The project volunteer committee consists of a landscape architect, master gardener, horticulturalist, Shakespeare professor, and other interested persons. A plan has been developed and drawn up by local garden and landscaping business. Some funds have been raised for the purchase of plant materials and the painting of a Shakespeare inspired mural by Racine artist Jerry Belland.
The youth working at this site are learning how to prepare and plant a Shakespearean garden. This includes the understanding of the meaning and significance of the Shakespeare garden and why each flower and plant was selected for the garden. The project focuses on gardens, Shakespeare's plays, the relationship between Shakespeare, gardens and literature. The youth learned landscaping, architecture, planting flowers, and scrubs. They also maintained gardens and landscapes, planted and cared for a garden on a weekly basis, and used the necessary tools. The youth learned about educational opportunities and how all of this relates to the green movement. The youth finished preparing the Shakespearean garden, planting creeping thyme and honeysuckle, and learning about the apothecary gardens. They also went to the library to look up info on gardening and Shakespeare, and the youth that didn't have library cards each got one.
Shakespearean Gardens
A Shakespearean garden is a garden that has various plants mentioned throughout the works of William Shakespeare. Of these, a few of the plants mentioned include honeysuckle, creeping thyme, roses, rosemary, pansies, rue, fennel, colombines, daisies and violets.
Apothecary Gardens
An apothecary garden is a garden that grows medicinal herbs. Also referred to as herb gardens or physic gardens, they can also grow herbs that may be used for insect control or culinary uses.
Nancy - Horticulturalist that's been with the project for 10 years.
Andrew - Professor in English and knowledgable on Shakespeare and his plays.