Negaunee’s Miners Park just got a big dose of that color when fourth-graders from nearby Lakeview Elementary School planted marigolds they raised in the school greenhouse.

The planting was part of the annual Marigold Mania.

Anna Mattson, a member of the Negaunee Beautification Committee that was in charge of the event, said Wednesday marked the 11th time it has taken place, with about 150 marigolds planted.

“It gets bigger and bigger, and the more help we get, the bigger we can get,” Mattson said.

Fourth-graders from Lakeview Elementary School in Negaunee plant marigolds they raised in the school greenhouse at Miners Park on Wednesday. Their effort was part of the annual Marigold Mania, put on by the Negaunee Beautification Committee. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

However, the students didn’t buy the flowers from a local nursery. They nurtured the plants themselves.

The timing also was right.

“They start these plants in their own greenhouse, right after the spring break, so they’re very large,” Mattson said. “They’re ready to be planted.”

Mattson said she worked in the school system for 17 years, so she had some insight into how youths should be involved in Marigold Mania.

“Giving them something that gives them ownership in something is a lot more meaningful to them and the community than to just us go to Snyder’s and plant the flowers,” said Mattson, who noted Snyder Drugs is a big help in the event.

And the students get a lot out of the project. Mattson, who comes to Miners Park in the summer, said she once heard a boy tell his mother, “Mom, come and look at the flowers we planted.”

Of course, Marigold Mania goes beyond Lakeview Elementary.

“It’s payback,” Mattson said. “The community gets paid back, and that’s what I like to develop.”

Since students are out of session during the summer, outside help is needed. Mattson said she works with the Negaunee Parks and Recreation Department, which provides water spigots. The NBC then waters and nurtures the flowers.

Fourth-grader Vincent Maki had no problem putting the marigolds into the ground on Wednesday.

“I’m used to doing this sort of thing,” Vincent said. “Both my grandmothers do a lot of gardening, so I help them out a lot.”

Lakeview teacher Sarah Hicks said the students learn about plants and animals at the beginning of the school year. That curriculum can add to their appreciation of taking part in Marigold Mania.

“It’s exciting for them,” Hicks said.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.