Shown is one of the garden's flowers, a Himalayan blue poppy. (Journal photo by Ryan Jarvi)

NEGAUNEE — The city of Negaunee has a small group of dedicated people who, for reasons of their very own, cannot wait for the snow to melt. And they are hoping more city residents and business owners share the anticipation.

“Underneath all of that snow are literally hundreds of daffodils and tulips waiting to bring sunshine and color to our town,” Negaunee Beautification Committee member Anna Mattson said.

The committee will hold its opening meeting of the season at Midtown Bakery and Cafe at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mattson said.

The mission of the group, which has been in operation since 2011, is to “enhance the appearance and environment of prominent parks within the city limits of Negaunee, and as a result, every third Wednesday of the month from April to October, committee volunteers can be found at Miners Park and the downtown pocket park with their gardening tools in hand.

Mattson is encouraging new committee members to do the same.

“Gather your gardening gloves and gear, your kneelers and your shovels,” she said. “One hour, one evening, or one event — all contributions are welcome.”

Students from Lakeview Elementary School and Negaunee Middle School will get the colorful floral ball rolling, Mattson said.

It takes the help of the fourth-grade students from Lakeview, their teachers and their principal, she said.

“They will create the birth of Marigold Mania,” Mattson explained. “After spring break in the school greenhouse, they will start and care for approximately 300 marigolds.”

The process culminates when, in the last week of school, the students carry their “precious pots of gold to Miners Park.”

They will officially become the youngest 2018 committee members, Mattson said, and that is just the beginning. “There are students at the middle school who do the same thing at the pocket park on Iron Street,” she said.

As for adult residents, getting involved is easy, Mattson said. You could adopt your own 1844 ore cart filled with flowering plants.

“Just keep it watered and weeded and it’s yours,” Mattson said. “Or relax on one of the adopted (committee) park benches and enjoy the various park gardens. They belong to all of us — young and old.”

If you would like information about the Negaunee Beautification Committee or would like to volunteer, Anna Mattson can be reached at 906-475-5058.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.