Thank you to Rachel Dirkse from members of Botanical Garden Society of Fountain Hills.

Rachel Dirkse was the original motivator to get the Botanical Garden open after a long period of neglect.

In 1975, Jayne Haynes recognized the beauty of the location and got permission from McCulloch Properties to use it “as a display of natural plant and animal life.”

In 1985, an Eagle Scout organized a group to clear a trail into the area. The trail was not maintained and the garden was not used.

In 2007, Rachel met with residents interested in cleaning up the site and got the ball rolling. Rachel worked diligently on organizing the present group. The garden was rededicated in 2009, thanks to her efforts.

She was a docent for hikes into the site and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with others. Many of her photographs of plants are currently used in presentations. She worked with founder Jane to comprise a wonderful plant book. She made informational displays for community gatherings. The wildflower garden in Fountain Park is another area where she made an informational binder to help distinguish flowers from weeds.

Rachel has moved out of state and all the members of the Botanical Garden miss her input and work.

We wish her well in her future and hope she is able to share her knowledge with garden clubs in her new community. A huge thank you for all she did to get the garden active again to be shared with all.