Mennonite school children sing to their “Tree Friend”

“...I'm becoming what the Lord of trees has meant me to be, a strong, young tree…” was a lyric from the chorus of “The Tree” song, sung by Sheryl Kanagy’s students at The Blackville Garden Club’s (BGC) Herbal Serenity Garden on South Carolina’s Arbor Day last month.

National Arbor Day is always recognized on the last Friday in April, but, because it’s the ideal time to plant trees in this region, South Carolina Arbor Day is observed on the first Friday of December.

To commemorate the occasion at the Herbal Serenity Garden’s Main Street location, BGC member Joan McDonald recited a reading about Arbor Day’s history and BGC president Lil Stoltzfus invited the first and second grade students from the Healing Springs Mennonite School to join in the celebration.

The children, well-rehearsed, sang out from their hearts knowing they were partaking in a part of Blackville’s history as they sang, facing the garden’s new addition.

Garden club members spoke with the children about how they’d be able to watch the young tree grow, as they themselves do with the town. Each child smelled and touched the tree while learning about its beneficial healing, aromatic and visual properties. Teaching children and the community about herbal plants is one of the main goals BGC hopes this garden will bring as a gift to the town.

“This is the second time our students have sung for the garden club and we are happy to be part of it!” Kanagy said.

Below are the lyrics to songwriter Ken Medema's song "The Tree Song":

1. I saw a tree by the riverside one day as I walked along. Straight as an arrow and pointing to the sky, growing tall and strong. "How do you grow so tall and strong?" I said to the riverside tree, This is the song that my tree friend sang to me:

*** Chorus:

"I've got roots growing down to the water,

I've got leaves growing up to the sunshine, And the fruit that I bear is a sign of life in me,

I am shade from the hot summer sundown, I am nests for the birds of the heavens,

I'm becoming what the Lord of trees has meant me to be, A STRONG YOUNG TREE."

2. I saw a tree in the city streets where buildings blocked the sun. Green and lovely I could see it gave joy to everyone. "How do you grow in the city streets?" I said to the downtown tree, This is the song that my tree friend sang to me:

*** Chorus:

Following the song, participating BGC members planted the specially-shaped rosemary bush purchased from Kinard’s Nursery in Barnwell.

“Mr. Kinard never fails to help us find the perfect herbal plants for this community garden we’re so excited to be developing as a gift for the town,” said BGC member and project designer Donna-Maria Conzalina.

Wanting to keep with tradition by planting a tree on Arbor Day, yet keeping the herbal continuity for the garden, members agreed on choosing a rosemary bush they could prune and raise into a tree shape.

“This selection balances out a triad shape in the garden with the previously planted eucalyptus trees which are flourishing alongside the bench. We’re very appreciative to Mr. Kinard for once again finding us the perfect plant and to the mayor for his support of this project!” said Conzalina.

Before any other additions are made to the Herbal Serenity Garden, considerations for its springtime relocation are being discussed with Mayor Ronnie Pernell as he works with contractors, officials and the community with plans for more additions to the town. Keep your eyes open! Come to the town meetings for updates.

Great things are happening in Blackville!