The first weekend after Labor Day is the time for the annual Harvest Festival in Wheatland, Missouri. It takes place on the town square where a collection of authentic log buildings were reassembled from Hickory County and surroundings areas. Settlers Village began to take shape between 1992 and 1995 with a collection of 13 buildings. A group of volunteers and the Hickory County Economic Development Council, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, made this vision come to life as a reconstructed 1800's village. It now stands as a proud representative of our local and national heritage. We can see the spirit of our rural ancestors in the workmanship and appreciate the challenge of using simple tools to create these buildings.
Today, Settlers Village stands as a place where we can reflect on the indomitable spirit of those who came here before us in a simpler time. Hopefully, we can be inspired to have the same spirit to face challenges in a modern world.
The spirit of working together continues as the Hickory County Master Gardeners include the landscaping of the Settlers Village as one of their Service Projects. By creating a supportive environment of beauty and simple natural elements of plant life, the Hickory County Master Gardener volunteers are responsible for keeping the Settlers Village alive during growing season.
Most of the plants are chosen for a late summer and fall bloom time so as to greet the largest number of public viewers during the Harvest Festival. My husband, Keith, is currently taking the Master Gardener Course online and will be a full member soon. He has helped in many ways since I became a member in the spring of 2012. Together we will serve Hickory County and enjoy the camaraderie of other gardeners. Gardening is what we do best together and it has enriched our lives for over 40 years. We have much to give in experience, knowledge, and work. Most of all...we are growing too!
The visitor to Settlers Village has the opportunity to experience a bygone era in rural living and hopefully come away with an appreciation of how far we have come. The hope and renewal of lovely gardens and landscape show that we can be uplifted with the seasonal changes - something we will always share with those who came before us. At Settlers Village, Hickory County Master Gardeners hope to keep alive the balance of old with new.
Large Crepe Myrtle are quite the show with their bright magenta blossoms in late summer to fall.
A lovely stroll through the Herb Gardens
Here is the Before photo soon to have the first of two separate natural cedar split rail corner fences in a decorative laid-down position to accommodate cascading roses that will be planted soon.
Here is the After photo; one finished Rose Fence ready to be planted.
Keith purchased the precut natural cedar posts and split rails that are already notched and ready to assemble from Menard's in Osage Beach. The job took less than two hours for two structures.
Keith drills 1/2" holes at the bottom of each rail to be secured into the ground with re bar.
One long nail secures the rail in to the post for stability especially since a laid-down look was wanted.
The cedar Rose Fences are now complete and ready to be planted with cascading rose plants soon. The cedar will age naturally and blend in with the old-style of the log structures.
Blanket flowers are so beautiful in summer and fall returning every year.
Hibiscus are planted in with purple Butterfly Bush for a striking cool color display under the Settlers Village sign.
Dinner-plate size Hibiscus are at their peak at Harvest Festival time.
Knock-Out Roses bloom most of the season and are very hardy and easy to grow.
Sedum is turning to fall colors and attracting butterflies and bees.
