On a recent afternoon my husband, Lyn, and I decided to take a drive to enjoy some of the flowers growing in Hays.
We observed several beautiful residential yards and especially enjoyed the colorful flowers in front of the Historical Society at Main and 7th Street. We admired the colorful planters situated on the sidewalks in the business district along Main Street and the very interesting (and instructive) drought tolerant plantings located in front of the City Hall at 1507 Main Street.
We then toured Frontier Park, at the intersection of Main and the Highway 183 bypass, where, on the east side one sees Russian Sage and Slack-eyed Susan, two of my favorite perennials for our more arid area. More colorful flowers grace the entry of Frontier Park on the west side of Main.
We then ventured to Ekey Park, located at Holmes and 18th, where we again observed Russian Sage planted with Knockout Roses along with numerous Day Lilies that were blooming on that day. Sunrise Park, located at Lawrence and 29th Street, features numerous plantings of ornamental grasses as well as a planting of colorful geraniums. Elizabeth Polly Park, located west of Indian Trail between 26th and 27th Streets (east of Centennial Towers), contains several very attractive beds near the statue of Elizabeth Polly. This provides a serene quiet place to walk and enjoy nature.
We finished our tour observing the lovely flower beds, located in Seven Hills Park on the north side of 33rd Street along Canal Street, and the especially colorful and beautiful bed that is found at the intersection just south of 33rd Street on Canal Street as well.
These are just a few of the locations around our city where we all have the opportunity to “stop and smell the flowers” and enjoy the hard work of the people who work for the Hays Parks Department – especially Jo Ann Schroller. I encourage you to take an afternoon or an evening to observe these beautiful flower beds and the many opportunities for relaxation which are available in your city parks.
As one travels around this area of Kansas this summer, it is so refreshing to see water in the ponds and the green pastures which were not so green or ponds so full in recent years.
Since experiencing a wetter than normal June, we need to be aware that our area is a long way from receiving the moisture needed to replenish our water resources.
As of 8 a.m. on July 28th, the Hays area is 0.66 inches above normal for the year thanks to the rainfall that was received during June.
However, rainfall totals are 0.56 inches below normal for July.
When examining the drought period from January 2011 through July 28, 2014, the Hays area is still 12.66 inches below normal.
Even if our area were to receive the needed moisture to replenish our rainfall deficit, the Hays area is located in a more arid area of Kansas which requires us to be responsible in the ways that we use our valuable water resources.
For questions or comments regarding anything discussed in this article please contact the Hays Parks Department at 785-628-7375.
Janis Lee is vice chairwoman of Hays Beautification Committee.