Kids, grandkids enjoy Nana's Garden

A statue that represents one of Janet Braun's grandchildren sits at the edge of Nana's Garden at 1606 Clairmont. Braun has placed eight statues in her garden to symbolize each of her grandchildren. In addition, the statues have heart-shaped stones in the ground in front of them that bear the names of her grandchildren. (Rayma Silvers/Tribune photo)

In the early morning and evening hours, Janet Braun can often be found relaxing among the many flowers and statues in Nana's Garden.

During the 2009 Secret Gardens of Bourbon County tour on June 20-21, visitors to 1606 Clairmont, will find an island garden nestled in Braun's backyard. Braun said her backyard is special because her three children grew up playing in it. Now that her children are grown up, Braun said her grandchildren spend time in the backyard. One special aspect of her garden, statues which represent each of her grandchildren, symbolizes the special place her grandchildren have in Braun's heart.

"Now, their children, my eight grandchildren, enjoy going out in my backyard to see Nana's garden when they come to visit," Braun said. "Watering the flowers -- and occasionally each other -- is one of their favorite pastimes. They always point out the small figures around the perimeter of the yard, which represent each one of them."

Braun said she enjoys having a low-maintenence garden and has learned by trial and error which plants work well in this area. Some of the plants she has found to be successful in her garden are the Prairie Bloom and the Prairie Star plants.

"When planting something new, I always go inside to see how it looks from my sun porch," Braun said. "I enjoy my garden from the inside as much as I do when I am outside in it."

Nana's Garden is one of six gardens which will be featured during the garden tour on June 20 and 21. The other gardens that will be on the tour are The Trimbur Garden, The Adams Garden, The Chance Garden, The Tri-Valley Garden and The Scott Garden.

Area residents who want to tour the six gardens can purchase tickets at Country Cupboard and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. The Secret Gardens of Bourbon County tour is sponsored by the Bourbon County Master Gardeners and Garden Club.