Garden cleanup date, summer hours set at Fraser's Baumgartner House

FRASER — The Fraser Historical Commission is offering area residents two chances to chip in with its annual garden cleanup at the Baumgartner House.

The Baumgartner House is a Fraser landmark and one for which the Historical Society relies on volunteers and commission members to keep in good condition.

“The Baumgartner House is the oldest home in Fraser, built in 1875,” said Historical Commission Commissioner Karen Hodges. “It was owned by John and Samantha Baumgartner. It was an 80-acre property originally that stretched from Groesbeck Highway to Kelly Road and 13 Mile Road to 14 Mile Road.”

“We have the garden cleanup coming up on April 29 of this month,” added garden director Denise Wojciechowski. If it’s canceled for weather, we will have it the following weekend. After this event, we will start our normal Wednesday night programming in the gardens.”

The cleanup dates will both take place at 11 a.m., the first being on Saturday, April 29, and the second taking place on Saturday, May 6. The Baumgartner House is located at 18577 Masonic in Fraser.

“If people want to contact us, they may do so by emailing me at hatchetmom99@gmail.com,” said Hodges. “They also can just show up the day of the event.”

The work will mainly consist of general yard work. Ongoing work in the nearby garden will take place on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. until dark throughout the summer.

“On those two Saturdays, we will have a spring cleanup tidying up the leaves, picking up sticks and deadwood out there — mostly yard cleanup,” Hodges said. “We do it every year. After these first two Saturdays, members of the commission will meet to plant trees and other plants on Wednesday nights throughout summer.”

Hodges wants Fraser residents to know that, in addition to helping out, the cleanups and garden hours are resources for those looking for advice on gardening or who just enjoy talking about gardening with others who are passionate about it.

“If you want to get out for a few hours, we have many master gardeners taking part,” she said. “They can answer your questions. We educate people about planting, outdoor maintenance and so forth. You can do this while pitching in and helping maintain part of your community.”

She added that the cleanup is a great source of volunteer hours for those looking for opportunities around the community.

“We’ve had several of our events here so students from the National Honor Society who need service hours or people who need volunteer hours for other reasons can get them on this project or our follow-up projects over the summer,” Hodges remarked.

Wojciechowski hopes they draw a large crowd, saying that it’s a fun way to do some good while getting to meet some of the neighbors.

“If you are a gardener or you’re not, I encourage people to attend,” she said. “It’s fun, you can chip in and you learn a lot about gardening from other gardeners. Those who just want to help by dropping off empty planters and pots, it helps too and helps with the upkeep at the barn and Baumgartner House and our planter sale later this year.”