By Greg Ellison

(Oct. 29, 2020) Using a few pilot locations at the golf course as a starting point, Ocean Pines is looking to link public works with volunteers to maintain flowerbeds throughout the area next year.

General Manager John Viola said the idea will be tested first with several spots at the Ocean Pines Golf Course, including around the leader board and the 10th tee box.

“That was the example we were using to see how it worked out,” he said.

Viola noted the latter location is near the Clubhouse Bar and Grille with enhanced landscaping intended to bring additional ambiance for patrons.

“We plan to do other spots in Ocean Pines,” he said.

Viola said plans are underway for the expanded effort next spring.

“We’re jumpstarting the garden club and kind of combining with our general landscape maintenance to see how we can balance the two,” he said.

Viola is consulting with Anne Shockley, Anita Miller and Susan Morris to serve as liaisons with public works crews.

“We’re going to meet with the volunteers and come up with a game plan,” he said.

Input would be solicited from various players, Viola said.

“I’ve talked to them about their own ideas,” he said.

While assembling the team and charting a course is being worked on, the hope is that next year garden club members would take the reins after public works completes landscaping and planting various spots.

“They’ll maintain them and use their garden expertise to put their stamp on it,” he said.