LOWELL The plot in front of the Revolving Museum could be a metaphor for the city. It was barren, stark and not-so-appealing a few years ago. But seeds were planted and an intriguing vista has grown.
Now, when people walk down Middle and Shattuck streets, marigolds, snap dragons, globe thistles and foxgloves start conversations.
"It's really become a place where people want to come to hang out," said Janice Pokorski, who planted the garden.
Behind the iron gates, 35 different species of flowers and greens sway in the breeze. Coleus in punchy yellow and orange hues and hearty marigolds harmonize with a giant head made of wheels.
Armed with a $500 grant, Revolving Museum director Jerry Beck asked her to take over the scraggly plot two years ago. Pokorski, who grew up in the Highlands, has been inundated with donations and kind words to keep it going.
"It's one of the most important things when talking about outside art and appreciation for the environment. Flowers are beautiful things we can all share," she said.
Coming out into the garden before the museum opens on a recent morning, Beck eyes his front yard like someone who can't believe his luck. Pokorski, who works for the Mental Health Association of Greater Lowell, has become his private gardener. "This is one of the people who makes me feel good about living here," said the museum director, who's not blessed with a green thumb. "I couldn't get anywhere close to this."
The garden has not only become a meeting place, it's become a photo opportunity. People drive up, stop, get out of their cars and snap away, said Beck.
"It's one of the most beautiful forms of public art, not just landscape. This is a vision. It's living matter," said Beck. Although the frost will come soon, Pokorski is more than ready to take her work indoors.
Six months ago, she purchased a greenhouse from a woman in Dracut and moved it to the Lowell National Historic Park. Located on Aiken Street near the Wannalancit Mills, the greenhouse will be used to teach children, the elderly, disabled and anyone who wants to lean how to plant.
For the past few years, Pokorski had been teaching local Boys and Girls Clubs to plant in a makeshift greenhouse in the Lower Highlands. As programs that adopt plots in the city become scarcer, Pokorski's initiatives fill a void.
"People are coming out and contributing time. Volunteers and donations are pouring in. It's amazing how much people are donating," she said.
Her goal is to turn pieces of green space all over the city into beautiful vistas. And she is seeking help from anyone who wants to volunteer.
"I've been dreaming about it for two years," said Pokorski.
As a member of Keep Lowell Beautiful, Pokorski's goal is to plant more flowers across the city. The first plot they have set their sights on is off Route 110 in Lowell.
"The city is screaming for volunteers to adopt the land," she said.
Getting started is easy, says Pokorski: "Find a piece of land and just do it."
Kathleen Deely's e-mail address is kdeely@lowellsun.com .
This article appeared in the Lowell Sun on Sunday, October 24, 2004.