Sharyl and Jeff Rinkel, residents of Wadena, have won the title of July Yard of the Month from the Wadena Garden Club for their incredible backyard oasis. Their transformation of the property began after a city utility project took place a few years ago, which led to the removal of grass and weeds in favor of a garden featuring an array of flowers, trees, and plants.
- The couple started by planting a single hydrangea tree in the front yard.
- With the help of Youngbauer Landscaping, the garden has since grown to include nearly 50 different varieties of plants and flowers.
- The backyard features peonies and bleeding hearts to lavender and hostas.
The Rinkels’ gardens are not only a testament to their love of gardening, but also hold sentimental value. Many of the plants have a special connection to loved ones, including Sharyl’s mother, who passed away. The couple has incorporated these personal touches into their garden, making it a truly unique and special space. Sharyl’s love for flowers is evident in the gardens, which include a variety of blooms that are meaningful to her and her family. She swaps plants with coworkers and friends, adding to the special meaning behind many of the flowers and plants throughout the gardens.
“Gardening has become a favorite pastime activity for me. The more time I had, the more time I was out here. Each plant kind of has a memory of my mom, my dad, a friend. It just keeps growing.”
— Sharyl Rinkel
A newly installed cedar fence that lines the backyard helps keep the deer and rabbits at bay, and the neighbors’ dogs also contribute to the garden’s security. Sharyl has found that gardening has become a source of relaxation and enjoyment, allowing her to spend quality time with her family. The couple’s purple garden, a corner nook in the backyard, honors Jeff’s mother, using transplants from her former home. A cherry tree in the back yard serves as a reminder of Sharyl’s mother, and the couple’s daughters often give Sharyl gifts, such as flowers, on Mother’s Day.
| Why is gardening a favorite pastime activity for Sharyl? |
| She says it’s because the more time she had, the more time she was out here. Each plant kind of has a memory of her mom, dad, friend. It just keeps growing. |
A registered nurse working part-time in Alexandria, Sharyl has found that gardening has become an essential part of her free time. As she continues to tend to her garden, she is inspired by the beauty and diversity of the plants that surround her.
Recognizing Exceptional Yard Work
The Wadena Garden Club aims to recognize residents in the community with yards that showcase creativity, effort, and gardening enthusiasm. The three-person committee, consisting of Shirley Hartjen, Annette Greenwaldt, and Mary Schmit, selects the recipients of the title of Yard of the Month. The annual recognition is given to local residents whose yards stand apart from the crowd, as seen in the Rinkels’ remarkable transformation. The committee works tirelessly to promote community pride and gardening throughout the Wadena area, inspiring others to create their own beautiful outdoor spaces.
Community Pride and Gardening Enthusiasm
The Wadena Garden Club’s mission is to inspire community pride and promote gardening throughout the Wadena area. The club’s annual recognition of exceptional yard work serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing our outdoor spaces and the role they play in our community’s well-being. Through their efforts, the Wadena Garden Club aims to foster a sense of community pride and promote gardening as a hobby that brings people together. By recognizing the Rinkels’ remarkable yard work, the club continues to inspire others to create their own unique and beautiful outdoor spaces, promoting a sense of community pride and well-being.
