Keeping up with Volunteer Gardener Marsha McDermott

When passing the trailhead near Delta 3 in the spring, summer or fall, you have likely noticed the lovely garden west of the trail kiosks. This garden is tended by Marsha McDermott of Platteville. Marsha filled her plot with native plants, such as rattlesnake master, cardinal flower, native geranium, Ohio spiderwort, anaphalis, and blazing star.

A few years ago, Rountree Branch flooded and took out much of Marsha’s garden. She replanted her natives and added some tall grasses, penstemons and other beautiful perennials. So far, so good. No more flooding, at least where Marsha’s garden is located. She checks the garden about once per week to weed, cut back, deadhead, and/or water as necessary.

Gene Weber recruited Marsha and her husband Paul to work on the trail when they moved to Platteville in 2015. Natives of Darlington, the McDermotts lived and worked in Madison for many years, Paul as a small business owner and Marsha as a dental assistant. Unfortunately, Paul, an avid supporter of the trail, passed away in January of 2025.

Marsha

“The comments we receive from residents and visitors are so positive,” Marsha says. “It energizes me every year to volunteer. I wish more residents would come work on the trail.” Besides tending her garden, Marsha also volunteers on the Tuesday morning trail crew. Marsha enjoys golfing and tending gardens at home.

Last year Marsha began helping Sue Kies tend two flower beds in Katie’s Garden. Her green thumbs are being put to good use. Thanks for all you do to make the trail beautiful, Marsha!