b'C H A P T E R S E V E NAdded have been gaillardia, a great success; black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia), a fall beauty; chrysanthemums, shasta daisies, heliopsis, and bachelor button. Daffodil bulbs have naturalized and more will be planted. Dahlias have been planted, but must be removed annually and replaced in the spring. They do not survive the winter.Periodic losses may be disappoining, but the FCW garden persists in 2003. Jeanne Eaves and Mrs. Kimball work as the regulars on the case, joined recently by William Hayes (He has both knowledge and a strong back, says Lee Kimball). For interested passersby, the plants are identified, and a sign explains the gardens purpose. FCWs yearly budget for the project: $250, with the largest cost being mulch (to hold any water the plants may get, add attractiveness to the garden, and keep the weeds down).Its my belief, says Mrs. Kimball, that the garden has had some value, as people have become aware of the environmental damage caused by overfertilization. Observers can see a garden that is attractive in spite of abuse by the elements, minimal watering and little care.Even so, this may not be a project in perpetuity. The FCW people knew when the grasses were first planted that the Town had plans for a first-flush runoff catch basin at the Oyster Pond. Where would it be built? Right where the demonstration garden and adjacent park stand today. So, grass and garden could be only temporary. But Lee Kimball is reminded that while the basin may still be in the works, its been seven years since the FCW initiative took root. That gives FCW the license to enjoy having steadily heeded the 1759 dictum of Voltaire: We must cultivate our garden.3.The Environment: Everyones SubjectWhen John Geiger stepped down from FCWs board in 2001 after two terms of admirable, exhausting service, he took one reality with him: he was the only board member with children in the local schools. Sixteen-year-old Megan attended the high school, while Jack, eleven, was in the middle school.Geigers exit could have deprived the board of insights on public education in town. But that wasnt the case. In fact, the directors had already been in regular contact with the school system, helping to underwrite instruction on the delicate fabric of our environment. Targeted FCW grants, born in 1999, are now an annual commitment.107'