Christiana resident Kathy Patterson has transformed the dirt beds in front of the Christiana Post Office into a thriving flower garden that also features decorative rocks, fossils and birdhouses. She created an additional flower garden near the back of the post office as well.

Patterson has volunteered her time and talents to create the gardens at the post office, which she passes every day while walking her dog, Lucy. "About four years ago, someone was (taking care) of the garden and she moved on, and it was looking kind of sad. There was nothing but weeds," said Patterson. "I took it on as a community project."

After requesting permission from Brian Hess, the officer in charge at the Christiana Post Office, Patterson weeded the beds and laid down a layer of woodchips as mulch. She filled the gardens with flowers such as bubblegum petunias, daylilies, nasturtiums, creeping Jenny, coneflowers, zinnias, hostas, irises and dahlias, as well as rocks and ornaments, including a ceramic ladybug. She purchased most of the flowers herself, but residents have donated plants as well.

The garden is filled with perennials so that the flowers come up on their own each year. "The goal is to get this garden living on its own - to be self-reliant," Patterson said.

In addition to rocks and several United States flags, there are three fossils in the garden. Visitors can pick them up to see former living organisms etched in the stone, including a snail. "I am a (former) teacher and I found these in my house. I thought it would be a teaching thing," Patterson said.

There are three birdhouses in the front garden. One is shaped like a church, and the other two represent businesses that are located in Christiana. "The pink one with the dog paw is for the new groomer, Pink Paws Grooming," Patterson said. "The blue one in the shape of a barn (represents) the barn builders, Little Washington Fabricator." There is also a red birdhouse in the back garden for Walter & Jackson Inc. Another birdhouse that will be put in place is yellow, representing Hertz Systems.

Hess is pleased with the garden, noting that blooming flowers make for a pleasant way to greet those who visit the post office, located at 19 N. Bridge St., Christiana. "We have received many compliments on how nice the flower beds look," he said. "Several customers have stopped in just to say how beautiful the flower beds look, and they don't even need any postal services.

"Through her passion for plants and willingness to invest in the local community, (Patterson) has made a positive impact on the Christiana community," Hess added.