If your summer activities include a visit to Safeco Field for a Seattle Mariners home game, take a few minutes to check out the handiwork of the Washington State University King County Master Gardeners.
The Master Gardeners have taken on the task of planting, watering and maintaining the 25 large planter boxes and 30 hanging flower baskets that grace the exterior of Safeco Field throughout the summer, and hopefully into October if the Mariners do their part.
If the game you’re attending falls on the date of one of their monthly Safeco plant clinics, drop by and say “Hi,” and bring any plant or garden questions with you. You’ll find the Master Gardeners on the main concourse just above third base.
It’s all part of a newly formed partnership between the Mariners and King County Master Gardeners. The idea came from Safeco groundskeeper Bob Christofferson.
“I was looking for a group to take ownership and pride in the exterior flowers,” Christofferson says. “The opportunity to work with the King County Master Gardeners was something we could not pass up.”
Master Gardener volunteer Jeri Reiner, co-chair of the Safeco Field effort, says they jumped at the opportunity.
“I’m a baseball fan, and we’re all really excited to be here,” says Reiner. “My husband is really jealous.”
Master Gardener plant clinics will be available beginning two hours prior to game times at the Mariners home games on June 9, July 20, Aug. 12 and Sept. 9.
