McVey Daisies plant flowers at Speno Park

On an abnormally warm Thursday afternoon on April 12, nine first-grade girls put on colorful gloves, picked up small green shovels and gathered around a small flower bed at the entrance to Edward J. Speno Memorial Park to plant pink and white flowers.

The Girl Scouts were looking for a community beautification project,” said Councilman Gary Hudes, “and we welcome that in all of our parks.”

Troop 1050 leaders Maureen Hand and Patty Leahy coordinated with Town of Hempstead officials who suggested planting the annual flowers at the local park.

The flowers, which took less than one hour to plant, are set in a square bed in a visible locale at the entrance to the park. The scouts also made a sign so residents know who planted the colorful display.

Town Supervisor Kate Murray was also present and helped and encouraged the girl. “This is just adorable,” she said. “This garden looks instantaneously better.”

Before their planting adventure, the second-year Daisies, who will earn the rank of Brownie in May, learned about the life of a seed and gardening, which helped them earn the Clover Award. “We want to make Girl Scouts fun for them,” said Leahy, who got down on her hands and knees to assist and join the fun.

The impressed parents also commented on the quality and efficiency of the project and jokingly suggested the scouts work on their gardens next.

Each Daisy will receive a badge and certificate and, thanks to Murray and Hudes, took home a planted seedling to care for at home.