EVERYDAY HERO

Nearly every morning, you can see Mary Langr tending to the brilliantly colored flowers in the Washington city square.

Langr has been taking care of the flowers for 10 years. Langr waters and weeds the flowers six days a week, unless it rains enough, which gives Langr a day off.

There are a variety of planters and hanging plants around the square. Langr tends to the plants from the moment they are planted or hung, to when they are taken down in the winter.

Each morning, Langr walks four blocks to turn on the watering system for the hanging pink and red petunias around the square, and then another four blocks to turn them off. Langr has divided the planters on the north and south sides of the square, watering them every other day.

Langr said she learned how to solve problems that arise with the plants from her sister who owns a greenhouse and got a degree in horticulture from Iowa State.

For example, Langr pointed out two hanging petunias with different hues of green for the leaves and stems. Langr said it is because of the pH of the city water.

'I'll call her and say, ‘Hey, what's going on with the petunias if they're doing this,'” Langr said.

The city experiments with different plants and colors, Langr said. Some plants can handle the summer heat and occasional droughts while others struggle.

One of Langr's challenges? The squirrels.

Langr said they think she is planting a salad for them. She occasionally chases them out of the plants. Sometimes, Langr said they will dig out and eat parts of the bulbs.

Overall, Langr said it is a fun job. One of her favorite parts is seeing the different people utilizing the park.

– Caitlin Yamada