MATC Matters

When it comes to flowers and landscaping, even the parking lot is amazing at the MATC Watertown campus. Thanks to flowering shrubs, gorgeous perennials and fragrant rose gardens, flowers and greenery greet students and visitors from the minute they exit their cars until they enter the building.

The lovely landscaping that makes the Watertown campus a floral showplace has evolved from the collective efforts of past and present facilities employees.

The large perennial garden in the center island of the front walkway, for example, was started by Sandy Nimm, a former custodian at the campus. Jerry Heidner, Watertown maintenance mechanic, took over the gardens when he started at the site 20 years ago. New shrubs and flower beds have been added each year, and the result today is a stunning display of day lilies, carpet roses, coreopsis, althea and many other flowering plants. Richard Wackett, lead custodial technician at the campus, assists Jerry in maintaining the flower beds.

The colorful tea rose garden is a favorite with students and guests alike. Many visitors frequently comment on the beautiful grounds and often personally seek Jerry out to compliment him on the landscaping. All the Watertown students and staff appreciate Jerry’s efforts to provide them with such a colorful and pleasant environment.

In photo: Jerry Heidner, Watertown maintenance mechanic, shows off one of the carpet rose gardens he established at the campus.