KEARNEY, Neb. (KOLN) - Sculptures tower over seven distinct botanical gardens that never stand still, thanks to a small army of gardeners.

“This garden couldn’t be without the volunteers,” said Coelette Gruber, horticultural specialist. “They’ve built their own little community. It’s been very fun to watch, and it’s welcomed a lot of people into town.”

Anyone can stop and smell not only roses, but also lilacs and hydrangeas, drought-resistant plants, annuals, native plants, a pollinator garden and edible plants.

“We donated over 600 pounds of produce to a local pantry last year,” Gruber said. “And I think we’re on track to do a little more.”

But volunteer Jill Hibbs remembers when the 12 acres used to be pastureland.

“I thought ‘Oh, they’ll get some trees. It’ll never come to fruition

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