Members of the Noblesville Mayor’s Youth Council have created an herb garden and art display in the South Alley of downtown Noblesville. The garden includes mint, basil, and oregano, which are free for public use.
“I love spending time with our future leaders and the energy and love they have for Noblesville,” Mayor Chris Jensen said. “I want to thank Tyler Ashby for his leadership on this project, and all of the youth council members who have worked to leave a lasting impact on our community.”
Photo provided by City of Noblesville
The Noblesville Mayor’s Youth Council partnered with the City of Noblesville, Keep Noblesville Beautiful, Nickel Plate Arts, Noblesville Schools, Indiana Peony Festival, and the Hamilton East Public Library to create this public herb garden and art display.
Ashby, a Noblesville High School senior, came up with the idea during a trip last summer to Glasgow, Scotland.
“There was an old library card catalog that was filled with plants. I thought, ‘this would be something nice to have in downtown Noblesville that would be manageable for the Mayor’s Youth Council to do.’ Something that will be here after I go to Bloomington for school in a couple months,” Ashby said. “I brought it up, the council liked the idea, and I reached out the group in Glasgow to share how they inspired us.”
Photo provided by City of Noblesville
The old display case was donated by the Hamilton East Public Library and upcycled to promote sustainability. The art portion was designed by NHS Art Club students and shows significant community symbols.
“I gave them the theme of the courthouse, peonies and for it to be uniquely Noblesville,” Ashby said. “That’s the inspiration behind it and I think it looks great.”
The herb garden is a Noblesville Mayor’s Youth Council legacy project that will be passed down and maintained through the years by future youth council members.
About the Noblesville Youth Council
The program is free and open to students who live in or attend school in Noblesville. The council includes two eighth graders and the remaining members are high school students. The council advises the mayor on issues relevant to youth, learn about municipal government and the importance of civic participation, and discuss and educate their peers on council initiatives. Members also perform community outreach and volunteer with local organizations and organize service projects relating primarily to youth.