What’s the first sight as you come into the city of Flat Rock heading toward the plant entrance on Gibraltar Road off I-75? Depends on when you last looked. Right now, what you will see is a wonderfully tended garden, complete with bushes, plus annual and perennial flowers that really brighten things up.

The added touch is an old wagon wheel sporting the words “UAW 3000 Women’s Committee.” Chair of the committee, Jennifer Dunn, said the former welcome sign was an eyesore. “We saw it every morning on our way to work,” she said. “When I noticed the neglected garden by the sign, I found out the city has an adopt-a-sign program. It seemed like a natural thing for us to look into.”

Committee member Paula Loturco is a master gardener, so the group was sure it could turn the welcome area into a lovely sight. Most members supported the plan and contributed fundraising efforts, as well as putting in the physical work weeding, preparing soil, planting, then tending to the garden on a regular basis. In addition to Dunn and Loturco, committee members include Katie Hayes, Blair Minton, Amanda Sears, Johnda Siebel, Melissa Simon, Leslie Straub, Jackie Stroh and Felecia Wilder.

Thanks to financial support from Flat Rock Assembly Plant, the group was able to buy weed control fabric, mulch and plants, getting the project off to a solid start. Then Greg Montlouis contributed a $100 Home Depot gift card, and Ruhlig Farms & Gardens donated and assisted with decision making, including choosing plants that are drought-resistant.

While most of the plants are hearty, the roses, daisies and other colorful offerings do need water. And that’s a bit of a problem. “We have to bring in jugs of water,” said Dunn. “It’s been so hot and dry that we’re doing that a lot more regularly than we planned.”

In spite of all the work and maintenance involved, the UAW women’s committee is pleased with the look, and believe it is the greeting Flat Rock Assembly Plant employees deserve to see on their drive in. “It’s fabulous, just beautiful,” said Loturco. “And it will change next year with adding some different choices because of what we’ve learned.”

The committee was able to raise a little more money after the biggest part of the beautification effort was complete. “If we can get some tulips planted in the fall, we’ll be happy to see them blossom next spring,” said Dunn.

The community has been supportive of the various programs the women’s committee puts on. Flat Rock businesses have donated items to events such as the group’s Valentine’s Day bake sale, as well as other fundraising efforts.