Blenko Glass Blog . The Heart of Glass

Since 2005,  I've written about the lovely lake and grounds surrounding Blenko Glass.  In 2007  The Blenko Project volunteers began an effort to add plants to the front of the factory and to 'spruce up' the grounds.  This was a group of about 15 - usually 3-4 at a time who went one or two days a week the first year, and one day a week 2008 -2009.   We have a couple master gardener folks, but mostly collectors with real day time jobs, who gave up a few hours each week  to give back to Blenko Glass.

The factory also had many employees volunteer,  Sue and Mary from shipping,  several of the clerks in the gift shop and 2 maintenance gentlemen.   This group added the circle of flowers in front of the gift shop entrance and added perennials to the BLENKO GLASS sign area in the middle of the parking lot.   BUT mostly they cut back and pulled weeds.   After November 2009, Blenko took over these projects.   

Most recently,  Dean Six with support from the Blenko Family has revamped the Blenko Glass Garden.   Using mostly Blenko Glass, using items you may purchase and use in your own garden.

The panels were designed and installed when Joel Myers was the Blenko Glass designer, and until Dean Six 's 2015-16 upgrade not much had changed since Ms. Marion Blenko decided to turn the area into a horticultural delight - Ms. Blenko ordered and had planted exotic ( for the time, and for West Virginia) and expensive trees and shrubs.  Until her death, it was Red Powers ( 2nd generation Blenko employee) responsibility to keep the area clean and properly pruned.

This area has a remarkable history -  it is  a focal point, and one you can visit with your school age children. Our readers report going several times and 'stealing' ideas for their own yards or the public yards they assist with as Community Gardeners.

The Lake, the Swans, ( Ducks), the glass....you will find something here to delight most everyone in your party.

Photos of the Blenko Glass Garden ( taken in 2016)