The Langley Library has a new garden courtesy of one botanically inclined summer intern, Emily Martin.

A horticulture major at Oregon State University, Martin fulfilled several duties as a summer intern for the Langley Main Street Association.

As she was working to care for the downtown area plants, Martin saw a need for a low-maintenance garden for the library.

Martin grew up in Langley and often checked out books from the library during her childhood.

“I wanted to give back to the Langley Library by creating a space which could be appreciated not only by visitors, but by the community as well,” said Martin.

The landscaping is structured to highlight Georgia Gerber’s otter sculptures and provide a year-round garden that requires minimal maintenance.

Martin chose a variety of ferns and ground covers as well as some native varieties and drought-tolerant species of succulents and grasses.

“By taking up the turf and replacing it with a drought-tolerant ground cover, the landscape will be beneficial for insects and habitat creation,” said Martin.

The City of Langley, which owns the library building, reached an agreement with the Langley Main Street Association to pay for the new plants and to provide help in removing the old turf.

Martin, along with Main Street volunteers and several of her family members, worked to complete the job before her return to school.