Lizard raises bucks for Moody Garden

Yuma County has coyotes, scorpions, roadrunners and snakes. But a 22-foot lizard?

A multicolored floral-patterned statue, known as Elizabeth, can be seen at the Robert J. Moody Demonstration Garden at 2200 W. 28th St. Yet, Elizabeth has become more than just a statue. She has become the inspiration that will help keep this garden open to the public.

The Moody Garden has been open to the public for more than four years. It has given Yuma-area residents the chance to discover, enjoy and learn about different plants that can be grown in a desert environment.

However, maintaining the 1.7-acre garden is an ongoing project that does take time and money.

That's where the Moody Garden Makers (MGM) garden club comes in. The club of 19 members is sponsoring The Adopt a Lizard Project. This project involves designing, assembling and selling 12-inch multicolored stuffed lizards based on Elizabeth's design.

Val Colvin, grant and fundraising chairman of MGM, said that every cent in proceeds from the lizard sales will be used to maintain the garden.

Some of the maintenance deals with replacing plants, signs and sprinkler systems. The garden, which is a nonprofit project, exists on donations and volunteer labor.

Marianne Newton and Sandy Silvis are two club members who have volunteered to stuff and hand-sew the lizards together.

Currently, the club has sold four lizards but wants to sell more as part of its ongoing fundraisers to benefit the garden. Each lizard sells for $40. For MGM members and other, it is important to keep the garden maintained not only for educational purposes but also as a refuge from everyday activity.

"It is a place where people can come together and get away from technology, and come to a beautiful spot," said Terry Irizarry, an area resident.

"I enjoy coming to the garden ... (where) I get to play," said Peggy Taylor, MGM co-president.

The MGM members hope to keep the garden open for school, church and 4-H groups, as well as others who are interested in learning more about desert trees and plants.

To purchase a lizard, call MGM co-president Ellen Gardner at 343-4020; Colvin, 783-3686; University of Arizona extension at 726-3904; or visit MGM's Web site at gardencentral.org/azgardenclub/mgmgc.