Dropping into Edmonds along Highway 104, motorists know they’ve arrived as the sweeping panorama of Puget Sound and the Olympics opens up before them, framing the tastefully landscaped and maintained “Welcome to Edmonds” sign.
But it wasn’t always so.
The Sound and mountain views have always been there, but by the summer of 2009 the grounds around the signature “Welcome to Edmonds” sign were looking pretty shabby. Traditionally maintained by the state Department of Transportation, keeping up the lawn and landscaping had fallen to the budget ax. The City of Edmonds, also caught in the budget crunch, had no resources to take up the slack.
“The grass was 2-3 feet tall,” said Marco Kosic, partner in Edmonds Landscaping. “We were coming up on Fourth of July weekend, visitors would be coming to town to catch ferries, watch the parade and see the fireworks show. This is our town’s front door, and it looked terrible.”
Kosic approached then-mayor Gary Haakenson, who told him that city crews had more work than they could handle, and there was simply no money to hire the work out.
“Well then we’ll do it,” offered Kosic.
“But I can’t pay you,” said the Mayor.
“Did I say anything about money?” said Kosic. “I love this community, it’s been good to me, and I’d consider it a privilege to donate this service to Edmonds.”
The Edmonds Landscaping crews got busy, and by Fourth of July weekend the sign and grounds were transformed into a well-manicured showplace. And ever since, crews from Edmonds Landscaping regularly maintain the area as a showpiece “front door” to the town.
But the story doesn’t end here.
Not long after this, Kosic was in a conversation with Mike Popke of Lynnwood Honda, where Edmonds Landscaping maintains the grounds. Popke, who also sits on the Edmonds Center for the Arts Board, mentioned in passing that the ECA grounds were badly in need of landscape maintenance.
Seeing another opportunity to give back to the community, Kosic offered to donate his services. Now the ECA is on the Edmonds Landscaping rotation schedule, with crews regularly maintaining and manicuring the lawns and planting beds.
Kosic, who hails from former Yugoslavia, escaped the unrest in his native country in 1991. He came to the United States and settled in Edmonds, where he and his brother-in-law started Edmonds Landscaping in 1995.
“Many of my friends didn’t make it out,” he said. “I feel very blessed to have found a community that I like, and that likes me. I’m not looking for recognition. I just want to give back as way of thanking the community for all they’ve given me. I’m happy to do it. It’s only right.”
— Story and photos by Larry Vogel
Nice to see how the sign with its good landscaping frames all the trees which are part of the reason
Edmonds has the designation of “Tree City USA”.
They do such a great job beautifying our city – thank you!
Edmonds Landscaping has been giving back to the city for many years. The management and crews should be congratulated.
Talk about community give back!!! 5 stars (*****) to Edmonds Landscaping.
Nas Marko ❤️