Frank Hamm has been working with Garden in the Woods for eight years, creating artistic benches which appear along the paths. He also brought the entry to the Garden to life with a beautiful fence for the entry sign. The Garden received a grant this year for him to continue his artistic creations in the form of a fence at the Edible Garden.

Black locust is an aggressive species which Wellesley College was harvesting. Kristin DeSouza, Garden in the Woods' horticulturist, made a great connection with Wellesley and was able to address two "Green" things. First, the College was able to harvest and send the wood to another non-profit for use. Second, the Garden was able to obtain the wood it needed to build the backdrop fence for the Edible Garden, which sets that garden apart from its surroundings and protects visitors from the dropoff behind the Edible Garden.

Frank said, "Black locust is a great wood for a project such as this. These trees provided perfect pieces for not only the railings and posts, but also the woven sections. It will also last for years and years. Green wood for this outdoor project is fine. The joinery doesn't need dry wood. Mechanical fasteners are used, including timber locks and screws."

Frank Hamm considers himself an artist whose medium happens to be wood. Indeed, he is a wonderful artist. Besides benches and fences, he also creates gazebos, tree houses, bridges (both covered and foot), bark applique boxes, wood-stack chairs, stools, and more. He will also create a trellis for Garden in the Woods out of black locust wood.