"That is one ugly triangle."

 

Those were the words of many neighbors as they walked along Vermont Avenue, NW, north of U Street/Florida Avenue.  That is until Saturday, April 28, when neighbors along the U Street corridor came together to plant and clean in the annual Spring CleanUp and Planting.

 

First, who wouldn't be seriously impressed by this "Garden Party" to make gardens out of a traffic island at Vermont, Florida and V Street, N.W.?  Plus 6 blocks of median strip stretching down both Vermont and 9 1/2 Street.  I WAS seriously impressed, so I visited the gang last Saturday to see the site and the transformation in action. 

Credit goes to many, including our neighbors, members of CSNA, the Westminster Neighborhood Association, the East Enders, plus many donors; including Councilmember Graham and ANC Commissioner Spalding, and a major contribution from UrbanLand of the Floridian condo, and  a special thanks to neighbor Jeffrey Willis for leading the project.  CSNA also assisted directly with the fund raising, provided funds (up to $500), helped solicit additional donations, volunteers, and worked to secure a grant from ANC 1B.

And here's the result, the long-dreamed of "After."

Ah, that's better.  And just imagine how it'll look a couple of years from now.

 

Project Main Man Jeffrey Willis tells us the volunteers planted junipers, ornamental grasses, "Happy Returns" daylilies, "Knockout" roses and Wave petunias (all my favorites). Excellent sustainable plants, Jeffrey.

 

Clearly the folks who chose the plants knew a thing or two.

 

So what's left to do?  Maintenance!

Proud gardeners are needed to "adopt" a section near their home to water, weed and clean throughout the year.  They don't have to do all the work, just be sure it gets done.  Many neighbors have already volunteered.  Neighbors living in the northern end of the 1800 VT block or the middle of the 1900 VT block, would you be a Care-giver? Call Jeffrey at 202.518.9446. or send an email to Lynn Coffin at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

 

Many Thanks to Susan Harris for this article and the photos.  Susan is a volunteer with the DC Urban Gardeners, a nonprofit association of volunteers committed to environmental stewardship, especially the promotion of eco-friendly gardening practices.  Learn more about them on their website, www.dc-urban-gardeners.com