It takes a village

to green a city. The original Harmar Riverbank Pollinator Project is coming along nicely (or at least the plants we planted have all lived--though the plants we don't want are making an enthusiastic return and the best poison ivy remedies are a frequent discussion topic among volunteers). The city has made water available and a neighbor has given us a spot to store a hose, so the recent hot, dry spell seems to have done no harm. The annuals tucked in for some immediate color and nectar are blooming, the perennials are considerably larger and fuller than they were, with a few blooms showing up on the early species, and more plants have been donated to the site. These are Good Things.

Perhaps even better news than plants that have not died is the support from residents. People walking past regularly stop to chat with volunteers, and the garden team is growing. Surprise support shows up.  On a recent work day, an artist walking her dog ran back to her home for items to make that day's edging task easier--and trusted that we would get them back to her. It's that kind of place.

Perhaps even better is that another pollinator-friendly public garden is taking shape literally just around the corner, again created by volunteers, including a city council member and the owner of a floral design shop. Again, the neighborhood stepped in. In the middle of what is to be a flowering walkway was an old post that once held a sign that no one seems to remember. The post had been largely dug out by an intrepid volunteer, but it was set in concrete, and that day's team tended toward gray hair and joints not what they once were. 

Then, out of an apartment across the street, emerged a guy who literally wrestled the post out of the ground and onto the sidewalk. Another neighbor brought a chainsaw, and the ancient post quickly became history. (Apologies for the blurry photograph.) 

Yes, it is that kind of place. Stay tuned for further developments.