A joint-degree student between the schools of architecture and the environment- Paul grew up in Hamden, CT and loves the opportunity to leverage a design education to support community-led projects.
Our last day- planted 4 dogwood shrubs in the area on the left side of the midbridge garden next to the river (area we cleared out on our first workday)
Planted 2 gigantic trees: 1 river birch to the right of the bridge at the midbridge garden area AND planted 1 massive Atlantic cedar in between the 2 red cedars and the 1 white cedar next to the vernal pool.
Did a lot of site cleanup at the front entrance/around the park's sign. Planted several grasses, coral bells, and other perennials around trees and the front sign.
We planted 3 trees! 2 Eastern Red Cedars and 1 Northern White Cedar (native). The trees now shade the vernal pool which will become more habitable by various local wildlife (shade cools the pool down). The highschoolers really did an amazing job and we couldn't have done it without them.
We planted a ninebark in the corner (front right when facing site). Fixed up existing beds from storm damage and planted some russian sage around the center magnolia.
Created a mulch bed on the right of the site abutting the chainlink fence for some increased edge definition. We did some minor planting of gift-plants from a neighbor. The day was very hot and we were all thankful to finish.
We planted 3 coral bells at the entrance of the bike path to balance the plantings on either side (at the base of the stone pillars). It was a short but good day.
We fully cleared out the area behind the midbridge garden (removing knotweed "stumps" and 2 small tree stumps) and laid a weighted tarp down to suppress growth and prepare the site for further planting. The other existing planting beds of the area were further weeded and maintained. The existing birch tree was extensively pruned to create un-impeded walkways.
We continued the work started on the first workday by mulching, watering, and pruning the trees. Nikki prepared 3 of her homemade planters for vegetable planting while Cali and Amir decorated them. Paul the intern pruned all the trees on the site.
Doreen and Daniel worked to plant and water 3 variegated loriope and 3 daylillies at the base of a young oak tree at the center of the site. Paul the intern pruned the same oak tree and helped dig the holes.
We started off the summer by weeding and mulching down the front beds of shrubs and perennials. Things are looking very good and the plants have been very well cared for! A great start to the summer