2015 Report for Orchard Street

Year

2015

Number of volunteers

9

Total volunteer hours

60

Number of events

6

Number of shrubs planted

2

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green mountain boxwoods (2)

Number of perennials planted

13

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day lilies (3), hostas (6), coral bells (2), endless summer hydrangea (1)

Yards compost spread

0.50

Summary

The Orchard St. Blockwatch group is a dedicated group of volunteers who have made this vacant lot on Orchard St. a wonderful urban oasis. The area provides wonderful shade, a cool breeze, and comfortable seating. It is a retreat into nature that separates you from the hustle and bustle of traffic-heavy Orchard St. This year, the group focused on aesthetically improving the site. The first few weeks were spent raking the entire site as well as pruning large overhanging branches. Then, invasive plants all along the border fence were removed. The group also planted alongside the fence, in the perennial beds under the lilac trees, and in the tire gardens towards the back of the site. The last few weeks of the season were dedicated to painting the park bench and the two picnic benches, to give the site a uniform look throughout. The tires were also repainted for a fresh new look. A big milestone this year was getting water to the site! After years of carrying buckets of water down to the site, the group can now hook up a hose and water to their hearts’ content!

Other activity

0.5 yd. topsoil, 2 100-ft. hoses, 1 nozzle, 3 quarts wood stain, sandpaper, 2 rollers, 2 paintbrushes, 3 paint trays