Winter 2008 - Border Renovation Update

Big changes came to the south end of the Border in October as Phase 1 of the Border renovation shifted into high gear.  Volunteers worked for weeks, digging and potting up plants, clearing the way for the heavy machinery to roll in. Backhoes dug down more than a foot to excavate the roots of the morning glories that had gained such a stronghold in this area. The entire south slope was cleared and graded, the hard clay cracked and amended with lavish layers of fill and soil amendments.

The most striking difference is the new south end staircase, which has replaced the slippery grass slope that used to separate the main border from the shade border.  When it’s finished in 2010, the new NPA Border will be one big spectacular sweep of plants, with easy strolling paths and inviting benches.

But before we can realize that new Border, there are vast stretches of bare earth crying out to be planted, and hundreds of plants waiting for volunteers to put them into their newly sculpted beds.

Much of the planting will be done this winter, in a series of Polar Bear Planting Parties. If you are the hardy type of gardener undeterred by a bit of cold and wet, and would like to help make Border history, click here for the schedule of planting parties.

Check back with us soon to see further updates on the Border renovation.