Landscape Improvements Coming

Many of the landscaping issues at the Mews are those of our own, that is human, creation. Rain run off is always a problem. Besides causing erosion and polluting the water systems, it creates swampy areas. So why is there rain run off anyway? This happens when permeable landscape is paved. The water has no where to go other than to run off and cause erosion.

There are always consequences to human action, but human needs usually win. Do we need a wider roadway here? Let’s add a sidewalk? And what about expanding that parking area? Each of these seem like a small action, and citizen safety is foremost, but in the end the land suffers.

One example is the land on the Mew’s side of King Street. The area has changed from a dry environment to one that is almost always damp. This is because there is significant run off from King Street. Water tolerant Native trees and shrubs were chosen for replacement that not only absorb the water but thrive.

With that said, Fairlington Mews is moving forward with an All Fairlington initiative to return the property to Native plants. Where to begin? Needless to say, we can not rip out everything and start anew. What we can do is identify areas for improvement. One way to begin is with ivy removal. Starting this autumn and into next spring, the Landscape Committee will do just that.

King Street has been a focus for the Landscape Committee this past year, so we decided to start with the courts across the road (the back nine?), that is Courts 7 thru 15. Ivy covered areas in Court 7 and in Court 12 have been chosen. Once Environmental Enhancements removes the ivy, our contractor, Nate Erwin, will assess the sun exposure, create a design, choose the plants, amend the soil, and then create an insect friendly environment.

“Planting these bare areas with (native) shrubs and perennials that will hold the soil in place and enhance pollinator and other wildlife diversity, will improve the overall biological diversity of the neighborhood. These plantings would also enhance the established conservation garden planted along the edge of the tennis court near the swimming pool.” Nate Erwin

I will be coming around personally, knocking on doors, to ask your assistance in watering these new plantings this autumn.

Happy Fall,

Fern Birtwistle, Jamie Boone, Sue Davis, and Penny Glass