Sustainability Starts Here
By: Chris VanCleave, Chairman Helena Beautification Board
Helena Beautification Board Vice Chairman Brian Puckett consults with Jason Powell at Petals From the Past on a selection of heirloom variety roses to be planted in Old Town.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" Four years ago we set upon a mission to create a sustainable landscape in Helena and as the Helena Beautification Board begins a new term of office, this journey continues.
Sustainability. We hear that term used so often these days. But what is it and why does it matter? At a high level, it is about being good stewards of the resources we've been given while helping to preserve the environment for the generations to come. It's about installing plantings that are drought tolerant, disease resistant and showcase what can be grown in this area. As we considered what to plant in Old Town, we took those factors into consideration. This Spring, we will be installing a collection of native perennials, grasses and heirloom variety roses all selected to enhance the beauty of the area and also provide a few teachable moments. Alongside the new plantings, we will be adding informational markers with QR codes so you can very quickly learn more about that particular plant.
These plants will take a season to take hold in the landscape, but when they reach maturity, stand back! We think you will be very pleased with the results.
Sustainability. We hear that term used so often these days. But what is it and why does it matter? At a high level, it is about being good stewards of the resources we've been given while helping to preserve the environment for the generations to come. It's about installing plantings that are drought tolerant, disease resistant and showcase what can be grown in this area. As we considered what to plant in Old Town, we took those factors into consideration. This Spring, we will be installing a collection of native perennials, grasses and heirloom variety roses all selected to enhance the beauty of the area and also provide a few teachable moments. Alongside the new plantings, we will be adding informational markers with QR codes so you can very quickly learn more about that particular plant.
These plants will take a season to take hold in the landscape, but when they reach maturity, stand back! We think you will be very pleased with the results.
Nicknamed "The Redneck Rosarian", Chris VanCleave is passionate about gardening and growing roses. He is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society, serving two terms as President. In 2007, he created the Rose Chat Podcast which has reached over a half a million listeners with news and information on growing the world's most beloved flower, the rose. He was a contributor to the 2015 Southern Living Gardening Book, has appeared on P. Allen Smith's Garden Home television show and was featured in the June 2015 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Locally, Chris serves as Chairman of the Helena Beautification Board where he has spearheaded efforts to create a sustainable landscape in one of the Top 100 places to live in the US. His writing is seen on About.com, HGTV, Home Depot Gardening Club and on his popular website; RedneckRosarian.com, where he chronicles his gardening adventures and explores an intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening. An agent of change with over 20 years' experience in process innovation, Mr. VanCleave is leading the charge to reinvigorate horticulture societies and helping them to reach their full potential in the social media age.