If your walks, jogs or drives take you through the 1600 and 1700 blocks of Park Ave., you’ve probably noticed some changes in the medians over the last couple of years. The huge invasive euonymus bushes that blocked the view of the fountains were removed, and hundreds of native perennials were planted. These changes were the first phase of a landscape plan developed with Bolton Hill landscape designer extraordinaire Chris Mirkovich.
Concepts for the plan began as informal conversations among neighbors who decided to form the Friends of the Park Avenue Medians (FOPAM for those who need a good acronym) to coordinate efforts and invite others to take part. Many of those conversations happened around the fountain in the 1600 block of Park on the first Friday of the month, in what has become a tradition. This casual BYOB affair is a great way to meet neighbors and enjoy the plants that flower throughout the season.
We are grateful to all the volunteers who have spent hours removing invasives and weeds, pruning and mulching, and spring planting. Even though the plan emphasizes natives that are low maintenance and can handle drought and street/sidewalk pollutants, watering and weeding are still required. FOPAM hears lots of great feedback about the improved sightlines from streets and sidewalks and many have noticed an increased number of pollinators.
FOPAM is also grateful to the Bolton Hill Garden Club for the grant that helped fund phase one and is pleased to have received additional funding for phase two.
We invite you to “join” FOPAM. There are no dues, no commitments, just a way to be in touch with residents who are interested in our First Friday at the Fountain events and perhaps helping with our work to improve the parks. Just send a note to FOPAM@boltonhillmd.org with your name, email, address and phone number. Hope to see you round the fountain this summer!
–Lisa Summers
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