Posted: Thursday, August 30, 2012 9:00 am
Alpine Avalanche
Exciting things are about to happen outside the Alpine Public Library — and you can be a part of them.
Alpine was chosen as one of three drought-affected communities in Texas to receive a Native Plant Garden Grant, sponsored by Lowes Home Improvement Centers, Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful. The purpose of the grant is to install native plant landscapes in public places to demonstrate how beautiful they can be AND require less water and maintenance.
The Alpine Public Library site is the ideal location for this type of landscaping since it has no grounds maintenance staff and limited funds to pay for outdoor water use. This native plant landscape will initially focus on groundcover and trees.
During the first week of September, a mix of low-growing native grass and wildflower seed will be planted for the groundcover. These will help prevent the soil from being blown and washed away by wind and rain. The specific blend of Purple Three-Awn, Verbena and Huisache Daisy were chosen to eliminate the need for mowing.
Trees are a valuable part of any landscape: they provide cooling shade for buildings, people, pavement and vehicles. Now is a good time to plant trees in our area because of the rainy season and cooler temperatures that help plants get established.
Plans are to plant 28 trees in this phase of the Library landscape, and this is where you can help. The landscape plan and list of needed trees are available at One Way Plant Nursery. If you would like to donate a tree, please go by One Way for details.
Short on cash, but have labor you can donate? Help will be needed to get these trees in the ground, and all strong backs will be greatly appreciated.
The Native Plant Garden Grant is providing $800 worth of tools and garden supplies to help create and maintain the demonstration landscape. Other donations to the landscape have been made in the way of brick paving, rainwater tanks and labor. The Woman’s Club of Alpine has established a landscaping fund at the library that they encourage others to contribute towards.
This is a great community project that invites your participation. To volunteer, please contact Martha Latta at 294-3183.
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Thursday, August 30, 2012 9:00 am.
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