Brick dedication and more – this past weekend’s activities in the Demonstration Garden

June 14, 2012 It was a busy weekend in the Demonstration Garden at Brightside St. Louis. We had a brick dedication and so much more. Here’s a quick recap!

Demonstration Garden transforms corner

After years in the planning, Brightside’s ”Lot of Potential” has transformed the corner at Kingshighway and Vandeventer. Only a year ago, there were 20 Marines planting flowers, shrubs and trees and moving tons of rock in the hot summer sun! On June 9, we had the opportunity to thank everyone who played a role in making Phase I of this Demonstration Garden a reality with a brick dedication and announcements of Phase Two of the Demonstration Garden.

On June 9, Brightside St. Louis unveiled the brick pathway that recognizes donors and sponsors. For information about buying a brick, please email us at info@brightsidestl.org.

Announced that silva cells will be installed through grant from Department of Natural Resources / EPA Region 7, Section 319 of the Clean Water Act

Silva cells are the latest advancement in enabling urban street trees to grow larger and stay healthier for many years and they’re coming to Brightside St. Louis. Attendees at Saturday’s Neighbors Naturescaping event had the opportunity to learn more about silva cells and other 319 projects as well as interact with other leading environmental organizations.
Silva cells are placed under pavement to prevent the soil from becoming compacted and allowing tree roots to grow without buckling the sidewalk. Trees grow larger and can live for decades instead of the normal life expectancy of an urban street tree which lives typically only 7-10 years. Our great thanks to Valerie Hentges with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for making this possible.

Garden entrance unveiled

Thanks to the Cornelsen Family Foundation, Brightside will soon have a grand garden gate entrance. Trustees Kristie Cornelsen and Casey St. John unveiled the new design created by SWT Design. And not only have Trustees Casey and Kristie agreed to sponsor the garden entrance, they have also generously committed to sponsoring one of the shade structures to shelter the outdoor classroom.
Thanks to the Cornelsens for their generosity. We’re honored that they’re helping make Brightside’s garden more welcoming and beautiful as a memorial tribute to their parents and grandparents. What a wonderful legacy!

Paul Liberatore, Kristie Cornelsen, Casey St. John and Mary Lou Green with the gate design and brick for the garden.

Neighbors Naturescaping

Mark Grueber, Urban Forester with Missouri Department of Conservation led the native plant discussion to kick off this year’s Neighbors Naturescaping program.  This year’s Neighbors Naturescaping program is generously sponsored by employees of Boeing St. Louis through their Employees Community Fund.
Through Neighbors Naturescaping, community organizations may request native plant material and tools to create or enhance a public green space in their community. The next Neighbors Naturescaping workshop will be held on Saturday July 14 at 9:00 a.m. Learn more here.

Mark Grueber, an Urban Forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation, leads the native plant discussion at this year's first Neighbors Naturescaping program.