Letters: Shrub planting thank you, more projects May 7; May 20 Senior Center Plant Sale
May 5, 2011, page 3.....

Shrub planting successful, more projects on May 7

Despite the weather on Saturday, April 23, we had a great turnout of volunteers to help plant the riparian buffer next to the headwaters of Holmes Creek. Fellow park lovers furiously planted over 250 shrubs (three varieties of dogwood and viburnum, winterberry, clethra, elderberry and pussy willow), in the wind, rain and sleet. We know it sounds crazy, but we actually had fun!
Monday morning with spring in the air and the sun shining, reinforcements arrived with shovels in hand. Over the next several hours, we managed to get all of the remaining 80 shrubs in the ground. The timing could not have been better to insure the success of our new riparian buffer.
We still have the task of putting the wood chips around the new plants to help keep the weeds at bay. If you are interested in helping, grab your wheelbarrow and a shovel. We will be working on Green Up Day, May 7, meeting at 9 a.m. next to the Thorp Barn off Route 7.
Other Green Up Day activities in the park include planting small conifers and continuing the quest to remove invasive plants. A group will be meeting on May 7 in the Greenbush Road parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and working until noon.
It is really exciting to get a project like this started, so please take a walk or look west as you drive by the Thorp Barn and admire the new plants in our lovely park.
A BIG thanks to everyone there on April 23 and 25!

Jessie Bradley for the Charlotte Park
and Wildlife Refuge Oversight Committee
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May 20 Senior Center Plant Sale

With the arrival of spring, the list of “to do’s” is long.  Pause briefly and join us at the annual Charlotte Senior Center Plant Sale on Saturday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. It is an occasion to purchase perennials, annuals, herbs and vegetables that have been donated by your neighbors and our local nurseries. (Drop off is Friday, May 20). This year in addition to our knowledgeable seniors, we will have Master Gardener Kate Mesaros with a display and information from the UVM Extension Service. Several composting mavens from Transition Town Charlotte will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate equipment helpful when recycling kitchen and garden waste. The coffee will be on, muffins, breads and other goodies will be available. Please come down and support your community Senior Center, visit with friends, share garden lore and enjoy the beginning of spring. Happy gardening,

Wendy Pierce