On Saturday, April 17th 2021, Daily Acts staff Liz Platte-Bermeo, Annie Silverman, and Connor DeVane partnered with the Town of Windsor and three Windsor homeowners to complete the transformation of three turf lawns to beautiful water-wise landscapes.
This program was the final step in a process of many months. Following last fall’s sheet mulching workshop and the collaborative creation of landscape designs, Liz, Annie and Connor led volunteers in the installation of hundreds of water-wise plants and three efficient drip irrigation systems. The day began with a socially distanced opening circle at the cul-de-sac on Elsbree Circle, where the Campbell and Bednarz families live. Liz, Annie, and Connor welcomed volunteers and expressed gratitude for their involvement, explained the process thus far, set context regarding drought and water conservation, and explained key concepts and techniques for the day’s work. Afterward, the volunteers split into two groups: one group went to the Sedgwicks’ home, and the other stayed to install the adjoining landscapes on Elsbree. The workshop gave volunteers an opportunity to safely reconnect with community in this time of isolation, as well as to learn about water-wise plants, proper planting techniques, and drip irrigation systems.
Each landscape will use 60-80% less water than the turf lawns that were transformed; they will contribute to the health of the watershed by slowing and storing the flow of water and reducing runoff; they will provide more habitat for pollinators and wildlife; they will sequester more carbon; they will provide a contrast to the many turf lawns in the neighborhood and serve as catalysts for other community members to undergo their own landscape transformations; they will cool the immediate areas, and they will improve the quality of life of the homeowners.
