Thymedaction: Street Care

 Thymeaction goal is to beautify the neighborhood at strategic moments so that the beautification of community spaces engages the residents in stewardship of open green spaces and builds community. Planting flowers in tree pits is a great way communities can be empowered to improve their community.






Outside of the Holy Temple Church I have been working with youth for the past two years to care for their street tree. In the past year durning the fall we have planted daffodil bulbs and mums.

 This spring I came out in time to help plant marigolds and petunias. I choose those flowers for their color and because they will rapidly produce large blooms. I also choose marigolds because they can tolerate drought-like conditions and poor soil quality.

Enjoy the pictures of our steps in laying down the weed barrier. As we worked the bodega owner children join our small group of 5 volunteers. New picture update coming soon of the great big bloom.

One concern that was raised was how to deal with weeds. At first we considered garbage bags. I was happy when they decided to use cardboard boxes; folks were pursaded with the idea that the boxes would break down and add nutrients to the soil.

We tilled the soil in the tree pit first. Next we cut "X-shape" holes into the cardoard boxes large enough for the flowers to be entered. Then we laid the boxes down and spaced out the flowers according to color. Our second to last step was to enter the flowrs and water them deeply. Then we added two bags of mulch.

Check back soon for updates on how the flowers are blooming.