By Margaret George

Oct. 10, 2018:  Green spaces provide much-needed respite, and to make sure the fountain oval near NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital is at its restorative best, the Bronxville Beautification Council (the "BBC") is leading a general cleanup on October 27 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Joining BBC volunteers will be members of the village’s other two gardening groups, the Working Gardeners and Boulder Ledge Garden Club of Bronxville ("BLGC").

Concentric circles of Stella d’Oro daylilies, along with David Austin roses, hostas, and Little Henry sweetspire plants around the fountain, will be weeded and pruned as part of the BBC’s ongoing mission. According to BBC president Gary Reetz, “The Bronxville Beautification Council began as an effort by local citizens and gardeners to impact the visual beauty, and the organization has a number of projects in the works, with the oval being the most immediate one.”

Known for its display of daffodils in spring, the banks of the railroad underpass will be redesigned, “keeping the daffodils, of course,” explained Reetz. The BBC will also be working with the department of public works to refurbish plantings and the seating area at the end of Park Avenue near the railroad station. To harmonize the visual impact of the planters throughout town, a study is under way that will guide repositioning and planting them in the spring. The BBC is also supporting BLGC’s initiative to replace lost trees in the village.

These gardening groups engage in these projects on a volunteer basis and are funded by contributions from residents.

Photo by N. Bower