Residents of Vienna came together on 28th Street, specifically between 3rd Avenue and River Road, to plant 140 Black-Eyed Susans as part of a city-led revitalization effort in the area.
This marks the first year the city has undertaken such a large-scale planting project on 28th Street, according to Mayor Chad Emrick. The flowers were planted along the stretch leading from the Pollinator Garden to Spencer’s Landing, enhancing the natural beauty and supporting pollinators in the community.
The Pollinator Garden itself has recently been improved with the installation of concrete slabs and park benches, creating a more welcoming and accessible space for residents and visitors alike.
The city plans to continue these enhancements by adding lighting around the trail in the garden, which will improve safety and usability during evening hours.
Jack Mathers, the Special Projects Director, highlighted the community involvement aspect, noting the joy of seeing young children participate in planting, which helps foster a lasting connection to the environment and community.
Beyond the Pollinator Garden and 28th Street, the city of Vienna is also working on other beautification projects, including improvements at Spencer’s Landing and the 12th Street property, indicating a broader commitment to enhancing public spaces and green areas in the city.
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are well-suited for such projects because they are drought-tolerant, require minimal care once established, and bloom for a long season, making them excellent for sustained visual appeal and supporting pollinators.
In summary, the planting of over 100 Black-Eyed Susans on 28th Street is a key part of Vienna’s ongoing efforts to revitalize and beautify community spaces, involving residents directly and complementing other infrastructure improvements in the area
