{"id":2997,"date":"2025-04-30T12:31:49","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T19:31:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/30\/the-work-of-the-black-mountain-beautification-committee\/"},"modified":"2025-04-30T12:31:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T19:31:50","slug":"the-work-of-the-black-mountain-beautification-committee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/30\/the-work-of-the-black-mountain-beautification-committee\/","title":{"rendered":"The Work of the Black Mountain Beautification Committee"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Hi GPODers!<\/p>\n

Last week we saw another stunning submission from the always-beautiful garden of Gail Bromer, and she shared with us the story of her community in Black Mountain, North Carolina, coming together after the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene<\/a> last fall. If you missed either of those posts, check them out here: The Light of Spring After a Dark Fall and Winter in North Carolina, Part 1<\/a> and Part 2<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Outside of her home gardens, Gail also tends to plantings in downtown Black Mountain as a volunteer for the Black Mountain Beautification Committee<\/a>. While this work is appreciated by the residents and visitors of Black Mountain every year, their efforts feels extra vital this spring. Today she is sharing spring photos from the park they maintain in the center of town.<\/p>\n

The Black Mountain Beautification Committee is a group of volunteers who plant and maintain over 50 flower boxes in downtown Black Mountain, NC, as well as nearly 30 different garden sites. One of those sites is a 1-acre park in the center of town. Like all gardens, it has evolved. Thanks to all the volunteers and their commitment, we work hard together and enjoy keeping our town beautiful.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a>For a mountain town like Black Mountain, a fancy fountain of sculpted stone would feel completely out of place. But this naturalistic waterfall with a sculpture of playing bear cubs alongside feels like the perfect addition to this park and a beautiful reflection of the landscape that surrounds downtown.<\/p>\n

\"new<\/a>More boulders are placed throughout the beds, creating a smooth transition away from the water feature. Recently planted pansies are bringing in new color and life among hardy geraniums that are just starting to bloom.<\/p>\n

\"small<\/a>I love to see the Black Mountain Beautification Committee incorporating some native plants into their designs, along with the annuals that add instant appeal. Black chokeberry (Aronia<\/a> melanocarpa, <\/em>Zones 3\u20138) is native to the majority of Eastern North America, and these beautiful blooms will be followed by the dark, glossy berries that give it its name. This native can get pretty leggy and send out lots of shoots, but I\u2019m sure it\u2019s nothing the Beautification Committee can\u2019t handle.<\/p>\n

\"pink<\/a>Creeping phlox<\/a> (Phlox stolonifera, <\/em>Zones 4\u20138) creates lovely carpets of color, a classic sign that spring is well underway.<\/p>\n

\"shrub<\/a>Another native with multiple seasons of interest and minimal work needed from the Beautification Committee, dwarf fothergilla<\/a> (Fothergilla gardenii, <\/em>Zones 5\u20138) starts the growing season with these interesting blooms. When flowers fade, cool foliage will carry the fothergilla through summer until it puts on another show in fall, with foliage shifting to various shades of red, orange, and yellow.<\/p>\n

\"white<\/a>It wouldn\u2019t be spring in a public park without some cheerful bulbs! These double white daffodils are absolutely delightful.<\/p>\n

\"shrub<\/a>An old root ball can be transformed into garden mulch, or it can be utilized as an interesting garden structure. In this scenario, it becomes a cool backdrop and additional support for a bright red-pink azalea to grow around.<\/p>\n

\"shrub<\/a>Another kiss of red in the form of an impressive camellia covered in bright blooms\u2014what a gorgeous park, where one can admire some much-needed spring color.<\/p>\n

Thank you so much for sharing the incredible work of the Black Mountain Beautification Committee and continuing to inspire through your community efforts, Gail! The stories you have shared both this week and last epitomize the importance of coming together as a community and utilizing the healing powers of plants. I hope for more positive news from your corner of the world in future submissions.<\/p>\n

I know that Gail is far from the only GPODer who is active in their community and volunteers for their town or local public garden. If you do any garden work as a volunteer, we\u2019d love to learn about the organization or group that you work with and see photos of any projects you\u2019ve helped complete. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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We want to see YOUR garden!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Have photos to share? We\u2019d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!<\/p>\n

To submit, send 5\u201310 photos to [email\u00a0protected]<\/span><\/a>\u00a0along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We\u2019d love to hear where you are located, how long you\u2019ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.<\/p>\n

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on\u00a0Facebook,<\/a>\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0with #FineGardening!<\/p>\n

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet?\u00a0Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Fine Gardening Recommended Products<\/p>\n

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Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden, Revised and Updated Second Edition: A Natural Approach to Pest Control<\/p>\n

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.<\/p>\n

This revised and updated edition of Jessica Walliser\u2019s award-winning Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden<\/em> offers a valuable and science-backed plan for bringing balance back to the garden. With this indispensable gardening reference\u2014now updated with new research, insights, and voices\u2014learn how to create a healthy, balanced, and diverse garden capable of supporting a hard-working crew of beneficial pest-eating insects and eliminate the need for synthetic chemical pesticides.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Ho-Mi Digger – Korean Triangle Blade<\/p>\n

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Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
\nErgonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Wagner’s 52003 Classic Blend Wild Bird Food, 6-Pound Bag<\/p>\n

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.<\/p>\n

Classic wild bird food uses the highest quality grains to attract backyard wild Birds. A high-quality mix containing Millet, milo, cracked corn and Sunflower for a wide range of wild birds to enjoy. Perfect for tube, hopper, or platform feeders. Great to feed in all seasons! Perfect for the winter, when seeds are scarce; spring and summer for hatchlings; and autumn to give energy to migrating birds. This seed will help you fill your yard with birds such as Jays, cardinals, doves, Juncos, finches, goosebeaks, any many more.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n