Stewardship Update: Fall 2023
The Entry Garden at the Perry South Greenway is coming to life with native plants and shrubs!
January 9, 2024
Greenway Entry Garden
We were finally able to get our hands dirty in the Perry South Greenway! Along with the Charles Street Area Corporation's greenway stewards and community volunteers, partners from organizations like BRIDGE People and Landforce came together to bring life to the Entry Garden in October 2023.
Before we could dig in, extensive planning, design, and site preparation was conducted by the Charles Street Area Corporation (CSAC) and its partners, including Real Design, Inc., Mistick Construction, the Student Conservation Association, and the City of Pittsburgh's Department of City Planning.
Designing the Landscape
Feedback from the City Engage website indicated that residents were interested in a variety of native plants, a functional walkway, and seating in the Perry South Greenway Entry Garden. Ryan Kieta from Real Design, Inc. included each of those items included in the conceptual design package for the space.
Preparing the Site
Bob Mistick of Mistick Construction shared his equipment and expertise to prep the site along Strauss Street for the garden. Site preparation included removing existing plants, hauling in dirt and leveling paths along the hillside, adding steps from the curb to the path, and placing boulders for seating.
Planting Native Flora
On October 20th, the crew laid out plants according to our design plan, dug holes (in the mud!), then planted and mulched the new shrubs and flowers. Using native plants means that this landscape will be adapted to our local climate and conditions, provide food for birds, attract pollinators, and promote native biodiversity. Native plants also require less maintenance. Win-win!
Looking Ahead
Future phases of work will include adding trees, signage, and lighting to the entry garden. The Charles Street Area Corporation will lead stewardship efforts and activate the greenway with events and activities as the space develops.
After site preparation was complete, the Perry South Greenway Entry Garden became a blank canvas for the paths and plants that would be added.
Native plants for the entry garden (delivered by Best Feeds Garden Centers). Angela (CSAC) and Ryan (Real Design) also brought plants to the site.
Photo Gallery
Check out the photo gallery below to see our crew in action during our on-site work day in October 2023! Adding plants and mulch to the Entry Garden brings us closer to actualizing our vision for the space. But remember: this is just Phase 1! Stay connected, because it only gets better from here.
Angela reviews the plant delivery checklist with the Stewards.
All of the plants laid out; Denise makes adjustments.
Ryan brings the winterberry shrubs to the site in his truck.
Student Conservation Association presents planting instructions.
Mulch and plants ready to be placed.
Crew members stage plants along the hillside.
Stewards unload the winterberry shrubs.
Shawn digs a hole while stewards place plants.
Keith and Mike dig a hole for a plant.
Marti holds two grass plants, smiling.
Crew members working in various stages.
Stewards planting flowering plants near the street.
BRIDGE volunteers dig holes and plant grasses.
Carlita and Stephanie dig holes.
Ryan explains placement to Shawn and Denise.
Kim smiles for a photo while planting a shrub.
Flowering plants along the street, by the steps.
The garden at the end of Day 1!
Happy mulchers smile for a photo on Day 2.
