Richmond Habitat for Humanity’s Angus Road Subdivision will soon have a sustainable, green landscape thanks to a partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), Chesterfield County Office; Richmond Council of Garden Clubs; Richmond Professional Grounds Management Society (RPGMS), and a number of local corporate contributors that include The Spring Earth Partnership (Ukrops Super Markets, Inc. and Watkins Nurseries). Phase 1 of the project began on February 9, 2009.
Landscaping for the 3.75 acre neighborhood will serve not only an aesthetic purpose but will also aid in energy and water conservation. Sustainable landscape methods will include soil amendment, use of low maintenance turfgrass and landscape plants, strategic placement of trees and shrubs to reduce energy consumption, and homeowner education on the seasonal care of their new landscapes. “The Angus Road landscaping partnership marries beautifully to our role in providing affordable housing stock that positively impacts the neighborhoods in which we build, says Leisha LaRiviere, Executive Director of Richmond Habitat. “Not only have we introduced new, refined house designs at our Angus Road subdivision, but also, as an EarthCraft™ and EnergyStar® certified builder, we are using sustainable green building tactics to construct healthy, comfortable homes that reduce utility bills for our homeowners and protect the environment. Now, with the support of these local businesses and landscape specialists, we can provide additional solutions that address the aesthetics and sustainability of our landscape design. The partnership works well with our overall environmental goals to promote sustainable living and the responsible stewardship of our natural resources.”
Industry specialists, horticulturalists, and professional groundskeepers are all joining together to create earth-friendly landscapes in concert with Habitat homeowner families. The Angus Road Subdivision is Richmond Habitat’s newest 17-home development and its first neighborhood ever built in the City of Richmond in its 23-year history. Located off Walmsley Boulevard on the city’s Southside, the year-long neighborhood build involved over 45 sponsor partners and more than 6,800 volunteers. Construction of the neighborhood began in November 2007 and was completed in November 2008 in time for Habitat families to enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays in their new homes. The Spring Earth Partnership has contributed another 100 cubic yards of compost to the project. The Spring Earth Partnership uses fruit and vegetable trimmings from Ukrop’s food preparation activities, combined with leaves from Watkins Nurseries, to produce all-organic, chemical-free compost, ideal for producing healthy lawns and gardens that are friendly to the environment.
