(Example of inviting the public to experience my eco yard)
Subject: “jenny’s corner” 501 house
Greetings Neighbors!
At our meetings, I have mentioned my mini forest & wildflower yard, where I have set aside space for the public to enjoy. (I call it “porous property.”) This is my home and place of business (I am a writer, artist, landscaper, and eco educator.)
Many of you have already been here. But it’s always evolving!
The public amenities include benches, and a Little Free Library.
See 3 photos attached.
Also, because it’s a corner lot, much of the property is readily visible from the sidewalk, making it easy for the general public to check out examples of various trees & plants.
On any given day, you might also notice the solar oven in action using the sun’s free energy to cook food. Or you might observe the rain-gauge displaying the liquid bounty from the latest storm.
Additionally, various signs and art objects are placed for everyone’s enjoyment and education.
This, my home and workplace, is the most durable tangible embodiment of my mission as an environmental educator.
I sometimes joke that my extra-high-visibility urban corner lot is like an Uncle Milton’s Ant Farm, where I am the “ant” being observed by the passing humans as I go about my experiments & data-gathering.
IMPORTANT Note, this house and grounds is also shared with my housemates, who are private citizens and not part of the educational outreach. Therefore a large part of the property is restricted to residents only.
BNW members and friends who would like a landscape tour beyond the sidewalk and benches are welcome to email me, or text my phone 512-619-5363. I can also give you a tour by FaceTime or other video chat app. We could even make it a group tour if you like!
Additionally, there are several neighboring properties that have been past winners of beautification awards from the Beautification Tree Advisory Board of our City. I will be happy to point you to these wonderful yards. There are some superb examples of edible landscaping, stormwater mitigation, and xeriscaping, to name just a few features that you can observe from the street or sidewalk.
Much love to all of you! Enjoy this beautiful spring weather and the abundant rain we have received.
PS. Caveat!!! Although my space has a very eclectic look, please be aware that this is a meticulously curated space. If you have clothing, knick knacks, or other items that you no longer want, please take them to our Lady of Lourdes thrift shop, or other worthy organization that is set up to accept and distribute such bounty.
One exception: Of course, all are welcome to donate books to the Little Free Library! Just put them directly onto the shelves. If there is no room on the shelves, there are numerous other little free libraries all over town that could use your gift. Thanks for promoting literacy!
Also check out my little 1-minute “before & after” video here on my YouTube channel. (Sorry about the music; it came with the TikTok and I don’t know how to shut it off. You can just turn down the volume if you’d like.) https://youtube.com/shorts/lICC3POSRvI?si=8oomqebYKiB-5nTO
(The “before” is from when I first moved into the house, in March 2018. This video was taken a while back, so even more lush landscaping and other beautification has been added since then!)