_ODG Fall 2026 (3) - Flipbook - Page 7
work was intensely hands-on. Volunteers
scattered millions of seeds by hand and then
pressed them into the soil with a tur f roller.
Later, they rented augers and planted plugs of
blazing star and bee balm, though getting the
new plants to take hold and flourish remained a
challenge. A full perimeter mulch path was
added to improve accessibility. Volunteers also
installed a rain barrel and filled and emptied it
one gallon at a time to try and address
irrigation needs. At different points, they
enlisted help from the James City Fire
Department and the community landscaper to
provide water. In 2024, the group reached an
important milestone when it was able to
purchase and install a solar-powered irrigation
system supplied by a 500-gallon above-ground
tank.
The
y the spring of 2021, the meadow was already
showing signs of success. Wildlife observations
included box turtles, rabbits, and deer. Mason
bee houses had occupied tubes, and more than
40 common milkweed plants had propagated
on their own. Today, that number has grown to
more than 200. The meadow is registered as a
Monarch Waystation and is also listed as a
natural habitat. Friends of the Meadow has
hosted six open houses, including two held in
conjunction with Colonial Heritage Garden
Club home tours.
Drone Shot of the Meadow
B
t r nearly a decade of trial, error, and
determination, Flo says the group has learned
lessons worth sharing with other communities
interested in creating similar habitats. She can
often be found in the meadow with a string
trimmer in hand, continuing the work that
helped turn an overlooked construction scar
into a living landscape
Flourishing Meadow Today
Af e
07.
Monarch Butter fly Release
ODG Fall 2026
