A group of residents in the Brandermill community in Chesterfield County recently obtained the “OK” from their Homeowners’ Association to replace non-native annual plantings with native shrubs, ferns, and perennials at three of the community’s neighborhood entryways. Once established, the plantings are expected to save the community on annual maintenance costs while also providing a lovely example for residents of how native plants can easily fit into the wooded landscapes of the community, adding ecological value and sustainability while retaining aesthetic appeal. Two entrances were planted this past Saturday, and a third entrance will receive its native plants on September 9.
If these entrance plantings succeed as planned, the group is optimistic that more native-themed entryway plantings will follow in 2025. They also received the green light to begin publishing a series of short articles in the community’s online newsletter and are developing some educational resources for use in the community and considering hosting a short series of presentations in 2025 to help interested homeowners learn more about native plants and how to preserve or incorporate them in their own landscapes. Wild Ones Greater Richmond Chapter has been pleased to support these community-led efforts and to facilitate connections with additional resources and groups as Go Native Brandermill” continues to develop. If you’d like to follow how Go Native Brandermill is progressing, send a message to the chapter at [email protected] or Janit Llewellyn at [email protected].