Ecological Landcare Consultant

98% of plastic horticultural pots that are produced end up in landfills. Together, we can demand change.

Needham Heights

Avery Square

I was asked by the town of Needham to beautify a park that had been neglected for many years and was mainly utilized as a pass through for commuters. The conditions at the site were far from optimal. Invasive plants and weeds were well established, the soil had been covered with a black plastic weed blocker for years; anaerobic conditions had left the soil lifeless. Soil tests confirmed it.

Solution:

I was given the green light  by the town to purchase native material at a local nursery. I later learned it carried a couple of cultivars but no straight species, so  I formed a Gofundme campaign to raise the funds for material local native plants sources. Needham Garden Center donated compost and another fund helped source leaf mulch.

I created a natural space for people to experience beauty and wildlife. During the winter of 2019 I designed three gardens in the park exclusively using native plant species. My goal was to teach others about the beauty and functions of native plants without direction. People sit and absorb it. I In the design I included grasses and evergreen shrubs for 4 season interest. The first season I hand watered to ensure the plants adjusted. Now, maintenance is minimal because plants were placed in appropriate conditions and every niche is filled, helping keep weeds at bay. People now sit on benches and at picnic tables to enjoy the spectacle of birds and butterflies and enjoy the beautiful flowers. 

Without the people of Needham, local businesses and friends, it would have been impossible to complete. Needham has since created accounts at nurseries that carry the material I need. I am very grateful. 

Before

During

After

Plantings

Anise hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii
Inkberry
Ilex glabra
Mountain Mint
Pycanthemum muticum
Giant Allium Bulb (non-native)
Allium ‘Globemaster’
Cat Mint
Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’
Blue Star
Amsonia tabermontana
Goldenrod "fireworks"
Solidago ‘Fireworks’
Tick Seed
Coreopsis lanceolata’
Karl Foerster Grass
Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
Blue Star Juniper
Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Feather Grass
Nassella tenuissima
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii

Get In Touch

(617) 659-0646

mariechieppo@me.com

sagamore beach, ma

Let's Talk

I am available for consultations and to schedule to talk to your group. Please contact me using whichever option is most convenient to you.