2 minute read
Newtown Square in Bloom: Lining Our Streets with Trees
Our Community feature by Sheila Turner-Hilliard
Photos courtesy of Jackie McCormick
Have you ever noticed the beautiful flowers and plantings on West Chester Pike, welcoming you to Newtown Square? Have you admired the bright blossoms and manicured shrubs around St. Albans Circle? We know it’s difficult to look past the construction these days, but the members of Newtown Square in Bloom (NSIB) want you to know that they have been working extra hard to keep our town beautiful and to restore much of what seems to have been lost.
Aside from their recent Native Plant Pop-Up Garden and Goshen Trail project, the NSIB committee is now focused on lining our streets with lush, colorful and fragrant trees.
(L-R): Fabrice Figliolino, Senior Vice President at Boiron, Paul Seligson, Chairman Newtown Square in Bloom, Janick Boudazin, President of Boiron
This Tree Streetscape Program along Route 252 North and South is made possible by a generous donation from Boiron, a French company whose North American headquarters is right here in Newtown Square. Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicines, prides itself on responsible environmental practices. Boiron’s commitment to this project, our community and the environment enabled NSIB to purchase 26 hardy trees to plant along Route 252 and West Chester Pike.
NSIB Chairman Paul Seligson explained that the committee conducted thorough research before selecting which trees to plant. They consulted with PennDOT, who supplied a list of the best species to withstand drought, road salt, automobile exhaust and pollution. And our Sponsor Mostardi Nursery offered valuable advice on selecting, planting and maintaining. Together, they chose Ivory Silk Lilac, European Hornbeam and Japanese Cherry trees.
Other community partners in the project included Newtown Square’s Earl Ebling Landscaping and Aardweg Landscaping Design, both of whom helped with placement and planting. Businesses along the streetscape route that granted permission for trees to be planted were inagural sponsor Cavallo Auto Body, Gentile’s, Marple Friends & Neighbors Sponsor C&J Automotive Specialists, our Sponsor Neimeyer’s and National Realty Corporation. Newtown Township generously offered to assist in watering the saplings.
Members of Newtown Square in Bloom, (L-R): Sheila O’Sullivan Feeney, Janet Krevenas, Joyce Barry, Joe Barry and Paul Seligson
Paul and his team of volunteers are proud to add this Tree Streetscape Program to their list of accomplishments. In fact, the committee’s previous work earned them a Special Award from America in Bloom for their Hanging Basket Container Displays and a Special Mention for Heritage Preservation. America in Bloom is an organization that recognizes communities across the country that are welcoming and vibrant with colorful plants and trees in clean environments.
Many of our residents and members of local organizations and businesses have volunteered and worked together, to help plant flowers and trees, develop our trail network, clean up parks and streams on Arbor Day, and maintain the Drexel Lodge Park Butterfly Garden. They also regularly gather to help enhance the beauty of our historic buildings.
Newtown Square in Bloom is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds and accepts donations, which they use to purchase plants and street trees. To learn more about how to join or support NSIB financially, join the Newtown Square in Bloom Facebook page and check out their website: www.NewtownSquareInBloom.com.
