Sometimes the creation of a sense of place is driven by a small group of neighbors – those smaller projects that end up paying big dividends. Such was the case on a recent fall afternoon when several neighbors from the Phelps Neighborhood Association got together to help a long-term neighbor with yard cleanup.
After the growing season of the past summer along with a few years of neglect, the growth of some unwanted brush, vines, and a few bushes which had gotten out of hand needed to be addressed. While growth of up to 10 or 12 feet in height is a testament to the fantastic soil in the neighborhood, it created a loss of flower gardens as well as an unsightly potential security issue for our neighbor. This was a job too overwhelming for one individual to address. In step the neighbors. Within a few hours the yard was manicured back to a pleasant and beautiful area, which our neighbor has planned to create new flower gardens, and accent the beauty of the place she calls home.
Our neighbor wasn’t the only one to benefit from this work; those who joined her also strengthened the bonds between friends and neighbors. With the giving of a little time the neighborhood now has an even stronger sense of place. Much has been talked about and written regarding of many hands making light work, but when those words are put into action amazing things can happen.