Landscaping Committee
Committee Chair: Barbara Friedman
The goal of the Middlesex Beach Landscaping Committee is to make our community more beautiful. Projects occur throughout the year and volunteers are always welcomed. Additional Committee Members include Lynn Bufka, Cindy Keller, Terry Reilly and Peggy Taylor.
MBA Tree Care Contract
MBA has had a tree care contract with Coastal Plant Care. Licensed Arborist Jeremy Hager took a close look at all trees on MBA property on the beachside, those under MBA care along the fence line on the east side of Coastal Highway and in the median, and also those along Beach Plum Road (in addition to a very few along the commercial stretch of Short Road). His report covered just over 100 trees or clusters of similar trees, and recommended several for removal, several for significant trimming, and most for Integrated Pest Management. The Landscaping Committee toured the community after receiving the report, and agreed with many of the recommendations, subsequently removing several dead and unhealthy trees from the community. The rest of the trees were treated by Coastal Plant care. We intend to continue this work with signing of a new contract in the 2024-5 offseason.
Chester River Landscaping Contract
MBA has a turf maintenance contract with Chester River Landscaping. This covers mowing of the community open spaces, and also quarterly cleaning of the drainage swales.
Spring 2024 Landscaping Survey of the Community
A survey was emailed to the membership in March 2024 asking for input as to which parts of the community should be prioritized. Click HERE for the results of that survey. In accordance with the survey results, Chester River Landscaping has submitted proposals for new plantings which we hope to get in the ground by the end of October 2024.
Plant your garden using native plants
What is a native plant? A native plant is one that originated and occurs naturally in a region. Non-native plants also may occur naturally but were introduced from another region. They survive without intervention and compete successfully with native plants. Native and non-native plants often occur side by side in natural stands. Only historical records can trace true origin.
Why landscape with native plants? Since native plants are indigenous in an area, they are ideally suited to grow in a similar habitat within the region. Having competed with other plants, native plants have proven themselves well adapted. Plants used in a landscape environment that is similar to their native habitat will grow with a minimum of maintenance. When appropriately placed in the landscape, native plants require less water and fewer pesticide applications. If native plants require pampering, the most likely reason is an unsuitable location.
Planting native species protects them from extinction. As land is developed, some native plants are pushed out of their natural habitats. The sensitive use of these plants in the landscape preserves them for all to appreciate.
Want to know more about Delaware Native Plants?