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Fall Update from the  Hawkwood  LEAF  Program

The biting cold wind has reappeared and even flakes of snow have descended on our community to remind us of what is next to come.   As I drive around Hawkwood I see the cascading flowers and I'm so sad to know that their days are numbered.  I hope that you have been as awed by their spectacular beauty as I.

Fall has been a busy time for the City Parks crews.  They have been preparing many of the sites for some winter interest and next year's spring season.  The following paragraphs will outline our accomplishments and plans.

If you live in the south east corner of Hawkwood, you may notice a colorful shrub and tree bed created at Hawkcliff Way and Hawkcliff Gate.   A gray crushed rock path beginning at the sidewalk (close to the mailboxes) and ending at the wire fence is also in the plans.   A standard gate post will be placed beside the current chain fence thus allowing pedestrians and those on wheels easier access to the north side of the natural area. 

The City Parks crew would like to forward a huge thank you for the muffins that a young Hawkwood resident made for them while they were working on this site.

You may have noticed the entrance feature at Hawkstone Dr. and Nose Hill is finished.   The flower bed is extended to add greater presence.   The soil is enriched and new junipers now surround the boulevard tree.  

To create a more natural backdrop for  the rock features on Nose Hill and Hawkwood Rd., we are planting low trees and shrubs around the rocks.  Wichita Upright Blue Juniper, Dwarf Norway Spruce, High Bush Cranberry,  and Gold Flame Spirea are a few of the species selected for these areas. 

On John Laurie and Hawkwood Dr., Mugo Pines and a Baker Spruce Tree will be added around the rock feature.  This will soften the look and provide more interest throughout the seasons. 

At the other entrance features along John Laurie,  we will be planting  Diablo Ninebark, Golden Elder and Wichita Upright Blue Junipers to create more visual impact to the flower beds.  At these sites some of the perennials will be regrouped to create larger impact in the flower beds next spring.  

If you were disappointed with the entrance feature on Country Hills and Hawkstone Gate.  Know that I was far from impressed with this show as well.   I have been assured by the City that this hodgepodge of plant material will not happen again.  Currently, the only plant that is saving the site is the ivy climbing the wall.  Because we are dealing with such an overpowering wall we are going to soften the look with climbing vines.   We can not drill holes in the concrete so signs on the wall are not permitted.  Because utility lines are buried beneath the site, trees are not permitted.  So to create some height, we are planning to place one large planter on each of the raised beds.  Our goal is to create a terracing effect and have cascading flowers flow from one level to the next.   On the west entrance the gout weed on the bottom tier will be removed and a row of bricks will be added right against the sidewalk so that we can build up the soil depth and provide a better growing environment for future plant material.   We will salvage and regroup some of the more colorful perennials. And next year the beds will be stuffed with flowers.  I've lost too much sleep over this entrance,  so know that next year I plan to sleep well.

For those who live in the north west corner in Hawkland.  I hope you've enjoyed the clusters of flowerpots placed on the giant concrete islands in the corner of the community.  Just so that you are aware they are our “replacement planters” for the boulevards and cul – de sac entrances.  Burnco approached us with an offer to purchase replacement planters at a good rate as concrete prices were beginning to soar and their supplier was selling his business.  Therefore we purchased extra planters which were stored at the North Parks compound.  Rather than store them at this site, the Parks Department thought they would better serve the neighborhood being stored on Hawkland's concrete pads.  So should a planter get hit by a car in the future, these planters will be used.  Let's hope luck is on our side the roads are cleared and sanded well and everyone can keep their cars safely on the road.

Speaking of keeping the cars on the road....  You may have noticed that sections of the hedge at the bottom of  John Laurie and Hawkwood Boulevard have been replaced.    The Parks Department placed reflectors and flags at this site to remind drivers that there are plants on the corner.  Last year some drivers were destroying city property and drove over the plants.  I know that our City is moving at warp speed,  but it is only a 110 second wait for the light to change.   So relax and enjoy the surroundings.

As for the next season.  The City Urban Forest Department has prepared the soil in the empty tree wells along our many boulevards and medians for future spring tree planting.  The crews will be cleaning up the flower beds and planting tulip bulbs for next spring's new burst of color.    Let's hope the snow holds off so we can enjoy the gorgeous fall colors a little bit  longer.   

In conclusion, we appreciate your support for the Landscape Enhancement and Appreciation Fund (LEAF).  We have two more summers to enjoy this program before  Hawkwood will vote again to continue the Landscape Enhancement Tax Levy.  Ballots will be mailed out to each homeowner in the fall of 2009.   The $55.00 annual fee per resident continues to be one of the most positive investments we can make in our community.   We hope you are enjoying the beauty.