By Geri Rhoades, Ph.D.
In New Canaan, the New Canaan Beautification League (NCBL), in collaboration with the town, meticulously maintains thirty-four triangles. Each triangle has its own unique character and requires extensive hours of care throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
As the seasons change, some triangles may need a makeover when plants die, wilt, or become overrun with weeds. One such triangle is located at the intersection of Bald Hill and North Wilton Road.
The improvement process begins with recognizing the triangle’s need for care. Initially, this triangle featured a dense landscape of pachysandra and vinca, along with eight barberry shrubs—plants that are not particularly eco-friendly—and an old bench that seemed to float amidst the greenery.
“This triangle presented an excellent opportunity to enhance the area’s appearance by replacing non-beneficial plants with native, eco-friendly varieties and repositioning the bench to create an inviting space,” explained Sarina Vetterli, NCBL member who leads the triangle committee.
After identifying the need for improvement, the NCBL turned to member Ty Tan of Ty Tan Designs to develop a landscape that is both beautiful and environmentally beneficial. The town then handled the heavy cleaning, while NCBL members continued with additional weeding to prepare the space.
In early September, Ty and her team selected thirty-one mostly native plant species, planting a total of 450 plants. The centerpiece of this new landscape includes three American fringe trees, the bench, and a curved gravel walkway (gravel courtesy of the town) running through the center. This was a significant investment for NCBL and required over 100 volunteer hours to complete.
Some may question why the NCBL devoted substantial time and resources to transforming a triangle located away from the town center. Several reasons justified their efforts. The original design offered nothing worth preserving, allowing for a fresh start. In addition, North Wilton Road is a busy thoroughfare, ensuring that many people will notice the triangle. In fact, our Director of Public Works, Tiger Mann, drives that route daily. The site is also easily accessible, with sufficient nearby parking for anyone interested in visiting to gather ideas for their own gardens or public spaces.
A key factor in the ongoing success of the Bald Hill planting will be its maintenance over the next critical growing seasons. NCBL member Jill Miller will lead these efforts, but support from town departments and community members is crucial for long-term success. The Department of Public Works will assist with watering and hardscaping, while community volunteers will contribute their time and resources to help the NCBL continue its mission.
Although Bald Hill is not a historic monument, it was named by early settlers due to its lack of trees. North Wilton Road is part of an older highway. The bench in the triangle bears the inscription: “In Memory of Our Friend and Neighbor Bill Novak. May 27, 1915 – July 20, 1999.”
This triangle serves as an exemplary model for incorporating eco-friendly plants into a visually appealing public space. “It is hoped that this initiative will inspire and educate the community to pay closer attention to the public areas we all enjoy, and share the responsibility of caring for them,” added Sarina.
The New Canaan Beautification League has been working hard since 1939 to help enhance the beauty of our town. They rely entirely on donations and volunteers. Please consider supporting this fantastic organization by donating at www.newcanaanbeautification.org.
Geri Rhoades, PhD, is a New Canaan resident and Board Member of the New Canaan Beautification League. Since retiring from the field of Communications, Geri has concentrated on helping to make the world a better place.
