Alexandria Beautification Commission Announces 2023 Alexandria Residential Beautification Award Recipients

For Immediate Release: August 28, 2023

The Alexandria Beautification Commission is pleased to announce the nine winners of the 2023 Alexandria Residential Beautification Award. Please visit the Alexandria Beautification Commission webpage to see the photos of all the award winners from across the city.

West End

• The stunning landscaping at 5466 Calhoun Avenue is abundant, grass-free, well-maintained, and sustainable, adding ecological beauty to the local area.

• The large crepe myrtles and other trees at 3912 Taney Avenue provide energy-saving shade. The ground coverings, flowers, and shrubs provide lovely colors and patterns in this lovingly maintained garden gem.

• A front drainage ditch, 3156 North Rosser Street, is filled with lovely plants and succulents that help disperse stormwater and reduce soil erosion while adding visual interest. The entire yard is alluring and cozy.

Central

• The virtually no-mow yard at 1501 Crestwood Drive supports pollinators and features a beautiful fence, various plants, rocks, and water-permeable paths.

• The lush yard at 310 Kentucky Avenue features walking sticks, tiered native plantings, and stonework, creating an inviting entrance. The color scheme is well-balanced, and the shrubs create an illusion of a deeper landscape.

• Certified wildlife habitat and monarch waystation distinguish the gorgeous outdoor space at 308 Summers Drive.

East

• After a recent renovation, a new owner at 911 Portner Place leveled the yard to improve surface irrigation, removed the grass, and created an oasis for the neighborhood. The front yard is a field of flowers of all varieties.

• At 534 North Columbus Street, the stone was removed to uncover wood and salvage the original siding. A wrought-iron gate, curved stone walkway, and Adirondack table and chairs complete the charming look.

• The beautiful lawn with trees and shrubs makes 11 East Reed Avenue shine in its locale. The stone border wall and iron fence add elegance that surprises and pleases. New trees will add plenty of shelter and food to the native fauna.

The Commission solicited nominations from residents and Commission members who toured the City looking for candidates who exemplify the creative use of non-invasive plants, native plants, sustainable approaches, and landscape architecture within their gardens. Residents from across Alexandria's diverse neighborhoods consistently demonstrate how utilizing these gardening techniques deliver beauty, texture, and scale within a garden. This inspires others to enhance the beauty of their properties in an eco-friendly way and speaks to the future of Alexandria as an environmentally sound and dynamic community.  Commission members evaluated homes and residential communities based on criteria including:

• Inclusion of plant materials, design, and architecture
• Usage of environmentally sustainable practices
• Ongoing maintenance
• Neighborhood Context

“The 2023 awards recipients demonstrate how all of us can make a difference in our neighborhoods. By using native plants, meadow areas, and drought tolerant gardens, the awardees achieved a vision of color, composition, dimension, and beauty. We commend their hard work and accomplishments." said Steve Cohen, Beautification Commission Chair “Utilizing innovative garden methods not only enhances curb appeal, but also contributes to the city’s broader ecology” he said.

Please visit the Alexandria Beautification Commission webpage to see the photos of the four award winners from across the City and details of their award-winning projects.

The Alexandria Beautification Commission represents citizens' values in City beautification matters and coordinates projects to encourage and achieve a more beautiful, livable Alexandria. The Commission promotes projects encompassing landscaping, architecture, and sustainable environmental practices creating a healthier community, enjoyable lifestyle, and higher quality of life.

For additional information, visit the Alexandria Beautification Commission website.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City's Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Oscar.Mendoza@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4667, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please call 703.746.3961 or email genevieve.babecki@alexandriava.gov