DC Team Upgrades L’Arche House in Second Phase

I previously reported on the October Saturday morning that members of the Holy Trinity Malta group started the project to restore order and beauty to the front and back yards of the L’Arche home for intellectually disabled persons in Arlington, Virginia. We had spent a Saturday morning weeding, pulling ivy and vines, cleaning flower beds, and improving the pathways around the house. Then on a brisk Saturday in November a group of Malta members and friends completed phase 2, which included planting bushes, hyacinth and daffodil bulbs, and mulching front and back gardens.

The crew of eight planted one oak hydrangea, four smaller hydrangeas, 75 or 100 bulbs (daffodils and hyacinths), three hostas, and five astilbes, then spread 20 bags of mulch. We also raked leaves mostly in the back. Although the work, especially the digging, was hard, the team was enthusiastic as they planted and raked and organized. Thanks to everybody for hard work, great cooperation, and wonderful camaraderie.

The next phase will be planned during a visit in the spring to check on the success of the planting and consider what additional bushes and plants will be necessary. With warm weather, the residents of the house will be able to enjoy and use the outdoor areas. At the same time the house will appear well cared-for and handsome, as part of the neighborhood’s residential character.