Loveland Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Deserie always knew the grass was going to be a bit greener in her new home, but thanks to a long-time friend and advocate, it literally is going to be, both environmentally and aesthetically.
Deserie moved into her Habitat home last October, a home built by her and women as part of Loveland Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Project. Desi, as she is called by friends, had tried numerous times to qualify for a Habitat home. It took many tries and the encouragement of many people, especially her friend Anne Clark who acted as Desi’s advocate throughout the process, from application to home completion. Clark encouraged Desi – in late 2008 – to apply once again for her home and when she qualified, she helped her celebrate, helped her build and helped her as she moved into her new home. She is now helping her again, along with all Loveland Habitat homeowners.
Clark is a landscape designer with Empire Landscaping. She knew Habitat homes are built with many “green” features such as Energy Star appliances, passive solar and eco -friendly amenities, so she decided to continue that green element in her friend’s home and the homes of her new neighbors.
“I wanted to share my gifts, talents and passion for creating beautiful landscapes that are environmentally responsible with Deserie and offered to create a landscape plan for her new yard. The other women I work with at Empire Landscaping, Sally Guthart and Lacey Maclennan, were excited about the woman built concept and teamed with me to plan for a full installation with only women,” Clark said. “I approached Empire owner Brian Williams, asking if he would support this project; he was excited to partner with us in making this project a reality, offering the company equipment and many supplies.”
Clark has worked with Desi to create a personalized plan for a landscape that works with native Colorado plants and is designed for smaller yards. She also plans to share this with all Loveland Habitat homeowners in an upcoming workshop that will educate on Xeriscape, along with container and raised bed gardening. The workshop, which is complimentary for the Habitat homeowners, is just another way Clark and Empire Landscaping is giving back to the community.
“We are excited to be involved in this project! This is what community is all about,” added Williams. “Ann approached me about this project and it really fits with our company philosophy. Empire Landscaping is honored to facilitate and host a landscape design and install built entirely by women.”
Clark has scheduled Desi’s landscape project for the beginning of May. The Landscape Design Workshop for Loveland Habitat families will be in early June at Boise Village North, one of Habitat’s neighborhoods.
“I am just so pleased about this partnership- it is such an example of how friendships grow in the process of building Habitat homes, but also how those friends help grow beautiful and energy-efficient living spaces outside,” said Gwen Stephenson, Loveland Habitat Executive Director.
Clark added that while she is excited to start the project at Desi’s home and to facilitate the workshop for her fellow homeowners, she is equally excited about enjoying the new landscape with her friend.
In addition to Empire Landscaping, donations for the project and workshop are being made by Cindy Weishel, CW Blooms; Flowers for 3; Ft. Collins Nursery; Harmony Gardens; La Porte Ave. Nursery; Perennial Joys; Pioneer Sand Company; Rocky Mountain Stone; Tanglewood Nursery and Terri Spencer, Tomboy Tools.
The video of the project is posted in the Loveland Habitat for Humanity Wesite Media Center, http://tinyurl.com/2dqrw4k
