Alexandria Beautification Commission Honors Residential, Commercial, and Community Properties
By Sara Kohn, ABC
Alexandria, VA – On October 17, the Alexandria Beautification Commission hosted its annual Awards Ceremony at The Garden Alexandria to recognize outstanding residential, commercial, and community properties for their stunning and sustainable landscaping and architecture.
Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Amy Jackson, and City Council members Sarah Bagley and Kirk McPike joined the festivities to celebrate the award recipients. Zeina Azzam, Alexandria’s Poet Laureate, captivated the audience with her beautiful poem “Like the Trees in Alexandria.”
City Arborist Phil Jubert spoke about the essential role of trees and the urban canopy in Alexandria. He emphasized how trees remind us of our history and inspire us to continue growing. Jubert pointed out that today’s efforts are investments in future generations. He also shared exciting news about upcoming community planting events organized by the Beautification Commission at Four Mile Run and other locations in Alexandria. While we may never sit under the shade of these newly planted trees, Jubert noted that Alexandrians understand the importance of nurturing a lasting legacy.
A special shout-out to the dedicated team behind the City’s awards process: Yanique Revers, Eleanor Trice, Elizabeth Gelfer, and Felicia Hackett. For more information about the Commission’s annual awards process or to get involved, follow us on Instagram @beautifulalx or visit us online at alexandriava.gov/beautification.
Tips From Our Award Winners
• Replace traditional grass lawns: Even a small section of no-mow lawn can make a big difference. They require less water, fertilizers, and herbicides and are often more durable and drought-tolerant than conventional lawns.
• Avoid pesticides and chemicals: The runoff from pesticide-treated lawns contaminates our waterways, pollutes the air, and harms native species.
• Support pollinators: Over 80% of the world’s flowering plants rely on pollinators to reproduce, and one in three bites of food comes from these plants.
• Rewild your yard with Coneflowers (Echinacea): This hardy native flower is a beautiful, drought-resistant, low-maintenance option for your garden or flowerpots. Their nectar attracts butterflies, and goldfinches love their mature seeds.
• Celebrate community contributions: Our award winners generously share their knowledge and plants with neighbors, helping to build a beautiful, sustainable city—one yard at a time!
ICYMI: Leaving a Legacy on Earth With a Collaborative Tree-Planting Event
