Our Community
Over its 25 years, D&R has participated in many local volunteer projects, including an energy efficiency retrofit of the Maryland Ronald McDonald House, Christmas in April, Habitat for Humanity, DC Central Kitchen, and Linkages to Learning. For its 25th anniversary, D&R decided to take on something a little bigger to connect to the local community and highlight the importance of resource conservation.
In June 2010, D&R contacted the Montgomery County Department of Parks to inquire whether they would allow the company to plant a drought-tolerant garden in the park across from our office. Thus began the first-ever government-business volunteer garden project in Montgomery County—a project we hope will inspire other companies to do the same.
For five months, D&R worked closely with the Parks Development Division on garden layout, plant selection, and many other project details. Finally, on October 30, 2010, D&R staff and their families joined members of the Parks Department and our Woodside neighbors to plant over 500 drought-tolerant, native plants at the corner of Spring Street and Georgia Avenue. The 1,200-square-foot garden features a wide array of native species that require little water, attract wildlife, and beautify our little corner of the world. Bray & Scarff, a local kitchen and appliance retailer, provided financial support for the project. GreenLink, a local landscape company, donated the shrubs.
On May 24, 2011, D&R held a dedication ceremony for the garden. Our speakers included Montgomery County Department of Parks Director Mary Bradford, Montgomery County Department of Recreation Director Gabriel Albornoz, and Maryland State Senator Jamie Raskin. Read the press release and the article in the Silver Spring Patch.
Going forward, the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at Woodside Urban Park will serve as a teaching tool for educators and the public. We look forward to involving schools and local community groups as our garden grows! To follow D&R's progress on this and other community projects, visit D&R’s Facebook page here.