Several barren patches of land alongside the sidewalk in front of the General Store may soon get a face-lift.
On June 1, the Select Board approved a proposal by Elm Street resident Jared Wollaston to landscape the triangular curb garden at the intersection of Mass. Ave. and Still River Road and two smaller bare spots on either side of the General Store’s Still River Road entrance. The Select Board approved a budget of up to $1,200 from the Rantoul Trust account. Wollaston’s landscaping will finish the sidewalk project in the town center that was funded by the state’s Complete Streets program.
Wollaston, who has more than 30 years of experience in real estate and design, told the board that he plans to purchase drought-resistant and heat-resistant plants wholesale and to work with local landscapers. Plants Wollaston plans to buy include coneflowers, rudbeckia, and ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum.
The triangle is located near Mass. Ave., so plants cannot be tall enough to obstruct motorists’ view of the road, Wollaston said. Two of the three spots receive a lot of sun, and drought is a concern. Wollaston said the General Store and Congregational Church staff have agreed to help with watering and maintenance. Scott Hayward, manager of the General Store, had no comment on the project.
Wollaston does not have a detailed plan yet. Currently, he is deciding what materials are needed for the project. He said that planting will be delayed because of the hot weather.
