New Digs For The Auburn Hills Perennial Exchange

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

Gardeners from Auburn Hills and twelve surrounding communities met last Saturday morning for their annual rite of spring – the Auburn Hills Perennial Exchange.  This year, the Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) hosted the exchange on the back patio of the Auburn Hills Community Center – which provided a beautiful green, wooded backdrop.

To kick-off the planting/gardening season, participants received a gift bag filled with gardening goodies including flower seed packets and gardening gloves.  First-time attendees enjoyed talking with experienced gardeners to gain insight on the types of plants available, recommended planting environments and invasive species to avoid.

The Perennial Exchange is an annual event held by the BAC on the third Saturday of May.  Mark your calendars to take part in this fun and free event next year!

The Perennial Exchange – New Venue, Same Great Event!

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

Attention gardeners!  The Auburn Hills Perennial Exchange – a favorite springtime event – returns next Saturday, May 19th in a brand new location.  The exchange will take place on the back patio of the beautiful Auburn Hills Community Center, located on the City campus.

For 25 years, residents and friends from neighboring communities have joined together in Auburn Hills to exchange their perennial plants for new ones that add variety to their gardens for no cost – zero, zip, zilch.

To prepare for the event, simply divide plants into small groupings, put them in plastic containers (containers you don’t need back) and attach a note to identify the plant type (if known) and whether it prefers sun or shade.

Participants can talk shop with the other gardeners and enjoy coffee and sweet treats.   Round up your friends and neighbors, have some fun and grow your garden in the process.

The Community Center sits just behind the tennis courts on the City Campus located at 1827 N. Squirrel Road in Auburn Hills.  For more information, please call 248.364.6946 or email eabrennan@auburnhills.org.  See you Saturday, May 19th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and as always … the early bird gets the worm!

A Woman On A Mission

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

Two like-minded organizations – Keep Michigan Beautiful (KMB) and the Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan (BCSEM) – joined together this past Wednesday in Warren to share ideas and information about projects that combat litter in our communities.  I was excited to have the opportunity to attend this unique event on behalf of the City of Auburn Hills.  To start the conversation, they brought in a local expert to share her story.

Audra D. Carson, founder of two blight-busting organizations, shared incredible stories of her volunteer events that cleanup more than just litter.  Her focus is on discarded tires.  While that is not a big problem in some communities, it is in others.  It is a national problem in fact, and Audra has found a way to make a very positive impact in her area.  She shed light on this issue for the diverse audience of southeastern Michigan community representatives – as far-reaching as Midland.

Her company, De-tread, LLC is a non-profit youth initiative that fosters environmental stewardship, civic engagement, and creativity.  During a cleanup, her groups will take on an area, clean it, clear all discarded tires – except a few that they transform into an art installment.  Her efforts have led to growing awareness of this problem while teaching our younger generation to be good stewards of their environment and how to create and maintain welcoming spaces.  Her motto is to “Leave people, places and things better than we found them.”  She is truly inspirational, and all communities can learn from her example.

The key to successful clean-up events is (obviously) volunteers!  The Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) invites residents and businesses to get involved in cleanup efforts – whether it’s a small group of friends and family, co-workers or a coordinated event supported by our “Keep It Clean” program.

If you would like to coordinate or volunteer for a clean-up event, or if you want to share details and photos of a cleanup you’ve done, please call me at 248-364-6946 or send an e-mail to beautification@auburnhills.org.  We’d love to share your stories!

Together we make the City of Auburn Hills a beautiful place to live, work and play!

Is It Spring Yet?

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

The unseasonably warm weather this week gave southeast Michigan a little taste of Spring.  It’s a good reminder that it won’t be long before we begin prepping our lawns, gardens and outdoor areas for fun in the sun.

It seems fitting that last night the Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) started planning their programs and events for 2018, the first of which is the Auburn Hills Perennial Exchange, which will be held on Saturday, May 19th from 9am to 11am.

The BAC is excited to announce that the exchange will be held in a new location this year at the Auburn Hills Community Center on the City’s municipal campus.  Mark your calendars for this springtime tradition which has been going strong for over 25 years.   Check back for event details as the weather gets warmer and Think Spring!

Beautification Winners Selected

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

The Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) met this week to review nominations for the City’s Beautification Awards Program.  Forty-eight residential and commercial properties were selected and will be honored this year at the Beautification Awards Banquet in late September.

The winning properties all have something in common – residents and business owners who care and take pride in creating healthy and inviting spaces.

Their efforts are recognized by the BAC because they help make Auburn Hills a beautiful city for all to enjoy.

A Call For Nominations

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

Attention Auburn Hills’ homeowners, business owners, residents, friends, and neighbors … the Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) is now accepting nominations for the City’s 2017 Beautification Awards Program.

This year, the BAC will celebrate the 26th anniversary of this summertime tradition.  We honor individuals and companies for their dedication to creating the attractive and inviting surroundings in which we live, work and play.

Nominate yourself, your neighbor or your favorite commercial building.  Entries are due by July 10th.  For more information, contact beautification@auburnhills.org or call 248-364-6946.

Happy gardening!

Clean Up Event Provides Immediate Gratification

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

The Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) held their first clean up event of 2017 this past Saturday morning.   A small group of volunteers, which included two elementary school students, gathered at Will Rogers Elementary School to clean the natural wooded areas and open spaces surrounding the building.

From left to right – Connor Grosz (student), Carla Withers, Mattie Lopez (student), Rich Foster; City Councilman Bob Kittle, me and Jan Kittle (our photographer) post clean up.  A big thank you to all and especially Councilman Kittle for helping out on his birthday!

The group collected seven large bags of trash from the woods, along with an old, rusted, antique mattress frame and a wheel/rotor assembly.

Often the eye passes right over what we don’t want to see.  Discarded cups, bottles, wrappers and such can become a part of the landscape and erode an otherwise pleasing scene.   Litter, when left unchecked, can lead to feelings of unrest, discomfort and sometimes even fear.  The disorganized appearance can lead to lower property values and even disinvestment.

That is why beautiful cities, like Auburn Hills, remain vigilant in clean-up efforts.  The solution to litter is quite simple and takes a minimal amount of time – especially when friends, relatives and neighbors come together.   One of my favorite things about these events is the immediate gratification – knowing that you’ve made a difference and are leaving something in better shape than you found it.

If you see an area in our fine City that needs attention, contact the City to help get the ball rolling.  If you would like to coordinate your own cleanup event, our Keep It Clean program can provide the needed supplies and safety equipment to help ensure a safe and productive day.

Contact the Auburn Hills Beautification Commission at beautification@auburnhills.org or 248.364.6946 for more information.  Help keep Auburn Hills a beautiful place to live, work and play.

Don’t Buy New Plants – Trade For Free!

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

The largest gardening event in Auburn Hills is just over one week away.  The Auburn Hills Perennial Exchange draws gardening enthusiasts from communities throughout the metro Detroit area.  It’s a great way to diversity your garden at no cost.

A Perennial, once planted, will come back year after year without re-planting.  The great thing about them is that they grow and spread out a little more every year so that it can be divided up and placed in different spots in the garden – or divided up and traded for different varieties at a local exchange.

The Exchange will be held on Saturday, May 20^th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at River Woods Park.  The park is located on Squirrel Road, just south of M-59.  Bring the plants you wish to trade in disposable containers labeled with the type of plant it is (if known), then chat with exchange participants to strike a deal.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro,  join in the fun!  Meet your neighbors, enjoy coffee and treats and get your garden growing.  For more information about the event, please contact the Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission at 248.364.6946.

Remember, as always, the early bird gets the worm!

Beautification Award Winners Honored

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Executive Assistant

The Auburn Hills Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) gathered together 130 residents and business representatives to celebrate the beauty in Auburn Hills.  The Beautification Awards, the BAC’s largest program, was designed to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of our residents and business in creating beautiful landscapes which enrich our community.

Special guests (from left to Right) – Mayor Pro-Tem VeRonica Mitchell, Claire and Coucilman Henry Knight, Coucilwoman Cheryl Verbeke with daugher, Chole

Al VanHoutte, owner of Farm Boy Produce located on Auburn Road was honored last night for his years of event support and generous donations to the BAC.  Mr. VanHoutte’s dedication and donations have added value to BAC events, including the Perennial Exchange and Beautification Awards Dinner, for all to enjoy.

From left – Al VanHoutte, Owner of Farm Boy Produce on Auburn Road, with BAC Secretary Pattie Ormsbee and Vice-Chair Celeste Yoskovich

Beautiful properties, both residential and commercial create value and an inviting atmosphere for our residents and all who work here or simply pass through.

Award winners enjoyed a gift raffle at the end of the evening. Mums and pumpkins from Farm Boy Produce and table centerpieces created by Yesterday’s Florist were raffled off to lucky winners

The BAC thanks the 2016 winners for their hard work and dedication to making Auburn Hills a beautiful place to live, work and grow!

Beautification Award Winners Selected Soon

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Executive Assistant

The Auburn Hills Beautification Commission (BAC) is prepping for their largest annual event – the City’s Beautification Awards program.  Over 100 homes and businesses were nominated for a Beautification Award again this year.   Why award residents and businesses for taking care of their properties?  Why give awards for “curb appeal”?  Because clean, manicured and attractive homes and buildings matter.

Well maintained buildings, houses and gardens add value to the community.  The effort expended in beautification activities results in increased property values, the elimination of eyesores and helps turn community health and safety liabilities into community assets.

Beautification winners will be notified in early September.  The BAC would like to thank all of our friends and neighbors in Auburn Hills for their nominations this year.  In this type of program, everyone wins.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Executive Assistant

I’m stealing a line from the old English nursery rhyme “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary” because it begs a great question.  How does your garden grow?  

Personally, my garden grows much better than it used to and that is due in no small part to my involvement with the Auburn Hills Perennial Exchange event.  The Perennial Exchange, hosted by our Beautification Advisory Commission, is a terrific opportunity to diversify a garden at absolutely no cost.

This free event draws gardeners to Auburn Hills from cities near and far; from White Lake and Clarkston to Armada and Grosse Pointe and everywhere in between. Attendees range from gardening experts to brand new beginners.

The trade works like this: If you have an overabundance of a particular perennial, divide it into small sections, put the plants in disposable containers with soil and label them with the type (if known) and indicate whether they like sun or shade.  At the event, meet your neighbors, see what types of plants you would like to swap and strike a deal!

If you are a beginner, you may want to buy a couple of small perennial plants to trade, just to get your garden started.  In my experience, gardeners are always happy to share their extra plants and steer you in the right direction.  In no time, your garden will grow like crazy!

The Perennial Exchange will be held on Saturday, May 21^st from 11am to 1pm at River Woods Park.  For more information, please call 248.330.2488 or email eabrennan@auburnhills.org.  We hope you can join us.

And The Award Goes To…

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Executive Assistant

Creating beautiful landscaping is no easy task.  Whether you’re a green-thumb gardener or a backyard beginner, gardening takes considerable time, money and effort.

The Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) understands the dedication it takes to create and maintain beautiful surroundings for our homes and businesses and they honor that effort through the City’s  Beautification Awards Program.  Nominations are now being accepted for a 2015 Beautification Award.

Lush landscapes throughout the City help preserve neighborhood integrity and create an enviable environment for business

Up to 80 residential and commercial properties are selected as winners and those residents or representatives are invited to participate in the Beautification Awards Dinner, held at the Auburn Hills Community Center in late September.

The BAC invites you to nominate a neighbor, a business or even your own property!  To submit your nomination send an email to beautification@auburnhills.org or call 248.364.6946.  No photos please!  Entries will be accepted until July 12, 2015.

Light Up Auburn Hills!

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Executive Assistant

There’s nothing like the warmth and glow of holiday lights on a cold winter night.

Auburn Hills Tree Lighting

In celebration of the season, the Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) encourages residents to Light Up Auburn Hills! 

The BAC will be sending out notes to select residents for exceptionally beautiful holiday lighting displays this season to let them know they’ve been noticed and that their efforts are appreciated.

The City also plans to light up Downtown Auburn Hills on Friday, December 5th as hundreds of families celebrate the 21st annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.  This joyous festival is a free family fun event.  Join Mayor McDaniel, members of City Council and special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus as they welcome the holiday season and light up the enormous Christmas tree on the corner of Squirrel and Auburn Roads.

So, enjoy the beauty of the City of Auburn Hills this holiday season!