Improvements around the KPVA retention pond continue as homeowners clear weeds, invasive plants, and stumps from within the extant landscape edging. After the weeds are removed, a native seed mix will be broadcast to lessen future unwanted growth, to support pollinators, and to beautify the neighborhood.
Previously the neighbors removed invasive honeysuckle from around the pond. As anticipated, some of the stumps sprouted suckers. A clue that a bush is invasive is when its leaves are still green in mid-November, whereras most native plant leaves have turned colors by then. Gaining ground over native plants because they can extend their green-leaved growing season, the honeysuckle telegraphs its presence with its vitality.
The neighbors cut the new growth and treated the exposed surfaces with an herbicide. They also removed large, remnant honeysuckle stumps.
Closer to the ground, three main invasive species have a stronghold with intertwined roots--ivy, bittersweet, and irises. To eradicate them, the neighbors first cut down tall pokeweed on the south bank of the pond. Pokeweed is not invasive, but it it is often considered a nuisance.
Next they hand-pulled as much of the English ivy and oriental bittersweet roots as possible. When the root wouldn't come further without breaking, they cut the root and dabbed the ends with a water-safe herbicide as recommended for KPVillas by the State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM).
They cleared weeds and invasives (at least, those present in November) along the southeast bank, from the corner willow tree to the osier dogwoods with their red stems (area shown in green). From the dogwood to the willow in the southwest corner (shown in red), they pulled the major exposed vines but did not yet clear the weeds and invasives as thoroughly.
After eventually weeding the southwest bank they hope to follow Guidelines
for Establishing a Native Planting by Seed. The homeowners' broadcasting native seeds along the pond berm will lessen future encroachment of invasive plants as they await Association action. There's also an existing seed bank to deplete. Vibrant native growth should require less maintenance than a manicured landscape, thereby saving all KPVillas homeowners money in the long run. At least, that's the theory.
As part of its Covenants obligation, the Association is required to sustain and maintain the KPVA retention pond and the parcel on which it sits, which has deteriorated unlike other manicured common areas required to be maintained by the HOA. Per the KPVA Covenants, Section One, Part 15:
Maintenance of the Common Areas. The Association shall provide maintenance, replacement and repair services for all Common Areas and all improvements to the Common Areas...
In the interim, volunteer homeowners are doing the groundwork to prepare the site. Soon the neighbors are hosting a campfire to burn down the remnant stump of a large autumn olive.
If you'd like to participate in local stewardship and get outdoors, please contact Chuck Bueter. Thanks for your consideration and support.