MBHS PTSA - Blair Beautiful

March 22, 2012

School Year 2011-2012

Blair Beautiful is a group of parents, teachers and students who work to improve the outdoor campus at MBHS.  At first, this group worked on maintenance and planting projects.  Now, with the enthusiastic support of Principal Renay Johnson, we are working on several new environmentally sustainable landscaping projects.

In 2011, new multi-season planters were placed at the Blair entrances to greet teachers, staff and students for the new school year.  Also, over 20 volunteers (parents, teachers, students and alumni parents!) came out on two Saturday mornings to plant yews, oak leaf hydrangeas, winter-hardy camellias, and ornamental grasses along the University Boulevard entrances.  MCPS officials have noted the improved welcoming atmosphere of our school entrances during a recent evaluation.  Blair students have been interested and energized by the improvements (and by stories in Blair's Silver Chips newspaper) and several clubs have initiated projects, listed below.

Blair Beautiful coordinates all our efforts with Jim Funk, MBHS Business Manager.  We endeavor to create successful projects using locally hardy, low maintenance, deer tolerant plant materials.  Maintenance is planned for every project.  The PTSA, the MBHS administration, and private and corporate donors generously fund our projects.

We rely on volunteers for the workdays and we advertise through the MBHS list serve or by personal appeal.  No gardening experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome.  All landscape materials will be provided and you may bring your own tools or use our extra tools.  Students can earn Student Service Learning hours.  Join us for the whole morning or come for an hour - it's a great opportunity to meet students, parents and teachers and make a visible contribution to Blair!  Call Wynn Witthans (301-257-1396) or Dianne Hunt (301-270-4445) for more information.

Blair Beautiful Projects planned for Spring 2012:

Rainscapes - This student-led project will design and install a rain garden near the University Boulevard entrance in Spring 2012.  The Horticulture Club has been developing this project in coordination with Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection, which administers funds and support for student-led initiatives on water conservation and storm water management.

The Blair Bench Project Initial installation planned for May 2012.  The Blair campus needs benches to create inviting and safe outdoor areas for students.  See here for more information on the Blair Bench Project.

Blair Senior Courtyard (interior) - As seniors, Blair students have the opportunity to have lunch and relax in the Senior Courtyard.  Sadly, this highly visible courtyard has become unsightly and has on-going maintenance issues.  A high level of student interest led to rethinking the courtyard's design features and landscaping.  As a first step, umbrellas have been added to the picnic tables.  Currently, the Blair Art Club plans to design and build a mosaic sculpture utilizing a generous donation of exterior tiles from a local non-profit arts organization.  More improvements being planned!

Landscape Improvements - Ongoing landscape projects along the University Boulevard parking lot and entry include the continued renovation of existing and creation of new garden areas.  Plans for signage for all entrances to the school are underway.

Future Projects:

Blair SAC Outdoor Plaza - This outdoor lunch area requires shade trees, sitting areas, planter maintenance and new gardens.

Blair Arboretum - This project will identify and help protect the trees on the MBHS campus.

Blair Teacher Courtyard (interior) - Improved plantings will create a welcoming outdoor retreat for staff and an outdoor reception area for Blair.

On-going Rainscape Projects - Multiple sites at Blair have potential for these projects that will create a sustainable campus with reduced environmental impacts (run-off) and less maintenance.

About Blair Beautiful

Blair Beautiful is a group of parents, teachers and students who work to improve the outdoor campus at MBHS.

Committee chairs and contact info

Wynn Witthans (301-257-1396) and Dianne Hunt (301-270-4445)