Project EverGreen, a Cleveland-based nonprofit, along with Painesville, Ohio-based Yardmaster and Cleveland-based Land Studio, revitalized an alleyway in Cleveland, June 24. Volunteers from Landscape Management and other industry members also participated.

The area—Gould Court, located between Mitchell’s Ice Cream and Soho Kitchen & Bar in the Ohio City neighborhood—transformed from a bumpy brick alley to a green oasis for passersby and restaurant patrons to enjoy.

“We wanted to establish a footprint in Cleveland—our home,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “This was a perfect opportunity to create a green space that didn’t exist in a thriving area where people can stop after dinner, have coffee, eat ice cream or people-watch.”

The project was led by Kurt Kluznik, president of Yardmaster, who’s also a landscape contractor and architect.

“It’s nice to do a project that converts a neglected space into an extremely usable space, and for people to be able to use and enjoy what you do,” said Kluznik.

The project features a walkway and an underground cistern to collect rainwater that will be used to irrigate the landscape beds, which include a variety of trees, ornamental grasses, annuals and perennials. Soon, it will house a seating area and a sculpture.

“The project gives us a chance to explain why green spaces are great for everybody,” said Code. “Everybody walking by stops and they smile. People are going to sit here, and they’re really going to enjoy the neighborhood.”

Land Studio coordinated the irrigation work, while about half the plants, top soil, mulch and compost were donated. The rest of the costs were covered by a private donor. Local companies and organizations that contributed to the project include Yardmaster, North Coast Perennials, Klyn Nurseries, Gilson Gardens, Lake County Nursery, Kurtz Brothers, John Deere Landscapes, Sweet Peet, Land Studios and Mitchell’s Ice Cream.