The Northside Business Association worked on the gateway signage project in partnership with the City of Cincinnati Department of Community & Economic Development and the Department of Transportation & Engineering, with help from the Northside Community Council, NEST and other community stakeholders.
After a process of ideation, planning and creation, the gateway sign was fabricated by Holthaus Lackner Signs to serve as the neighborhood’s “welcome” for decades to come. In front of the sign, Circa Flora Personal Gardening & Design has installed a sustainable habitat filled with a variety perennials to create a welcoming habitat for beneficial insects, in addition to beautifying this gateway feature for residents and visitors.
Circa Flora owner Lyndsey Davisson describes her design thus, “I want to create spaces where you look forward to that flower that attracts your favorite butterfly blooming each May; the butterfly that wouldn’t be there if you hadn’t planted its specific host plant. I want to create dynamic spaces that change throughout the year, creating anticipation and magic at each turn of the season, and year after year. I want to create spaces that reduce water usage and maximize carbon storage. Spaces that are more resilient to climate fluctuation. Spaces that maximize soil health and structure. Spaces with higher amounts of native plants that support our local and native insects, birds, etc., who are crucial to our survival. Spaces people can interact with, feel connected to, and find home in.”
The plants were sourced from local multi-generation growers West Hills Greenhouses and Greenfield Plant Farm. Lyndsey points out that Northside business Growing Trade Pet & Plant also offers a curated selection of native plants, including the Vintage Violet Yarrow seen in the gateway garden.
The garden was planted in May 2024 and is expected to fill in over the coming years, offering “stacked” bloom times, a variety of color and texture, and a focus on native plants and cultivars. The NBA is excited that Circa Flora’s design will need little water and maintenance as the plantings naturalize and mature.
Lyndsey says, “I am a resident of East Price Hill, but as a fan of the arts/music, climbing, and delicious food, I have endless love for Northside. I had so much fun the day of planting, interacting with all the community members who walked and drove by, sharing kind words and excitement about what was happening. I greatly look forward to seeing this garden mature and develop over time.”
We look forward to this as well!
