Alexandria Beautification Commission

06/13/2026

We're out at Sails on the Potomac today only!

Stop by the Alexandria Beautification Commission table between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM to learn more about our work, the Beautification Awards, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can help make Alexandria a more beautiful place to live, work, and visit.

Whether you're passionate about gardens, public spaces, trees, community pride, or simply want to get involved, we'd love to meet you.

See you at the waterfront! 🌿⚓🌸

06/11/2026

Some of the most important beautification projects are the ones most people never see. 🌊🌿

The RiverRenew project is one of the largest environmental infrastructure investments in Alexandria’s history and will play a major role in protecting the Potomac River, Hunting Creek, and Hooffs Run from sewage overflows during heavy rain events. By capturing and treating wastewater that would otherwise enter local waterways, the project will help improve water quality, strengthen environmental resilience, and support healthier ecosystems throughout our city.

Beautification is about more than landscaping and public spaces. It also includes protecting the natural resources that make Alexandria a healthy, vibrant, and livable community. Clean waterways, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental stewardship all contribute to the long-term beauty of our city. 🌱

Our crews have been working hard to complete testing for , which is set to become operational on July 1. Read about some of our recent milestones at the link in our bio.

06/10/2026

Interested in gardening, sustainability, and building a stronger community? 🌱🥕

Join us for the upcoming Community Edible Gardening Event! Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just curious about growing food at home, this event is a great opportunity to learn more about edible gardening, connect with others in the community, and explore how gardens can create healthier and more beautiful neighborhoods.

Edible gardens do more than provide fresh food- they support pollinators, strengthen community connections, encourage environmental stewardship, and transform ordinary spaces into vibrant gathering places. 🌿

Spots are limited, so be sure to register in advance!

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-edible-gardening-event-tickets-1989350770707?aff=eemailordconf&ref=eemailordconf&utm_campaign=order_confirm&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite&utm_term=viewevent

06/09/2026

Beautiful landscapes can also be functional landscapes. 🌿💧

We love seeing projects like this from Love & Carrots that combine thoughtful landscaping with permeable hardscaping to better manage stormwater while creating vibrant, pollinator-friendly spaces. This stunning installation features a permeable paver driveway and walkway, flagstone pathways, and perennial plantings designed to work with the environment rather than against it.

As Alexandria continues to grow, projects like these demonstrate how residential properties can contribute to a healthier and more resilient city by reducing runoff, supporting pollinators, and adding natural beauty to neighborhoods.

The Alexandria Beautification Commission is excited by innovative approaches that blend sustainability, stormwater management, and landscape design into spaces that are both practical and beautiful. 🌸🐝

📸 Project by Love & Carrots

06/08/2026

Small time commitment. Big community impact. 🌿

The Alexandria Beautification Commission is made up of residents who care deeply about the future of our city and want to help make Alexandria greener, more beautiful, and more connected. Through volunteer service, commissioners help support conversations and projects related to native plants, tree canopy, public spaces, environmental stewardship, beautification, and community pride.

One of the best parts of serving on a commission is realizing that meaningful civic engagement does not require being a politician or having endless free time. Sometimes it simply starts with caring about your community and being willing to contribute your perspective and ideas.

If you are passionate about sustainability, public art, gardening, urban design, environmental issues, or community building, consider learning more about Alexandria’s boards and commissions. Alexandria benefits when residents from all backgrounds bring their voices to the table. 🌸

Read more here:

Small Time Commitment. Big Community Impact

06/07/2026

Do you know a property, garden, business, organization, or community space that helps make Alexandria more beautiful? 🌿🏡🌸

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Alexandria Beautification Awards! These awards recognize outstanding efforts to enhance the beauty, environmental health, and overall character of our city through landscaping, stewardship, design, and community care.

From vibrant native plant gardens and pollinator habitats to thoughtfully maintained commercial properties and community spaces, beautification takes many forms and we want to celebrate the people helping make Alexandria greener, more welcoming, and more vibrant.

Take a moment to recognize the individuals, neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations making a positive impact in our community.

Learn more about the award categories and nomination criteria here:
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06/06/2026

Clean waterways are an important part of a healthy and beautiful Alexandria. 🌊🌿

Recent concerns surrounding sewage spills and Potomac River advisories serve as a reminder of how closely environmental stewardship, infrastructure, and quality of life are connected. Our waterways support wildlife, recreation, public health, and the natural beauty that makes Alexandria such a special place to live and visit.

As our city continues to grow, investments in resilient infrastructure, stormwater management, and environmental protection remain essential to preserving the health of the Potomac River and surrounding ecosystems for future generations.

Beautification is not only about what we see above ground — it also includes protecting the natural systems that sustain our community.

Read more here: https://alextimes.com/local-news/sewage-spill-concerns-linger-after-potomac-advisories-lift/

06/05/2026

Native plants can be both beautiful and meaningful. 🌺

We’re excited to see Alexandria participating in the “Plant for America250” initiative by encouraging the creation of red, white, and blue native gardens throughout the community. These gardens celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary while also supporting pollinators, biodiversity, and healthier local ecosystems.

Native plantings help strengthen Alexandria’s environmental resilience by providing habitat for birds and pollinators, improving stormwater absorption, and reducing the need for excessive watering and maintenance. They also demonstrate how beautification and sustainability can work hand in hand.

Whether planted in public spaces, neighborhoods, schools, or private yards, native gardens are a wonderful way to add color, ecological value, and community pride to our city. 🌿🦋

Photo by Eleanor Trice

Read more here: https://thezebra.org/2026/04/06/alexandria-launches-plant-for-america250-red-white-blue-native-gardens/

06/03/2026

What if an underused lawn could become something beautiful?

A recent Washington Post article highlights a growing trend across the country: urban flower farming.

Residents are partnering with neighbors to transform unused yards, vacant lots, and small urban spaces into vibrant flower gardens that support pollinators, beautify neighborhoods, and build community connections.

The story is a reminder that beautification doesn't always require large parks or major investments. Sometimes it starts with reimagining the spaces we already have.

In Alexandria, we often talk about the importance of native plants, pollinator habitat, and neighborhood pride. Projects like these show how flowers can do more than add color.
They can create gathering places, support wildlife, and spark conversations between neighbors.

What underused space in your neighborhood would you love to see transformed?

Urban micro flower farms sell blooms and beautify communities at the same time.

06/03/2026

Sometimes beautification is carefully planned landscaping… and sometimes it’s a goose choosing the best seat in Alexandria. 🪿🌿

This feathered visitor seemed right at home enjoying one of our city’s landscaped medians, reminding us that green spaces and beautification efforts don’t just benefit people, they also create pockets of habitat and respite for urban wildlife.

From native plantings to tree canopy expansion to maintained public spaces, small investments in beautification help make Alexandria a healthier, more vibrant city for everyone who calls it home.

📸 Spotted enjoying the scenery in Alexandria by Kenneth Krupa