In the Vinemont Channel, a raised concrete triangle of land exists where the Sylvania and Lake Gardens alleys meet. Not visible from the streets, it is now a beautiful and serene pollinator garden with a short walking path and benches for contemplation. Yet this bit of beauty arose from a sordid situation; see History of the Triangle.

To access (pedestrian only):

• Go up Sylvania and turn left at the alley just before Lake Gardens.
• If on Lake Gardens going west toward Peavy, turn right at the alley just before Sylvania.
• Walk up the Vinemont Channel from where it crosses Sylvania between Vinemont and Gateway. 

Volunteers, called the Triangulators, meet on occasional Sundays. Email here to join the team.

History of the Triangle

by Michael Parkey, ASLA  – February 2023

In the alleys behind the intersection of Sylvania and Lake Gardens was a mysterious raised triangle of land. Surrounded on all sides by concrete, it was home to a large pecan tree, a thicket of invasive shrubs, and the largest poison ivy vine in all of Eastwood. 

Last year, some nearby neighbors took action. The Triangle had become an occasional hangout for homeless people, which was disturbing to bordering residents. ENA board member Greg Jacobs started working his contacts at the city, and neighbors Annie O’Kelly and Laura and Kim Sinks added their voices.

The first great mystery: Who owns the Triangle? Second great mystery: Who is responsible for its maintenance? The bureaucracy finally decided it was Dallas Water Utilities’ unloved child.

So, they cleaned it up! Scraped off the invasive shrubs, hauled off the fallen trees, and loaded the trash. As soon as the city crew left, neighbors dealt the death blow to the giant poison ivy. (It fought back; there were casualties on both sides.) Suddenly, we had bare soil with the pecan tree still standing.

Neighbors decided the Triangle should be a bird and pollinator habitat garden, with a simple path and sitting area for everyone to enjoy. Volunteers in Patrol needed it to be open and visible for security. 

In the fall of 2022, work began. We are controlling invasive plants and introducing native species that provide food for birds and butterflies. Come experience the Triangle.

Update 2024

ENA gives thanks to Chris Bacala, an Eastwood resident, and his Bare Roots Landscape Solutions, which designs and maintains landscapes, installs irrigation, creates hardscapes, and more. His crew assisted with Vinemont Triangle brush removal after strong thunderstorms.

Update 2023

Eastwood resident Joey Cade asked if it was possible to honor her grandmother, who loved to garden. Two wooden benches made by Eastwood resident Thomas O’Kelley were crafted and installed in the Triangle.