Allen Heritage Village Preserves Allen's Past
By Marge Bryan, Collin County Master Gardener
Allen Heritage Village (located at 450 E. St. Mary Drive in Allen) is being developed by the City of Allen as a historic park which includes a collection of Allen's oldest remaining homes and outbuildings and a well-preserved church. They have been relocated to the village from their original locations throughout the city. Development of the Allen Heritage Village recognizes the significance in preserving pieces of Allen’s past among the city's rapid development. The village is in a park where visitors can admire the structures and enjoy learning about city history from interpretive exhibits.
Landscaping of the gardens in the village has been a joint effort of the City of Allen, Allen Garden Club, Allen Heritage Guild and Collin County Master Gardeners. The first phase of the landscaping focused on using the specific landscape plans developed by the Collin County Master Gardeners’ Rooted in the Past committee to landscape gardens of the Allen Christian Church and the Bolin House. Future phases will include the entry oval, Lynge House and other buildings under renovation in the village.
Earth-Kind® landscaping principles and practices are being used at the Allen Heritage Village in planning, planting and maintaining the gardens. These include Earth-Kind landscape design, plant selection, soil preparation, planting and mulching. Conscious efforts will be made in every phase of work to preserve and protect the environment. The goal is for the landscaping at the Allen Heritage Village to contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment.