Robert and Elaine Maniaci of Ocean Acres have watched a little evergreen grow from seed at their curb at the corner of Dolphin and Galleon roads. No one planted it there; it was pollinated by the wind and has endured for about seven years. The Maniacis are the self-appointed caretakers.

“Year after year, we have wondered if she would survive the winters with the snowplows and the summers with the dogs,” Robert said. “She has proven to be a real survivor.”

This year, with everyone worrying about their own survival in a “COVID world,” the Maniacis decided to elevate the…