Residential Design by Feeding Landscapes

~A Garden in the Woods~ Index

Sheets

project goals.................1 existing conditions.........2 sun/shade..................3 slopes.......................4 drainage....................5 views...........................6 vegetation....................7 summary analysis............8 design alternatives.........9 f i n a l d e s i g n o v e r v i e w. . . . 1 0 final design.................11 garden patio sections....12 water management plan.13 planting plan...............14 plant palette................15 construction details......16

Residential Design • Ashokan, NY Abrah Jordan Dresdale, Feeding Landscapes 24 Franklin St. #A8, Greenfield, MA 01301 • 512.415.2751 feedinglandscapes@gmail.com • www.issuu.com/abrahdresdale

Project Goals

GOALS AND PHOTO

Goal: Our landscape is lush, inviting, colorful, varied, and park-like. Objectives: Our land is full of tranquil and beautiful outdoor spaces. The plants exhibit seasonal variety. A welcoming arrival experience feels inviting to us and our guests.

Goal: The backyard area off of the sun room serves multiple functions and is implemented in stages. Objectives: The backyard offers a garden atmosphere and is an extension of the sun room. Outdoor entertainment areas are nearby. Opportunities for sustainable practices are realized. The water that collects in the wet, muddy areas is turned into an on-site resource. The garden is free of deer and other wild critters.

Goal: The retaining walls on the south side of the house are planted with vegetables and colorful perennials, and the soil down slope is stabilized. Objectives: Plants on the south-facing terraced beds provide beauty, seasonal-interest, and food. The slope below the retaining wall is stabilized by a low-maintenance groundcover.

Goal: The feeling of privacy around our home is preserved and the presence of nearby traffic and neighbors does not impact the tranquility of our setting. Objectives: We feel safe and supported at home and live happily on the land. There are open, beautiful views of the woods and sky from inside our house. Views to the road and neighbors are screened to create an increased sense of privacy.

Residential Design • Ashokan, NY A b rah Jordan Dresdale, F e e d i n g L a n d s c a p e s 24 Franklin St. #A8, Greenfield, MA 01301 • 512.415.2751 feedinglandscapes@gmail.com • www.issuu.com/abrahdresdale

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hardwood/ conifer forest

New sun room addition; faces north/backyard

spring

excavated earth pile

sun room

Artesian spring head

Sunny, south-facing upper deck

house south-facing deck fenced in garden

driveway

drainage swale

terraced bed mown lawn

Spring-fed stream running along western edge of lawn

Existing Conditions

Sloped backyard with mixed hardwoods/ conifer canopy

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

stream white pine stand

Ashokan, NY

Dappled shade on front lawn with surrounding stand of white pines

Ashokan Reservoir

The clients’ beautiful 3-acre property in Ashokan, NY, lies on a south-facing slope in the central Catskill Mountains with nearby views to the scenic Ashokan Reservoir. Hills flank the north and south side of the property, with a relatively flat area surrounding the house, particularly in the backyard. The site is densely wooded save a front lawn clearing to the south. A mixed hardwood/conifer forest (red maple, white birch, shagbark hickory, hemlock, white pine) lies upslope, while a striking stand of mature white pines covers all other portions of the property. The house is set back from the road, creating a sense of privacy. However, views to the neighbors to the southeast and cars to the east are undesirable and compromise the overall sense of seclusion. A spring-fed stream babbles along the western edge of the yard, and is part of the Ashokan Reservoir watershed. Wildlife abounds, chimes blow in the wind, and dappled sun graces the entire property. The analysis and design focuses on the central area of the clients’ land, approximately 1-acre in size, with priority given to the backyard just outside the new sun room addition.

View of house approaching up the driveway

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Sun/Shade Analysis

Summer Solstice: composite shadows at 9am, 12pm, 3pm

OBSERVATIONS • Dense shade covers most of the backyard during mid-day hours in the growing season • The sunniest areas are on the southern side of the house and on the roof • The southeastern corner of the site receives approximately 3-6 hours of sunlight during the growing season

DESIGN DIRECTIONS Maximize on shade in backyard for elements such as a shade garden, mushroom cultivation, and protection from hot summer sun Consider planting productive vegetable garden on south-side (inside fence) or rooftop where sunshine is abundant and deer cannot access Trees can be removed to reach goal of garden-atmosphere in the currently shady backyard

Spring/Fall Equinox: composite shadows at 9am, 12pm, 3pm

Roof is ideal for solar panels

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

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Slopes Analysis 0

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

OBSERVATIONS • The house is sited on a flat area (0-3%) just downslope from a very steep hill • Due to lack of groundcover and slope, erosion is occurring just south of the southern terraced beds • The upper and lower decks on the front of the house are flat (and sunny) • The house is positioned mid-slope, which is ideal since it is not exposed to cold winds on the ridge top nor frost pockets below

DESIGN DIRECTIONS Maximize on flat areas for planting gardens Terracing may be implemented to create flat sites on moderately sloped areas Design to mitigate pooling water in areas of 0-3% slope Amend slopes over 8% with groundcover to reduce erosion Insulation is important but not a strong priority due to house’s beneficial mid-slope position

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Drainage Analysis 0

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

OBSERVATIONS • A spring-fed stream flows along the western edge • A drainage swale along the driveway diverts water downslope and off-site • Water pools in the northeastern corner of the site, partly because it is flat there and partly because the soil is compacted with a high percentage of clay

DESIGN DIRECTIONS The site is located in an environmentally sensitive area; avoid the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers to prevent stream and reservoir contamination There may be setbacks if the stream a delineated wetland; special permits may be required to build within 100-200’ from stream; avoid major modifications in this zone

• A large volume of water runs quickly downslope just above house and then slows down and collects in flatter areas around house

Slope can be an advantage; use gravity, swales, and terraces to capture water and use as a resource for irrigation and simultaneously mitigate any potential of a wet basement

• There are several gutters and spigots; gutters drain to underground piping

Consider siting garden in area where water pools (this is where partial sun graces the backyard, too) Disconnect gutter downspouts for rainwater collection

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Views Analysis 0

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

OBSERVATIONS

DESIGN DIRECTIONS

• Views out towards the reservoir and into surrounding woods currently exist and are desirable

Avoid planting tall trees or blocking structures in desirable viewsheds from within the house and yard

• Undesirable views out include sight line to neighbors in the southeast and cars passing on Bostock Road to the east

Create a visual screen to address undesirable views

• Private views inward are around the master bedroom and bathroom area on the western side of the house and southwestern edge of deck

Avoid placing elements that will attract congregating around areas of private views inward

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Vegetation Analysis 0

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

OBSERVATIONS • The site is dominated by 20’-55’ tall tree cover • Invasive species such as burning bush and Japanese barberry are scattered through out southern yard • Mown lawn sprawls along most of the driveway • Two garden beds exist on southside, one is fenced in; both are just downslope from impervious hardscape • Soil is rocky, has high clay content, and is compacted in backyard where construction has occurred

DESIGN DIRECTIONS Select key trees for removal to increase sunlight for garden atmosphere off of sun room; tree removal will not affect overall feeling of privacy nor wildlife habitat due to remaining surrounding forest Remove invasive species before they spread Consider reducing lawn size, particularly along driveway Utilize existing garden beds and catch runoff from hardscape Amend soil by aerating, adding organic matter, tilling in compost, sheet mulching, and applying non-chemical fertilizers such as composted manure, bone meal, or fish emulsion Collect pine needles for woodland paths and leaves for mulching beds

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Summary Analysis 0

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

OPPORTUNITIES • Integrate stream as an invaluable on-site amenity • Capture surface runoff as a resource for irrigation

CONSTRAINTS • Steep slopes (in light gray) should remain covered with vegetation and not built upon or heavily traversed to prevent erosion

• Disconnect downspouts to harvest rainwater; use spigots as backup

• Shade limits where productive gardens, edible shrubs, and fruiting trees can be sited

• Patches of sunlight with 6+ hours can support food production

• Soil is poor and must be amended or imported

• Surrounding forest creates a feeling of embrace, provides materials for firewood, mulch, and shaded protection for micro-livestock, mushrooms, and shade-loving plants

• Undesirable views out compromise sense of privacy

• Repurpose pre-cut bluestone on site; use as a building material

• Desirable views out pose constraints to placing or retaining tall elements that block views • Deer and other critters will likely eat fruits and vegetables

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creating a backyard garden atmosphere and managing water as a resource. Here, two systems cover the footprint of the “watershed” above the house, and capture the runoff from upslope and use it for irritation. Maximizing on the small sunny area in the northeast portion of the backyard, three individual beds—cut flowers, edible perennials, and aromatic herbs—infiltrate the run off. Crushed gravel and flagstone paths meander through this fenced in area. A series of terraces with bluestone retaining walls lined with swales capture and distribute runoff through out the delicate shade garden. A central path leads visitors up the terrace and to a bench with a feeling of refuge and prospect. The springfed stream cuts through a raised circular patio to accommodate stream-side dining.

Alternative 3: Radical Homesteading

Alternative 2: Cultivating Capacity

Cultivating Capacity creeps out from beyond the backyard focus area and realizes opportunities to meet goals on all sides of the house. The arrival experience is punctuated by an archway and clearly delineated path from the driveway to the main entrances on the south side. The new vegetable and insectory gardens take advantage of the long hours of sunlight here. A vegetable garden is surrounded by the existing fence and the insectory plants are located on the lower terrace, outside the fence, between the veggies and a small fruit tree orchard. Pollinators are encouraged to visit this spot and assist in making these food zones more productive.

Design Alternatives

Alternative 1: Backyard Blooming

Backyard Blooming integrates the goals of

Atop the upper deck, a vine-covered trellis makes a lovely outdoor room for spring and fall gatherings. During the summer months when the deck is hot, the entertainment moves to the shaded backyard stone patio. Raised above grade, the patio drops down to distinctive spaces: a shade garden, sunken fire pit, and flowering perennial beds. The upper retaining wall is lined with a swale that connects the perennial gardens. This catchment system, plus the addition of a rain garden, protects the foundation, mitigates the muddy area,s and turns them into seasonally diverse flower beds.

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

Radical Homesteading transforms the landscape proposed in the first two alternatives from a sustainable one into a regenerative, self-sufficient one. A bluestone patio (with wood-fired hotub)acts as thermal mass, much like a battery capturing warmth during the day, and slowly radiating it to the northfacing sunroom during the chilly nights. In order to prevent deer from eating carefully tended vegetables, a rooftop garden with access from the deck and the back door is located on a sunny and flat portion of the roof. A rain barrel captures roof runoff and irrigates the perennial beds that can now flourish right outside the sun room since five white pines have been felled (and used to fire the hotub!). The wooded backyard serves as a resource: cover and forage for free-ranging, egg-, meat-, and manure-producing chickens. Hardy nut trees produce crops in the sunny northeastern corner and provide shade for mushroom logs below. Solar panels generate enough electricity that the family is now off-the-grid. And their energy efficiency is increased by the deciduous broad-leafed vine on the southern wall, allowing warm sun to heat the house in the winter and block the hot rays in the summer.

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12 PM

3 PM

The red circles show the locations of the five white pines to be removed. The images above illustrate the new sun/shade patterns without these trees. Shown here at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM at the height of the growing season, the new sunny area to the northeast of the house dramatically alters the feeling of the backyard by increasing light, warmth, as well as the variety of plants that can thrive here.

GARDEN IN THE WOODS

PHASE 3 PHASE 1

PHASE 3: Streamside • Log berms on contour • Gravel path and bridge • Breakfast table nook • Small shade garden • Blueberry bushes

Final Design Overview

9 AM

PHASE 2 0

PHASE 2: Southern Exposure • Trellis with vine • Lighting on deck • Potted plants • Vegetable beds • Rain barrels and drip tape • Groundcover • Blueberry buses • Pollinator garden • Berms and swales • Fruit trees

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

PHASE 1: Garden Patio & Arrival Experience

• Blue stone walkways • Blue stone patio • Sunken beds and firepit • Irrigation swale • Retaining walls, shade garden, and benches • Tool shed and 4-open-bin compost system • Groundcover • Rain garden • Fence and dog run • Foundation plantings • Front walkway

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The final design incorporates the cleints’ goals for their landscape— tranquil and beautiful outdoor spaces, a garden atmosphere outside the sun room, nearby entertainment areas, and sustainable practices— while responding to the opportunities and constraints of the site. The focus area in the backyard boasts a raised patio with sunken garden beds in the newly created sunny expanse. Here, the family can barbeque, eat, and gather around a bonfire. In cooler weather, the vine-covered trellis on the southern deck offers a warmer microclimate as an entertainment area with views out. Paths weave in and around the backyard, inviting people to meander and notice the delicate flowers in the shade garden, the babbling stream, the productive herb beds. With benches, outdoor dining tables, and stone sitting walls, there are a variety of serene destinations to rest and enjoy beautiful views of the landscape.

Water is managed and used for irrigation with numerous systems that capture stormwater, surface flows, and roof runoff (see Water Management Plan sheet 13). The recently installed landscape design is low maintenance, ecologically responsible, and aesthetically pleasing, and the clients feel happy and secure in their new home.

woodland path (typical)

berms (felled white pines)

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“lasagna gardening”

benches

river stone walking loop blueberry ring

The arrival experience is enhanced with ornamental shrubs framing stone walkways; one walkway leads to the two front entrances and another wraps around the house and enters the backyard gardens. The southern exposure supports a vibrant array of potted plants, edible vines, annual vegetables, insectory flowers, and productive fruit trees.

cleared paths sunken firepit blue stone patio

small shade garden

swale

cut flower garden 3’ flagstone over swale

perennial vegetable garden

table shade garden

barbeque

breakfast table in pea gravel nook

aromatic and herb garden stone steps

foot bridge

rain garden fence

crushed gravel path (typical)

4-open bin compost

groundcover (typical)

1/2-foot tall retaining wall

tool shed stone walkway (typical)

semicircle stone landing with steps

dog run

Final Design

DESIGN SUMMARY

potted plants/herbs

foundation plantings (typical)

trellis with deciduous vine stone walkway

new entrance and gate to garden

rain barrels under deck

swale

vegetable garden with drip tape existing fence with grapevine

pollinator garden

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

swale on contour

GARDEN PATIO The 1’6”-high bluestone patio includes a recessed firepit and tree planter, and is surrounded by a terraced shade garden to the west and a series of sunken productive beds to the east. The existing pile of excavated earth in the backyard can be used as the fill upon which the stone is laid. Steps lead down into each of the beds. Fingers of the patio stretch out and create the partitions between the beds (see Garden Patio Sections on sheet 12). These partitions are the perfect height for a sitting wall, with legs dangling over the edge. A 3’-wide hardscape path cuts through each of the three beds so that a wheel barrow can maneuver through this main path, bringing compost, mulch, and other materials from the shed/compost area. Smaller foot paths surround each of the 4’-wide (max. width) plots. Since the soil is rocky with a high percentage of clay, topsoil can be built in these areas using on-site resources in a “lasagna gardening” method (see figure 2 on sheet 16). Additionally, a 4’-tall deer-proof fence encloses the perimeter of the backyard, from northeastern to northwestern corners of the house.

fruit trees on berm (typical)

SWALE SYSTEM A 2’-wide swale careens along the edge of the sunken beds, capturing surface flow from upslope and passively irrigating the cut flower, perennial vegetable, and aromatic herb beds. The three lateral off-shoots of the swale system line the northern edge of each bed and are constructed on contour; gentle micro-grading of each bed from north to south with a 2% slope encourages water captured in these lateral swales to seep into the gardens. The portion of the swale lining the eastern edge of the beds follows the slope, diverting the water downhill and into the next lateral swale on contour, and so forth. (See Water Management Plan on sheet 13 for new drainage pattern). Any overflow is channeled to the existing drainage swale along the driveway.

SHADE GARDEN From atop the patio, two organically shaped terraces held by a 1’-wide retaining wall (see figure 1 on sheet 16) descend 6” each. The terraces are built to incorporate the existing maples, hemlocks, and pines; these trees offer a canopy with filtered light for the shade garden below. Early spring ephemerals, shade-tolerant bulbs, and luscious green ferns abound in this magical woodland area. Paths with benches connect to the artesian spring, the back door off the sun room, and the patio above. Soil may be acidic here due to evergreen needles, and can be amended with lime to balance the optimal pH for most plants.

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Garden Patio Sections

A’ B’

A GARDEN PATIO

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

micro-grading drainage arrows steps (typical)

Height Dimensions:

lower path shade upper path shade terrace garden terrace garden (6”)

hemlock patio recess w.fill

(1’)

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(1’6”)

sunken fire pit

sunken firepit (3” below grade)

bed

swale

stone path

bed

patio

swale

bed

garden paths

retaining wall

forest floor

retaining wall

bed

retaining wall (patio & terraces)

retaining wall

1 16

bed

patio

cover

swale

Aground

retaining wall

retaining wall 1’6” & patio

grade

A’

NOT TO SCALE

patio w. fill

swale bed bed stone path path path

bed

(1’6”) (6” below grade)

path swale grade

B’

(6” below grade)

stone patio construction

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NOT TO SCALE

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The five felled white pines are arranged to slow down and infiltrate water travelling from upslope

before it reaches the foundation of the house. The water’s path is encouraged to zig-zag across the shallow slope, slowing it down and soaking it into the ground with log-berms placed on contour. Finally, any overflow from this system terminates and infiltrates at a rain garden (see figure 5 sheet 16) that doubles as a median between the path to the stream and the fence for the dog run.

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Water Management Plan

SYSTEM 1

SYSTEM 2

Stormwater running downslope is met by the stone retaining wall and lateral swale. A three-tiered swale system on contour is connected on the eastern edge by a diversion swale off contour. The three sunken garden beds are micro-graded so that the water in the three lateral swales seeps into the garden beds, passively irrigating the cut flowers, perennial vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The overflow water from a large storm event is diverted down slope and joins the existing drainage swale flanking the eastern side of the driveway.

rain garden

Drainage Arrows

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

SYSTEM 4

SYSTEM 3

The water running fast and eroding this steep portion of the lawn is slowed and infiltrated by a twotier system of berms and swales on contour. The berms are made of the mounded up soil removed from digging out the swales. A 1’-wide gap in the first berm allows water to continue down slope until it hits the second swale where it is slowed and infiltrated further. Any additional runoff continues down the hill. The fruit trees are planted on the berms adjacent to the swales, where their root systems take up the surface runoff. Additional irrigation may be necessary the first year while the trees are getting established. Due to the ecological sensitivity of the nearby stream, avoid the use of chemicals to manage the orchard. Beneficial insects attracted to the nearby pollinator garden can help manage pests; nematodes can help with disease; and organic fertilizer is highly recommended.

Disconnecting the gutter downspout underneath the southern deck permits roof runoff to collect inside a rain barrel system. Water enters the first 55-gallon barrel, filling it

before flowing through a top tube into the second 55-gallon barrel. Any overflow is directed to the original underground piping and carried off site. The barrels’ location on the lower deck, above the vegetable garden, provides the pressure needed to transport the rainwater via hose to drip-tape that weaves over each of the vegetable beds (barrels can be elevated with cinder blocks to increase the pressure if necessary). Holes are poked in the drip tape directly over each plant so the roots are watered slowly and efficiently. The water supply is adjusted with a nozzle connecting the hose to the drip tape. The spigot next to the gutter can be connected to the hose in times of light rain.

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A P

P R

Planting Plan

All plants are child and dog-friendly, native to North America, and perennial unless otherwise specified

Several species will increase in size, spread by seed, or can be propogated the following year by cuttings

S Q

G H

J P

M O

Plant groups selected for each bed provide seasonal variety and cooperation with neighboring plants

Bed Botanical Name/Qty

Common Name

B C

Phlox maculata (10) Penstimon digitalis (8) Iris virginica (8) Porteranthus stipulatus (4) Solidago speciosa (4) Symphyotrichum novae-ang. (8) Aster novi-belgii (8) Aster novae-angliae (6) Iris cristata (8) Liatris specita (4) Lilium superbum (4)

wild sweetwilliam white beardtongue southern blue flag iris Bowman’s root showy goldenrod pink New England aster woods pink aster purple dome aster dwarf crested iris dense blazing star Turk’s cap lily

Q R

AROMATIC AND CULINARY HERBS J K L M N O

Conradina verticullata (3) Clethera alnifolia (6) Melissa officinalis (4) Anethem graveolens (3) Pycnantheumum spp. (4) Matricaria chamomile (4) Mentha piperita (4) Foeniculum vulgare (3) Thymus vulgaris (2) Oregano majorana (4) Ocimum × citriodorum (6) Lavendula angustifolia (6) Ocimum basilicum (6) Agastache foeniculum (5) Allium schoenoprasum (5)

white Cumberland rosemary summersweet lemonbalm dill (non-native) mountain mint chamomile peppermint fennel (non-native) thyme (non-native) sweet majoram (non-native) lemon basil (non-native) lavender (non-native) basil (non-native) anise hysop chives (non-native)

EDIBLE PERENNIAL POLYCULTURES* D E F G H I

Helianthus tuberosa (3) Apios americana (3) Stachys officinalis (3) Asparagus officinalis (12) Fragaria x annanasa (6) Apios americana (3) Chenopodium bonus-henricus (6) Bunias orientalis (8) Amphicarpea bracteata (4) Sium sisarum (16) Oenanthe javanica (8) Crambe maritime (8) Myrrhis odorata (6) Symphytum spp. (10) Fragaria x annanasa (6) Hippophae rhamnoides (3) Ribes nidigrolaria (3) Eleagenus multiflora (3)

Common Name

SHADE GARDEN

CUT FLOWERS A

Bed Botanical Name/Qty

Jerusalem artichoke (spreads) groundnut (spreads) mintroot (spreads) asparagus strawberry (spreads) groundnut (spreads) good King Henry (non-native) Turkish rocket (non-native) hog peanut skirret water celery sea kale sweet cicely (non-native) Russian comfrey (non-native) strawberry (spreads) seaberry (non-native, thorns) jostaberry goumi (non-native, thorns)

Maianthemum canadense (16) Tiarella cordifloria (16) Cypripedium acaule (10) Sanguinaria canadensis (12) Athyrium filix-feminia (20) Mitchella repens (10) Stylophorum diphyllum (12) Ariseama triphyllum (10) Mitchella repens (8) Erythronium americanum (14) Trillium erectum (10) Epigaea ripens (8) Hepatica acutiloba (8) Aquilegia canadensis (12) Cornus canadensis (10) Onoclea sensibilis (16) Dicentra exemia (6) Maianthemum racemosum (6) Trillium undulatum (8) Cornus canadensis (8)

Canada mayflower foamflower pink lady-slipper bloodroot lady in red fern partridgeberry (groundcover) compact celandine poppy Jack-in-the-pulpit partridgeberry (groundcover) trout lily purple trillium trailing arbitus sharp-lobed hepatica American columbine bunchberry (groundcover) sensitive fern wild bleeding heart false Solomon’s seal painted trillium bunchberry (groundcover)

Notes Edible tubers, scaffold for groundnut; tall herb Edible tubers, nitrogen-fixing; vine; harvest year 2 Edible tubers, beneficial insects; groundcover Edible shoots, scaffold for groundnut; tall herb Edible fruit; groundcover Edible tubers, nitrogen-fixing; vine Edible leaves and broccoli; groundcover Edible leaves and broccoli; groundcover Edible beans above/below ground; thin x1/yr; groundcvr Edible roots, beneficial insects; tall herb Edible leaves, beneficial insects; groundcover Edible leaves, beneficial insects; tall herb Edible leaves and shoots, beneficial insects; tall herb Living mulch/dynamic accumulator, medicinal; tall herb Edible fruit; groundcover Edible fruit, nitrogen-fixing, medicinal; shrub Edible fruit; currant family; shrub Edible and medicinal fruit, nitrogen-fixing; shrub (*Perennial edibles can be purchased from Food Forest Farm, Holyoke, MA)

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CAR

SPRINGHEAD GARDEN

HCR

CAR RHO (visual screen to be planted as a hedge behind stonewall and under pine grove)

RAIN GARDEN JUN AZL CMP

GAL

Japanese barberry and burning bush along the stream, south patio, and forest edge are removed

HCR HYD

PAS

NAN

CHO

POLLINATOR GARDEN UBL

ORCHARD HGG

Code

Plant Palette

VIO SED AFF

VAC

HNY

CAR groundcover between pollinator garden and orchard to stabalize the eroding slope

10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’

Plants have been selected based on soil, sun/shade preferences, hardiness zone, height seasonal variety, & fertilization needs

Botanical Name

Common Name

Notes

Malus spp. V. Hudson’s Golden Gem Malus spp. V. Honeycrisp Prunus persica V. Nanaimo Pyrus communis V. Ubileen Pyrus pyrifolia V. Chojuro

apple apple Canadian peach European pear Asian pear

Dwarf (8-12’); ripens Sept.; cross-pollinates w. Honeycrisp Dwarf (8-12’); ripens early Septs; cross-pollinates w. Hudson (10-12’); hardy; ripens August; self-fertile (10-15’); ripens July; cross-pollinates with Chojuro (10’-12’); ripens Sept.; cross-pollinates with Ubileen

Achillea millefolium Baptisia austrailis, Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus Monarda didyma Vernonia noveboracensis Gentiana clausa

yarrow blue wild indigo hollow Joe-Pye weed scarlet beebalm New York ironweed bottle gentian

medicinal medicinal; fixes nitrogen

Verbena hastata Iris versicolor Adiantum pedatum Asarum canadense Marshaliia grandiflora

blue vervain harlequin blueflag northern maidenhair fern wild ginger Barbara’s buttons

medicinal

Viola labradorica Sedum ternatum Athyrium felix-femina Vaccinium corymbosum x V. angustifolium ‘Northsky’

labrador violet woodland stonecrop lady fern blueberry

groundcover with purple flowers shade-tolerant; scrambles over moist rocks shade-tolerant; thrives in moist areas hybrid lowbush/highbush (18”); brilliant fall red color

Rhododendrum maximum

great laurel

(15’-30’) broad evergreen foliage, shade-tolerant, acid-loving

Hydrangea arborescens Juniperus communis Rhododendron arborescens

wild hydrangea ground juniper smooth azalea

(3’-6’) white flowers; ammend with sulfur to increase acidity (1’-3’) horizontal evergreen shrub; sun; low-water; berries (6-12’) deciduous; shade-tolerant; fragrant flowers; add sulfur

Gaultheria procumbens Carex appalachia Heuchera americana

wintergreen Appalachian sedge alumroot

(3”-6”) shade-tolerant evergreen; edible pink berries; acidic soils (6”-12”) shade-tolerant; drought tolerant; no-mow sedge/grass (1’-2’) part-sun; low water needs; ornamental foliage

Campsis radicans Passiflora incarnata

trumpet creeper maypop

(25’-40’) low water needs; pot in riased planters; vine for pergola (12’-25’) hardy perennial vine with edible fruit; vine for south fence

ORCHARD HGG HNY NAN UBL CHO

POLLINATOR GARDEN

RAIN GARDEN

medicinal bumblebee-attractor

medicinal; edible semi- to evergreen foliage

SPRINGHEAD GARDEN VIO SED AFF VAC

VISUAL SCREEN HEDGE RHO

FOUNDATION PLANTINGS HYD JUN AZL

GROUNDCOVER GAL CAR HCR

VINES CMP PAS

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Construction Details

batter 1” for every 1” in height

weep hole

drain stone footing frost line

COMPOST

retaining wall (for patio and terraces) www.sturgismaterials.com/retwallwet.htm

LEAVES GRASS CLIPPINGS LEAVES

cut or field stone w. 1/2”-1 1/2” mortar joints

NEWSPAPER

1”-2” mortar setting bed

MANURE

4”-6” concrete slab, reinforce if required

“lasagna gardening” to build soil image from Feed Northampton 2010

6” compacted aggregate

compacted subgrade or undisturbed soil

stone patio construction www.landscape-design-advice.com

middle filled with extra stones and capstones mortar face stones

fire bricks

inside of fire pit

concrete base

mortar

cross section of wall of sunken fire pit www.firepit-and-grilling-guru.com

cross-section of rain garden hand-drawn

APRIL 2011

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