A LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR
THE SIDORSKY RESIDENCE CLIENT: BOB & LINDA SIDORSKY
78 CRITTENDEN HILL ROAD SHELBURNE FALLS, MA 01370
DESIGN BY ADDIE HALLIGAN, THE CONWAY SCHOOL, FALL 2016
Index 1. Project Overview 2. Context 3. Slopes, Soil & Drainage 4. Access, Circulation & Views 5. Sun & Shade 6. Summary Analysis 7. Design Alternatives 8. Final Design 9. Final Design Details 10. Precedents 11. Plant Recommendations I 12. Plant Recommendations II 13. Soil Test Results
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
The Sidorskys’ would like to transform their historically rich landscape into a low-maintenance, easily-accessible site for retirement, with gathering places to enjoy with family. They’d like to create a landscape where their grandchildren can safely play and explore when visiting. Bob and Linda fell in love with the beauty of the orchard and rich history when they first visited the property, and they would like to preserve these aspects of the property.
1 Looking west down the driveway.
Initial Client Requests
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1. Accommodate more vehicles in the driveway • Parking for six vehicles • Easy turnaround
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2. Site a pond for swimming
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• Capacity for two vehicles • Space for a lawn mower, snowblower, and wood storage
Parking for two cars.
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overview
3. Site a carport
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4. Create a Low Maintenance Landscape 5. Create privacy and shade on west patio
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• Shade kitchen/dining space inside • Maintain view from the patio of mountains to the west • Create privacy from Crittenden Hill Road
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Thick shrubs make it difficult to navigate paths.
6. Create paths and connections to gathering spaces
P repared B y : A ddie H alligan F all , 2016
Bob and Linda Sidorsky live in an old farmhouse on Crittenden Hill Road in Shelburne Falls. Their property sits on the north facing side of a mountain, and contains an old apple orchard. Crittenden Hill Road bisects the six-acre property. Bob and Linda have lived here for twentyfive years and plan to retire in the near future.
The home sits near the base of West Mountain. The property consists of two parcels bisected by Crittenden Hill Road, creating a safety and privacy issue. The driveway to the north of the house is hidden from the road behind a cluster of shrubs. Bob and Linda use the garage as storage, hence their desire for a carport. Former gardens and thickly growing berry bushes border the eastern portion of the property. Mowed paths connect the house to trails in the woodlands south of the property. To the west, a stone patio serves as Bob and Linda’s favorite gathering space, with strong afternoon sun, and views of mountains beyond, but lacks privacy. To the north is the remaining apple orchard, with only three fruit bearing trees. The house has an artesian well upslope that is connected via an underground pipe that carries water into their basement, and an overflow pipe drains excess into the hayfield downslope. The property has quintessential New England views of mountains beyond to the north and east, and hayfields and woodlands that border the property.
A landscape design for the Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill rd shelburne falls, ma 01370
Clients
Existing Conditions
P roject
Project Overview
7. Enhance ecological function of the site
6 West patio with ample sunlight.
5 Backyard meets Crittenden Hill Road.
4 Looking east at the vast backyard.
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
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When Bob and Linda visited this site in 1989, they fell in love with the orchard. They purchased the 1770s farmhouse without ever stepping foot inside. They were searching for a home that was in a rural location, near the town of Shelburne Falls, as Bob’s veterinary clinic was formerly in town. This site is a mile-and-a-half from the town, on the north facing side of West Mountain, and upland about a half-mile from Deerfield River.
Neighborhood Context
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Drumlins are associated with hard pan, a compacted rocklike layer with a shallow depth from surface soils. Thus, the water table is higher than average, preventing water from infiltrating deep and creating more runoff downhill to the Sidorsky property. The Sidorskys’ have an artesian well that intercepts this water table to the southeast of the property on the mountain side. The well is about forty-feet deep and gravity-fed water flows to the basement of the Sidorskys .
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It is unclear how the orchard was maintained, but arsenic was a commonly applied insecticide of this era. Further testing is recommended to determine pollutants in the soil.
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Of the seventeen remaining apple trees, only three still produce fruit. While it is no longer a functioning orchard, Bob and Linda would like to honor the site’s history and preserve as many trees as possible. A
About 15,000 years ago, the last major glacial retreat to affect the east coast, The Wisconsin Glacial Episode, left in its path major land formations, from the Rocky Mountains to the Connecticut River. West Mountain, a drumlin, likely formed during this era. As the glacier retreated it scoured landscapes, exposed bedrock, like the peak of West Mountain, then deposited dense glacial till in its wake, in the direction of ice melting to the north. The Sidorsky property sits on this glacial till, which creates prime agricultural soils, hence the productivity of the Patch Brother’s Orchard on the north facing side of this mountain.
Conceptual Watershed Section
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C ontext
West Mountain is about 950’ in elevation and slopes gently down to meet Deerfield River to the north, dropping a total elevation of 450’ over 4900’. The mountains dense woodlands infiltrate and slows water flow. However, since the Sidorskys’ property is upland to the river, it is crucial to take care of runoff on site before it enters the watershed. The property is predominately surrounded by dense woodlands, creating a need for more diverse habitat for species. The site is about one-and-a-half miles from the town of Shelburne Falls. Crittenden Hill Road bisects the property, and is used by traffic as an efficient connecting road from route 112 to the town center. This road creates disconnect between the two parcels of land, while exposing the west patio to foot and car traffic, hence desire for privacy. Mohawk Trail Regional High School is downslope of the property, creating an eyesore within an otherwise mountainous view to the north. Evening athletic games create light pollution. The Sidorskys’ would like to create a natural barrier for the foreground, while preserving the desirable views beyond.
B y : A ddie H alligan F all , 2016
The original farmhouse was built in 1775. In 1918 the house was named The Patch House after Margaret Patch, an internationally known crafter who summered here. Her husband George and his brother William began orchard production around the farmhouse and in the early 1900s partnered with the Massachusetts Agriculture College and began expanding orchard production. By the 1940s, the orchard took up most of the outlying area. In the 1970s, the orchard shifted from a business endeavor to a hobby and most of the orchard was abandoned. The last remaining trees from this once expansive orchard reside in the front lawn of Bob and Linda’s property.
Geological History
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Historical Context
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
A Historical Orchard in a Rural Landscape
A Landscape design for the Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill road shelburne falls, ma
Context
Nor th Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
2/13
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Well runoff erosion in hayfield
Implications & Design Directives • Driveway slopes less than 10% can be negotiated by a vehicle without four-wheel drive. The Sidorskys’ house is surrounded by slopes under 10%, making it easier to relocate a driveway any where in this area. The driveway should also be expanded at the entrance for visibility and regraded at the entrance to avoid erosion issues. • The shallower slopes are easier to traverse, and more ideal for paths and frequently used outdoor spaces, creating a more accessible landscape. • It is important to sink, spread and slow storm water runoff on site to mitigate erosion issues downstream, and keep soil nutrients from leaking off site. • Soil conditions would need amendment to support a productive orchard. The orchard needs nitrogen-fixing plants, and phosphorus and potassium amendments. • It is important to re-mediate soil contaminated with lead around the house to reduce risk of exposure to young children. Precautions should be taken when growing edibles near the house.
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
B y : A ddie H alligan F all , 2016
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Observations • The Sidorskys’ property slopes down from southeast to northwest. About fifty percent of the property has a slope of 10% or greater, and about 10% of the property has a slope of 10% or less. • The property has a total vertical drop of about 45 feet. • The steepest slopes are on the outskirts of the property and the shallowest slopes are located near the house. • The driveway is located on the north side of the house, with slopes of 5-10%, and increases to 10% as the driveway meets Crittenden Hill Road. • Most of the driveway surface is gravel and is beginning to erode, especially in steeper sections with the flow of water running southwest down the driveway. • A north-facing slope in ice and snow creates dangerous conditions in the winter months • Water on the site generally drains to the north and north east. To the north it flows into a culvert and crosses under the road, discharging into an open field. • A swale to the south of the property redirects water west to meet Crittenden Hill Road. • A drain southwest of the house outlets to the west parcel and creates minor erosion. • An artesian wellhead is southwest of the property on the side of West Mountain. Well water is piped from here into the basement, and run-off flows onto the apple orchard north of the house, creating minor erosion in the hayfield. • The soil on site is a Paxton fine sandy loam. This soil is well drained, with moderate water-holding capacity, and slow to moderate permeablility. This soil is not ideal for siting a pond, but well suited for orchard production. • A soil test in the orchard indicates a slightly acidic pH of 6.5, with low nitrogen, very low phosphorus levels, and low potassium levels. The lead levels were safe. (See page 13) • A soil test around the house indicates an acidic pH of 4.9, low magnesium and calcium levels, and high lead levels. (See sheet 13)
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Drainage on the property is primarily influenced by slope, soil, surficial geology, and vegetation. The home, located on the side of a gently sloping 950’ mountain, receives runoff from uphill and direct precipitation. The property has a signifcant slope, that is gentle around the house, which is more desirable for meeting their criteria for expanding the driveway close to the house
A Landscape design for the Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill road shelburne falls, ma
Legend
Mountainside Property Intercepts Waterflow
S lopes , S oil , and D rainage
Slopes, Soil, & Drainage
Location of soil
tests Image demonstrates a coarse-loamy soil, 18% clay, 15% fine sand
Nor th Swale in backyard
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
3/13
Access, Circulation & Views
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Quintessential New England Views on a Divided Property
The Sidorsky property is surrounded by quintessential views, hay fields, dense woodlands, and mountains. However, Crittenden Hill Road bisects their two parcels, close to the backyard and west patio, creating privacy issues. Recent pavement of the road, has increased traffic speeds, creating safety concerns. They would like to create connectivity to the western parcel, while creating privacy, addressing safety and maintaining views in all directions. Observations • The property is bisected into two parcels by Crittenden Hill Road, which decreases privacy and creates a safety hazard.
East view: hay fields & woodlands
• Paths are created via mowing, however overgrown vegetation in the backyard encroaches into the path system. • Mowed paths and intermittent rock paths lead people to the trails to the southern woodlands, to the west patio, across the street, and to the east side of house where former gardens and wood storage are. • There are beautiful views to the east, south, and west of the property, but the high school is an eyesore to the north. Beyond the high school are beautiful mountains.
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Crittenden Hill bisects the property close to the west patio
Implications & Design Directives
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Legend
• The Sidorskys’ desire a west patio that is not visible from Crittenden Hill Road traffic, but still maintains the views of the mountains to the west, and dappled sun exposure. • The driveway lacks size to provide for the Sidorskys’ desire of fitting six vehicles with easy turnaround ability in their driveway. Expanding will create a large footprint, and may disturb vegetation and soils. • Recommendations for selective removal of vegetation and definition of edges should be explored in order to define paths and gathering spaces. • Designs to block high school view and light pollution should be explored to mitigate issue.
Desirable View
West View: woodlands & mountains
B y : A ddie H alligan F all , 2016
• The driveway currently holds two vehicles with a turnaround. If more than two cars are parked here turning around becomes challenging.
designed
North view: high school
A ccess , C irculation & V iews
• The driveway is on the north side of the house, in a predominately shaded area, creating dangerously icy conditions in winter months.
A Landscape design for the Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill road shelburne falls, ma
• The driveway is hidden to drivers approaching from the south by dense vegetation, large trees, and a crest in the road. The entry is also steep and eroding, and not visible to guests.
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Undesirable View
South View: Dense woodlands
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
4/13
Summer solstice, 9am
Summer solstice, 12pm
Summer solstice, 3pm
Spring equinox, 12pm
Spring equinox, 3pm
Sketchup model of Sidorsky Residence, looking from north to south
Hot and Sunny Summers, Cold and Dark Winters
A Landscape design for the Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill road shelburne falls, ma
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Sun & Shade
Implications / Design Directives • West patio needs an obstacle to reduce solar exposure into the house. • The driveway and main entrances are located to the north. This orientation exposes the Sidorskys’ and guests to frigid northwesterly winds and dangerous driving and walking conditions. • Pockets of full sun are good for gardens, berry patches, and play spaces for grandchildren.
B y : A ddie H alligan F all , 2016
Spring equinox, 9am
designed
Observations: • During the summer months the property receives ample sunshine, creating unpleasantly hot conditions in some areas. • West patio is shaded in the morning and receives full sun by afternoon into the evening, with strong glares penetrating into the kitchen and dining spaces. • In the afternoon, east of the house has dappled shaded pockets. • During the winter deep shade is created to the north of the house. Snow and ice accumulate in the space. • The backyard receives a mix of sun and shade throughout the year, with few pockets that receive full sun year round.
S un &S hade
Most of the property is hot and sunny in the summer, and cold and dark in the winter, but there are microclimates dispersed throughout the site, providing opportunity to create gathering spaces with various conditions.
Nor th Winter solstice, 9am
Winter solstice, 12pm
Winter solstice, 3pm
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
5/13
Summary Analysis
3b 3a
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Gradual slopes close to house receive full sun
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These two pockets of yellow indicate this portion of the landscape that receives full sun year round. Full sun is great for plants that require this exposure and for outdoor gathering spaces, especially in the colder months, though may require shade in the summer. The west patio, a favorite gathering space, receives strong sun in the afternoon. The Sidorskys’ would like to find a balance of sun, dappled shade, and privacy on this side of the house. >> Originally the garden and berry patch was on the east side of the house. Moving these to the areas of full sun will increase productivity, in a space where they will be interacted with daily. They could also create a natural barrier between the road and the property to address safety and privacy concerns.
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Legend
full sun
Car traffic bisects the two sunny, gradually sloping pockets and is close to the backyard
The backyard on this property is fairly flat and has a balance of full sun, full shade. There is no delineation, except by surface material, between Crittenden Hill road and the backyard, creating a safety concern, especially for young grandchildren. The two sunny pockets are also separated by Crittenden Hill Road, causing a disruption in pedestrian flow and existing mowed lawn play spaces >> These areas have great potential as play spaces if enclosed, and gardening. The design should explore connectivity between the two, and address the safety concern of the road and how to make the backyard a safe, yet still open experience. Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
B y : A ddie H alligan F all , 2016
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Gradual slopes are located close to the house
Slopes that are 10% or less are concentrated around the house and backyard. Driveways with a slope less than 10% are able to be navigated by cars without four wheel drive, therefore there is potential to expand the driveway while keeping it close to the house. The Sidorskys’ would like a low- maintenance and easily accessible landscape. Gradual slopes close to the house give the Sidorskys a range of areas to create paths and gathering spaces that are easy to access. >> These areas should be used for exploring driveway alternatives, and siting gathering spaces.
A Landscape design for the Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill road shelburne falls, ma
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S ummary A nalysis
Steep slopes coincide with water runoff
The two drainage outlets are located on slopes over 10%. The outlet in the northern field(1a) is the overflow from the artesian well, and the outlet on the western (1b) field is the outflow of water that has been redirected away from the house. Both outlets release water into steep areas, creating erosion. Erosion can wash beneficial nutrients out of the soil and diminish water quality of nearby watersheds. >> These areas should be addressed in order to stabilize soils, and to keep water on site. Vegetation may be able to help absorb and filter the water while stabilizing the soil with its roots.
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Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Combining analysis findings, indicates potential areas for siting a driveway and carport, addressing erosion control on slopes, creating meandering paths and destinations that are private and safe, and using pockets of full sun for gardens and play spaces.
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Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Design Alternatives C
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A Landscape design for the Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill road shelburne falls, ma
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Enclosed Gathering In this design, activity is concentrated in the backyard, enclosed by a rock wall. Garden space and play space is now safely differentiated from the road. The gardens and dipping pool take advantage of the full sun. The west patio is shaded by vegetation, that creates a natural privacy barrier. The driveway is expanded to fit four vehicles with turn around ability, and a carport is attached to the house.
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PROS Smallest footprint expansion on carport and garage Carport near house Swale slows and sinks water on site Pool requires less excavation than a pond Rock wall creates safe and beautiful boundary
CONS • Most of the property is unused • Driveway remains on north side of house, still posing a safety concern • The undesired view and light pollution from high school remains
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Expand the Landscape In this design, the entire landscape has a function. To the north, an evergreen barrier blocks the negative view of the highschool, while enclosing a meadow that wraps around the apple orchard. A pollinator / vegetable garden to the west diversifies the landscape and attracts birds and bees. A pergola creates an enclosed private and appealing space. A shrub barrier separates the backyard from road, and frames a space for explorative and open play. • • • • •
PROS CONS Evergreen hedge blocks • Driveway remains on north undisired view of highschool side of house, still posing a Northern meadow creates safety concern diverse habitat for small • Meadow and pollinator mammals. gardens will require initial Carport is near house maintenance input until Shrub barrier for backyard is established less expansive than a rockwall Pollinator garden increases ecological value of the site
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Expand the Landscape In this design, the driveway has shifted dramatically. The carport, attached to the house via a pergola that wraps around the west patio, is in the southern portion of the property. It is close to the back entrance, for easy transport of groceries and wood. The driveway and carport enclose the backyard and separates the road from the private backyard. The orchard is revitalized by nut and berry plants, and a meadow to the west decreases mowed lawn and increases habitat value. An excavated pond captures well water runoff and roof water to create a swimming spot. PROS CONS • The slowly dying orchard is revitalized by new fruit and nut plantings • Meadow creates habitat for small mammals • A southern drive creates safer conditions, with more sun exposure to decrease winter concerns
• Creating a new driveway, and removing the old driveway will be costly • A pond will require excavation, a bermed wall, lining and therefore will be costly • Carport takes up one of two year round sunny patches
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
B y : A ddie H alligan F all , 2016
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D esign A lternatives
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Nut Grove Screen
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4 Rock Wall and Berry Barrier
A rock wall in the backyard mimics the original wall, while creating cohesion between two existing walls. It creates a safety barrier and encloses the backyard for play space. Wildflowers soften the edge. High bush blueberries and raspberries double as an additional barrier and source of fruit.
This space takes advantage of the microclimate of morning sun and afternoon shade. Encompassed by fragrant and textured ornamentals plantings, and screened by lilac shrubs to the west, the patio welcomes; picnicking, morning coffee, or evening fires. The patio is oriented to views to the south and southwest of the backyard. Swings hang from surrounding trees, dually functioning as family play space.
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
8 Vegetative Play Space 7
A grape pergola maintains views of the mountains to the west, creates dappled shade inside the house, and increases privacy from Crittenden Hill road. Grass plantings and creeping phlox soften the rock wall while creating year round texture. These elements create an inviting gathering space.
Dwarf fruit trees are planted to succeed the existing apple trees as they age. They produce fruits for harvest, and forage for small mammals. Guilds of nitrogen fixers beneath the existing apple trees increase their health and lifespan.
7 East Patio Gathering Space
Hickory, hazelnut and walnut trees screen views of the high school to the northwest, while creating forage for wildlife and nuts for humans.
3 West Patio Pergola
6 Revitalizing the Orchard
Lilac bushes and shrubs border a path that encloses a play space under a red oak for the grandchildren. Decreased vegetation exposes a large rock that warms with the afternoon sun, an engaging element within the backyard. Replacing shrubs with summersweet and winterberry invite birds and butterflies.
9 Layered Vegetation Expands the Ecotone
The surrounding woodlands provide excellent habitat, and this area pulls that edge into the backyard, taking over formerly mowed lawn to create a more integrated relationship between the lawn and the forest. This creates a connection to the meadow habitats for animals to use and benefit from the landscape ecology.
B y : A ddie H alligan F all , 2016
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Driveway Expansion The driveway entrance is expanded to increase site lines to the north and south when exiting. The driveway expands to hold six vehicles with a turnaround. Covered wood storage located at the southeastern corner of the driveway houses two cords of wood accessible from the garage door. Lilacs border the edging to divide the driveway from the backyard, while a rock path invites guests through.
A meadow encircles the property. These formerly hayed fields now diversify available habitat for meadow ecological communities, appealing to pollinators and small mammals. Mowing through the meadow can be configured in various ways to create unique experiences with the landscape.
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5 Mixed Meadow with Meandering Paths
A Landscape design for the Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill road shelburne falls, ma
An expanded driveway accommodates six vehicles enabling guests to easily access the Sidorskys’ home and revitalized landscape. The northern orchard, wrapped by a meadow with meandering paths, invites exploration, fruit and nut harvesting, and provides habitat for small mammals. To the west and east sides of the home, patios invite gatherings in semi-private, microclimatic-responsive and vegetated spaces. The backyard, enclosed by a rock wall and wildflower border, encourages play, exploration and berry picking.
F inal D esign
Final Plan
Nor th Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
8/13
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Final Design Details
F inal
A view looking north, of the grape pergola and enclosed gathering space
Section A - A’
P repared B y : A ddie halligan J anuary 3, 2017
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A minor regrade of the driveway is required to increase accesibility and an expansion accomodates for four additional vehicles. A new swale to the east of the driveway moves water around the driveway to the hayfield.
design details
Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill rd shelburne falls, ma 01370
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Nor th Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
9/13
A light post at the end of the driveway helps direct guests to the site, while ground lighting safely assists upon arrival.
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
designed
B y : A ddie H alligan F all , 2016
A Landscape design for the Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill road shelburne falls, ma
P recedents
http://www.1001pallets.com/2015/10/31-of-the-moststunning-lamps-made-from-reclaimed-pallets/3/
http://www.optimumgarden.com/?s=garden#sthash.9DqWnKKE.dpbs
http://chateau-listeur.blogspot.com/2010/04/about-chateau-listeur-name.html
https://dk.pinterest.com/pin/418271884127323271/
Mown paths and destinations through a meadow can be reconfigured through mowing to create a mysterious and engaging experience throughout the landscape .
Landscaping with Fruit, By: Lee Reich http://gardeninginspire.xyz/woodshed-for-winter-wood/
http://lillavillavita.blogspot.de/2014/06/sommarmorgon.html
http://www.radnoroak.co.uk/products/other-oak-structures
An enclosed wood shed, protects from snow cover, and an opening allows for easy access to obtain and transfer the wood.
An ornamental garden encompasses a patio space, creating a sense of refuge with visual elements, dappled shade, and fresh scents.
Ivy or creeping phlox softens the asthetic of a rockwall.
A raspberry structure contains the plants, while making picking easier from all sides. It also serves as a natural barrier.
http://designmag.fr/jardins-et-terrasses/28-idees-originales-de-decoration-jardin.html
A gate between the stone wall can create a sense of curiosity and mystery, while stairs create flow between two spaces. A seat in the rockwall can create a sense of prospect and refuge, while also absorbing the heat of the sun.
A pergola encloses a space and creates dappled shade, while still maintaining views in all directions. Grasses add year round texture.
http://www.1001gardens.org/2016/05/10-outdoor-lighting-ideas-garden-landscape/2/#arvlbdata
Wildflowers that expand from a natural barrier soften the tone and make it easier to mow when the edge is not close to the structure.
http://www.hometipsforwomen.com/ stone-wall-stone-bench-or-stone-seat
https://dk.pinterest.com/pin/171347960803055485/
http://www.rusticturnings.com/galleries.htm
Precedents
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Screen Plantings East Patio Groundcover West Patio Berry Barrier
Common Name
Botanical Name
Sun
Height x Width
Notes
Little Blue Stem
Schizachyrium scoparium
and birds, butterflies
Sun / Part Shade
2-4’ x 2-3’
high deer resistance
Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca
Insect and pollinators, butterflies
Sun
2-4’ x 1’
in midsummer
False Blue Indigo
Baptisia australis
Pollinator
Sun / Part Shade
3-4’ x 3-4’
late may it has violet-blue flowers
Spiked Gayfeater
Liatris spicata
and hummingbirds
Sun / Part Shade
3-5’ x 2’
& August, deer resistant
Ox Eye Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides
Birds & Butterflies
Sun
3-6’ x 2-4’
yellow flowers jun- sept
Nesting material, seeds-small mammals lavender to pink flowers
Butterflies, bees, rare moths
Little Blue Stem Schizachyrium scoparium
Area C: Screen Plantings Two sections of screen plantings help block views and light from the high school. The taller walnut, hickory and hazelnut screen in planted in a lower elevation. The flowering shrub screen plantings are closer to the house. Common Name
Botanical Name
Function
Sun
Height x Width notes
Full Sun
50-75’ x 50-75’ bears nuts in 12-15 years
nut producing for humans and wildlife, Walnut
Juglans nigra
screen planting nut producing for humans and wildlife,
American Hazelnut
Corylus americana
screen planting
Shellbark Hickory
Carya laciniosa
nut producing for humans and wildlife, screen planting Full sun
Forsythia
Forsythia x intermedia
shrub for screening, edible to birds
Summer Sweet
Walnut Juglans nigra
Clethra alnifolia
False Blue Indigo Baptisia australis
Spiked Gayfeather Liatris spicata
60-80’ x 40’
Area B: Fruit Trees & Fruit Tree Guilds The orchard has been revitalized in the final plan through the planting of dwarf trees, which bare fruit sooner and are reachable without a ladder. A coppice plant and a nitrogen fixing plant is included to help soils underneath revitalize the existing apple trees, as the soil tests showed a lack of nutrients and nitrogen in the orchard soil. Botanical Name
Function
Sun
Height x Width notes
bears nuts in 2-3 years,
Sweet Cherry
Pranus avium
Fruit bearing, forage
Full Sun
12-14’ x 12’14’
Ripens in late June, with sweet taste
harvest from September
Semidwarf Peach Prunus persica
Fruit bearing, forage
Partial Shade
19’ x 19’
1 year to fruit production
Bartlett Pear Tree Pyrus communis ‘Bartlett’
Fruit bearing, forage
Full Sun
12-15’ x 10’
Semidwarf apple
Malus spp.
Fruit bearing, forage
Partial shade
12-15’ x 12’-15’ 3-4 years to fruit production
PawPaw
Asimina triloba
fruit bearing, forage, rich nutritional value
Full Sun
15-20’ x 10’
Seaberry
Hippophae rhamnoides
wild life habitat, fruit bearing, high in vit. C Partial Shade
Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea
flowering, ornamental, fruit bearing
Full Sun or Partial Shade 15’-25’ x 15’-25’ ripens in June
Comfrey
Symphytum spp.
herb, fertilizer, improves soil
Full Sun to Partial Shade 3-5’ x 2-4’
planted at base of apple trees
Hairy Vetch
Vicia villosa
soil improvement , nitrogen fixer
Full Sun to Partial Shade
planted at base of apple trees
Bears nuts in 10-12 years,
Full Sun to Partial Shade 3-9’ x 10-12’ Full Sun to Dense Shade 6-10’ x 6-10’
shrub for screening, attracts butterflies Full Sun to Partial Shade 3-8’ x 4-6’
Common Winterberry Ilex verticillata
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
Ox Eye Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides
Common Name
yellow fall leaves,
fruit for small mammals and birds
Hazelnut row Corylus americana
Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca
pinkish-purple tassels in July
Full Sun to Partial Shade 15-18’ x 10-12’ to October
shrub for screening, Common Winterberry Ilex verticillata
Function
red berry-like fruits July to August bloom of white flowers
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Fruit Trees
2-3 years to fruit production, harvest in fall
4-8 years to fruit production 2-3 years to fruit production,
6-18’ x 6’ x 18’
ripens in Septermber through winter
Summersweet Clethra alnifolia
P repared B y : A ddie halligan J anuary 3, 2017
Meadow
Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill rd shelburne falls, ma 01370
Legend
Area A: Meadow A large portion of this property is currently mowed regularly or hayed a few times a year and is surrounded by dense woodlands. Transforming much of the landscape into meadows invites pollinating species, creates diverse habitats, sinks runoff on site, and adds beauty. Many native plant nurseries in the area produce different seed mixes for meadow vegetation. This “New England Showy Wildflower Mix ” comes from New England Wetland Plants. It includes native wildflowers and grasses. Below are a few of the plants in the mix.
P lant R ecommendations I
Plant Recommendation I
Nor th Sweet Cherry Pranun avium
Paw Paw Asimina triloba
Seaberry Hippophae rhamnoides
Comfrey Groundcover Symphytum spp.
Hairy Vetch Vicia villosa
11/13
Plant Recommendation II Area D: Ground cover
Rock paths meander through the landscape. Various groundcovers offer a no-mow solution with a strong asthetic value for growth between the rocks.
groundcover Partial Shade
Pink Muhly Grass Muhlenbergia capillaris
Grasses for privacy screening
Full Sun to Partial Shade 2-3’ x 2-3’
Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Grasses for privacy screening
Full Sun to Shade
2-4’ x
Height x Width Notes
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Grasses for privacy screening
Full Sun
2’-4’x 1.5’-2’
3-4’ - indefinite evergreen plant, with blue flowers in late spring
Sheep Fescue
Festuca ovina
Grasses for privacy screening
Full Sun to Partial Shade 12”
cold and drought tolerant
Full Sun to Partial Shade 4-6” x 18-24”
Blue, pink, red or white flowers
Leptunella squalida
groundcover Full Sun to Partial Shade 0-.25’ x 0.25-1’ yellow
Caraway Thyme
Thyme herba borona
groundcover Full Sun to Partial Shade 2-4” x 8”
caraway scented, pink flowers in summer
Barren Strawberries W. fragarioides
groundcover Full Sun to Partial Shade 4-8” x 2’+
glossy evergreen leaves, 5 yellow petals spring - summer
Creeping Mazus
groundcover Full Sun to Partial Shade 1-2” x 2’+
pale purple flowers
Creeping Phlox
Brass Buttons
Ajuga reptans
Leptunella squalida
Caraway Thyme Thyme herba borona
Barren Strawberries W.fragarioides
Creeping Mazus
attract birds and butterflies
Phlox stolonifera
showy pink flower in winter
Winter interest with red/purple tufts
climbing vine for Boston Ivy
Parthenocissus tricuspidata
Pink Muhly Grass Creeping Bugleweed
Notes
Perennial for inbetween rock wall,
Brass Buttons
Mazus reptans
Height x Width
Muhlenbergia capillaris
softening rock wall textures
blue fruits and bright red foliage in fall, Full Sun to Partial Shade climbing vine -15’ glossy dark green leaves
Indian Grass
Sheep Fescue
Sorghastrum nutans
Creeping Phlox
Festuca ovina
Phlox stolonifera
Mazus reptans
Area G: East Patio Gathering Space Area F: Berry Barrier
Botanical Name
Function
Sun
Height x Width Notes
edible fruit for humans, High Bush Blueberries Vaccinum corymbosum birds, small mammals
harvest late july - winter, Full sun
4-5’ x 4’
edible fruit for humans, Raspberries Dwarf Bush Cherry
Rubus spp.
birds, small mammals
Eugenia myrtifolia
edible fruit for humans,
‘Globulus’
birds, small mammals
2-3 years to fruit bearing moderate yield in july,
Full Sun Full Sun to Partial Sun
48-60” x 24-36” heavy yield in septmber 4-6’ x 4-6’
good for hedge or low border
perennial plant for inbetween rock wall, Creeping Phlox
Phlox stolonifera
High Bush Blueberry Vaccinum corymbosum
Function
Sun
Height x Width
Notes
Full Sun
18” x 18”
vibrant blue flowers in summer
herbaceous perennial, ornamental planting,
High bush blueberries, raspberries and dwarf bush cherries provide edible berries and forage for wildlife. They double as a natural barrier between the road and backyard, and act as a nectary source for pollinators. Common Name
Botanical Name
II
Common Name
attract birds and butterflies
Heritage Everlasting Raspberry Rubus spp.
Full Sun to Partial Shade 4-6” x 18-24”
Dwarf Bush Cherry Eugenia mytrifolio ‘Globulus’
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
Blue, pink, red or white flowers
Meadow Sage Salvia pratensis
herbal remedy
Junior Walker Catmint
textured, aromatic, grayish-green foliage. Nepeta x faassenii ‘Novanepjun’ herbaceous perennial, ornamental planting
Autumn Joy Sedum
Partial to Full Sun 15” x 48”
sturdy perennial, ornamental planting, Sedum spectabile
Dusty Miller Jacobaea maritima
18-24”
Deer resistant pink flowers to russet red in fall,
attracts butterflies
Partial to Full Sun x 18-24”
seed head for winter interest
annual, ornamental planting
Part shade
velvety silver gray foliage, deer resistant
10” x 10”
Gold Thread
semi-erect conifer
Cypress
Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera
background border for ornamental plantings Full Sun
Hostas
Hosta x ‘Blue Mouse Ears’
herbaceous perennial, ornamental planting
5-6’ x 7-8’
with golden-yellow foliage mound of small, heart-shaped leaves,
Shade to part sun 6-7” x 12”
perennial, attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, Anise hyssop Agastache foeniculum
deer resistant
Black eyed
herbaceous perennial, ornamental planting,
blue-gray leaves minted scent, and big purple bloom spikes
Partial to Full Sun 1-3’ x 1-3’
from summer into fall long-blooming yellow flowers
Susan
Rudbeckia triloba
good for cut flowers
Full Sun
3-4’ x 1-1.5’ over dark green leaves
Nine Bark
Physocarpus opulifolius
deciduous shrub, background border
8-10’ x Partial to Full Sun 8-10’
deep purple foliage, with creamy white flowers
P repared B y : A ddie halligan J anuary 3, 2017
Sun
Sun
Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill rd shelburne falls, ma 01370
Creeping Bugleweed Ajuga reptans
Function
Function
recommendations
Botanical Name
Botanical Name
P lanting
Common Name
Common Name
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Area E: Pergola Plantings To create a sense of enclosure, grasses along the rock wall edge of the west patio create privacy and add a colorful and textured accent year round to the space. They also attract butterflies and produce seeds for birds. These grasses grow in bunches, and once established exclude the invasion of weeds, creating a low maintenance garden.
Creeping Phlox Phlox stolonifera
Nor th
Meadow Sage
Autumn Joy Sedum
Salvia pratensis
Sedum spectabile
Dusty Miller Jacobaea maritima
Nine Bark Physocarpus opulifolius
12/13
Suite 211, 180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
P repared B y : A ddie halligan J anuary 3, 2017
Sidorsky Residence 78 crittenden hill rd shelburne falls, ma 01370
Soil Test in Orchard
R esults
Soil Test around house
Soil test results derived from on site soil samples, analyzed and reported by UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory
soil test
Soil Test Results
Nor th Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
13/13