Design Detail: Orchard and Event Space

A large rain garden is used to help manage stormwater and add aesthetic interest to the lower event parking lot. Formalizing this parking area with designated parking spots and edge plantings help encourage efficient parking patterns. This area could be converted to permeable pavement in the future to provide a more durable surface for parking. Tall shrubs like red buckeye screen the view of the lot from the front of the barn and attract hummingbirds, bees, and visitors alike with their bright red, firecracker-like flowers. Additional overflow parking is provided in the grassy area to the south of the lot and along the driveway south of the orchard. Two ADA parking spaces are provided next to the barn entry porch for easy access to events in the barn and lower orchard space. The steps to the porch are reoriented to the front (east) and a sloped ramp next to them provides ADA access to the barn. This ramp is shallow enough to doubles as an extension of the porch space and encourages event guests to gather outside and connect more closely with the lower orchard area. Picnic tables, planters, and other amenities are provided in the event and orchard space to signal a pedestrian-only zone while maintaining the ability for emergency vehicles to access the front of the barn.

Runoff from the maintenance area is collected at the bottom of the parking area and channeled into the orchard, where it is combined with the farmhouse foundation drain outflow. A rock-lined swale winding through the orchard directs flow to the culvert under the existing driveway and a second culvert under the proposed new drive. Boulders of various sizes along the swale add visual interest and can be used for play or seating. A small loop path from the event space crosses the swale via a stone bridge beneath a trellis planted with flowering vines, and leads to a bench beneath the triple-stemmed oak. This path creates multiple options for event photography as well as shady rest areas.

The two mature oaks are aerated, mulched, and underplanted with lowbush blueberry and no-mow groundcovers on the slope south of the farmhouse to minimize compaction in the root zone and competition from turf. This also eliminates the need to mow this steep area.

Tall shrubs and small trees like American hazelnut are planted along the bank southwest of the barn to screen views of the food bank entrance from the solar overlook. The beginning of the overlook trail doubles as a semi turnaround and also provides maintenance access to the solar array.

Food Bank

Barn

Accessible Entry

Orchard Swale

To solar overlook

Lower Parking

Rain Garden

Overflow Parking Culverts Overflow Parking

Drainage outflow is turned into a swale and a woodchip path through the orchard contains multiple areas for event photography or comfortable rest spots.