HILDR E T H H I L L S A LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey the conway school spring 2013
REDUCE COSTS by suggesting more cost-effective and energy-efficient landscape design and maintenance best practices that would require less use of chemical applications, fuel-powered maintenance, and irrigation. IMPROVE CURB APPEAL by recommending plants that will thrive in the existing environments and a planting palette that will create a more cohesive look across individual units. INCREASE SAFETY by addressing existing uneven walkways and insufficient lighting and suggesting safer site-appropriate materials. INCREASE SUSTAINABILITY by reducing maintenance energy use, increasing native plant diversity, and suggesting alternative maintenance practices and materials that will be more beneficial to the managed landscape and protect its surroundings from harmful chemical runoff.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
The Hildreth Hills Landscape Master Plan aims to provide guidance that will :
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
The Hildreth Hills Long Range Landscape Committee, a group of residents concerned with the current and future landscape of the Hildreth Hills townhouse community, hired a student team from the Conway School of Landscape Design to develop a master plan for the site. The Committee is interested in sustainable alternatives to the existing landscape design, materials, and management. The existing landscape, especially in the residential areas, does not adequately reflect the residents’ financial, aesthetic, or environmental goals. In addition to comprehensive site analyses, this master plan offers guidance to the Landscape Committee, homeowners, and maintenance crews on landscape design, plant materials, management best practices, and ecological health. Designs and recommendations will focus on areas directly around the townhouses as well as communal areas throughout the site.
INTRODUCTION + GOALS
INTRODUCTION + GOALS
HILDRETH HILLS
INDEX 1 introduction and goals 2 geographical context 3 existing conditions 4 access and circulation 5 existing vegetation 6 soils 7 slopes and drainage 8 natural communities 9 current management practices 10 summary analysis 11 residential design 12 residential design: parkhurst 13 residential design: monadnock 14 residential design: jimney 15 lighting design 16 walkway design 17 design direction: wooded parks 18 design direction: four corners 19 design direction: main drive 20 design direction: the club 21 best management practices 22 water management 23 lawn alternatives 24 planting considerations 25 planting plans 26 plant palette 27 comprehensive plant list I 28 comprehensive plant list II 29 comprehensive plant list III 30 comprehensive plant list IV 31 cost analysis 32 phasing and implementation
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judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
MA
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
❹
HILDRETH HEIGHTS
PARKHURST
❶
❷
WESTFORD WESTFORD TOWN CTR.
JIMNEY
HILDRETH HILLS
❸
MONADNOCK
GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT
HILDRETH HILLS
site parcel line
Town of Westford conservation land
95
I-4
❺
conservation restriction
❶ a Conservation Overlay District protects the land 250 feet from buildings to the parcel line ❷ town-owned conservation land borders the site to the southeast ❸ conservation restriction land borders the site to the southwest ❹ residential single-unit parcels border the northern half of the site ❺ a commercial highway district spans the land just south of the site along Interstate 495
Hildreth Hills is located in the town of Westford, Massachusetts, 35 miles northwest of Boston. The 180+ acre site, formerly a farmstead, was developed in the 1980s and comprises three groups of townhouses: Parkhurst, Monadnock, and Jimney. A fourth group, Hildreth Heights, shares the same parcel and water management facilities but is not part of the Hildreth Hills Condominium Trust or this landscape master plan. The townhouses were sited for maximum views and privacy on the ridge top of Sparks Hill and are surrounded by woodlands and wetlands. Approximately 80 acres of the site are part of a Conservation Overlay District established with the Town of Westford to "preserve a balance between developed areas of the town and areas set aside from development, for protection of water resources, for the benefits of wildlife, for passive recreational uses, for agriculture and for the preservation of scenic beauty."
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
conservation overlay district
HILDRETH HILLS
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT
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WATER PLANT
ENT
E EASEM
LIN POWER
BEAVER POND
The community of Hildreth Hills shares the large lawn area, referred to as the “meadow” at Four Corners, and the Hildreth Hills Club in the center of the Monadnock loop. The clubhouse area includes two tennis courts, a pool, and a large deck around the building. In immediate residential areas, units are surrounded by a mix of mown lawn and traditional foundation plantings of shrubs and flowering annuals and perennials. Mature oak, pine, and maple trees are interspersed throughout the area. Small courtyard stands of mature trees separate the units from the road in Monadnock and Parkhurst while Jimney has an open cul-de-sac arrangement.
HILDRETH HEIGHTS
PARKHURST
The original landscape design was by Sasaki Associates Inc, in the early 1980s and has not been updated since that time. Many shrubs have grown leggy and outgrown their spaces, blocking windows and walkways.
“MEADOW”
JIMNEY
Hildreth Hills is situated on the top of Sparks Hill with rural residential neighbors to the west and north and town-owned conservation land to the east. Between the Parkhurst neighborhood and the water treatment plant, a power easement runs through the northern portion in an east/west direction. Hildreth Heights is an inholding on the site, and not a part of Hildreth Hills.
W. TANK
HH CLUB
mixed trees evergreen trees mowed lawn
hildreth hills club and pool area
overgrown shrub
leggy shrubs
shrubs obstructing a path
MONADNOCK
wild meadow impermeable
unique woodland setting
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
FIE
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
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THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
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HILDRETH HILLS
EXISTING CONDITIONS
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SECONDARY ENTRANCE parkhurst drive
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WATER PLANT
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E EASEM
LIN POWER
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jimney
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ve
THE “MEADOW” UTILITIES BLDG.
“FOUR CORNERS”
WATER TANK WILD MEADOW
HH CLUB
main thruway
maintenance areas
residential access
communal areas
driveways + sidewalks
wild meadow
nature trail
mowed lawn
COMMUNAL/MUNICIPAL • The “meadow” at Four Corners acts as an unused common lawn. • The Clubhouse is used for indoor events and meetings; the tennis courts and pool are sometimes used during warmer months. • A nature trail looping around Monadnock is generally unused due to ticks in warmer months but is used in winter by snowshoers and cross country skiers. • The town-owned water tank is maintained by town workers. • Utilities buildings, water treatment plant, and leach field are accessed by on-site maintenance workers. • The powerline easement area is maintained by the power company. While the communal spaces are appreciated by residents for their resale value, they all remain relatively unused.
Four Corners intersection
brick sidewalks
main entrance
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
mon adno
HILDRETH HEIGHTS
ACCESS + CIRCULATION
MAIN ENTRANCE
WALKWAYS • Sidewalks in all neighborhoods connect the unit fronts of each multi-unit building set back from the road • Monadnock sidewalks are connected by crossing sections of driveway. • Sidewalks are generally unused, in favor of walking along the road. • Sidewalks in areas have buckled or heaved. Because of the discontinuity and unfavorable conditions of walkways, roads are being used by pedestrians with the potential for conflict with vehicles.
HILDRETH HILLS
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judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
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ROADS • A main entrance and secondary entrance are both accessed from Hildreth Street, the secondary entrance tends to be used more often by commuting residents due to its proximity to the town center. • Roads are two lanes with traffic moving in both directions with no sidewalks. • The roads do not create a through-way; only residents of Hildreth Hills, Hildreth Heights, and management crews use these roads • Driveways branch off the main roads to access the garages and house units. • Driveways continue down to the back of the units in Parkhurst and Jimney to access basement-level garages, which limits the usable backyard space. The loop of roads create a secluded community with limited vehicular movement throughout the site.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
ACCESS + CIRCULATION
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milkweed
mixed meadow species
mown leach field
wild meadow milkweeds, poison ivy, cow vetch, aster species, etc edge species: paper birch, bracken fern, maple-leaf viburnum, etc. invasive species: Asian bittersweet mown leach field non-native grass species UNDEVELOPED AREAS (areas of little or no management)
cattail
skunk cabbage
paper birch
mixed fern species
pine-oak forest species
mapleleaf viburnum
lowbush blueberry
mixed groundcover species
KEY PLAN N.T.S.
wetlands cattails, skunk cabbage, fern species, etc. pine-oak forest white pine, red oak, maple understory level: white pine, red oak, and maple saplings, viburnum species, low-bush blueberry, etc. herbaceous perennials: fern species, wild geranium, Virginia creeper, Solomon’s seal, etc. groundcovers: partridgeberry, barren strawberry, mayflower, etc Surrounding native plant communities differ significantly from the chosen, and often struggling, species in managed areas. When choosing more suitable species, it will be beneficial to consider the native species already flourishing on site. wild geranium photos taken on site
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
INTERMEDIATE AREAS (areas of light management)
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
mature forest trees
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
mixed landscape species
EXISTING VEGETATION
mown lawn
HILDRETH HILLS
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
EXISTING VEGETATION
RESIDENTIAL AREAS mown lawn non-native grass species managed landscape species shrubs: rhododendron, arborvitae, mountain laurel, yew, euonymus, etc. trees: white oak, maple, cherry flowering annuals and perennials woodland courtyards rhododendron, red oaks, white pines, maples, Canada mayflower, etc
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judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
SOILS The soils of the residential areas are Paxton fine sandy loam which is found on glacial till uplands or drumlins like Sparks Hill. A variation of this soil type, Paxton urban land complex, is found only in the Monadnock neighborhood and is the result of the compaction and disturbance of development. Disturbed soils may be more compacted and lower in nutrients, requiring additional amendments to support proper plant growth and drainage.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
SOILS
❻ ❺ ❼
NATURE TRAIL
Paxton fine sandy loam is typically acidic to highly acidic. Soil tests on the site reveal that the soils are moderately acidic with a pH of 4.6 - 6.8. Most lawn grasses grow best in soils with a pH of 6.5 - 7.0 and therefore are not suited to the average soils on site. The lawn areas are currently treated with lime to reduce the pH as well as other chemical additives to improve the appearance of the lawn.
SOILS
The soil layers are sandy, rocky, and well-draining in the surface soil and subsoil, but have slow permeability in the substratum. The National Resources Conservation Service defines Paxton fine sandy loam as being suited to trees, woodland wildlife habitats, and unforested wildlife habitat.
❶ Canada mayflower
❸
❹
❻ fern
paxton fine sandy loam paxton urban land complex nature trail
❺ haircap moss ❷ paper birch
❹ partridgeberry ❸ mapleleaf viburnum
WOODLAND VEGETATION The vegetation growing in the woodlands along the nature trail on site are indications of what plants grow well naturally in the existing soils and will inform the plant palette. At left are photos of native plant species found growing along the nature trail (in areas with Paxton soils.) These plants do well here in the sandy, acidic soils, and if planted in the residential areas should require less water and fertilizer than plants less suited to the existing conditions like the European pasture grasses that
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
❼ geranium
HILDRETH HILLS
❶ ❷
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❶ parkhurst townhouses and garages
❸
50’ wetland buffer open water
❷
wooded slope
monadnock ❷ wooded slope
townhouses and garages
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
wetland
wooded slope
wooded swamp deciduous shallow marsh meadow or fen
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
❶
HILDRETH HILLS
INE
NHESP CORE HABITAT
SLOPES + DRAINAGE
The townhouses are sited on the ridge top of Sparks Hill. Rainwater runoff containing particulates from eroded soil, by-products from cars and roads, and hazardous chemicals from landscape practices in the residential areas will affect areas downslope. Impervious surfaces—such as paving and roofs—increase the rate of overland and storm drain runoff which will eventually settle in lower areas and be incorporated into the nearby waterways and wetlands. Many of the lower-lying areas within and adjacent to the site contain wetlands and other sensitive natural habitats that need to be protected from runoff containing fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, chemicals leached from asphalt, and other toxins.
L GE RID
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
SLOPES + DRAINAGE
shrub swamp Bio Map2 core habitat and NHESP habitats of rare wildlife
jimney ❸ townhouses and garages
wooded slope
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(TYPICAL)
SHRUB SWAMP NHESP CORE HABITAT
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
OLD FIELD PINE-OAK FOREST
This variety of habitat types supports many different species of wildlife, including many ecologically sensitive species found in wetland habitats.
WOODED SWAMP
WOODED SWAMP
beaver pond
SHRUB SWAMP
WOODED SWAMP
wild meadow
WILD MEADOW OLD FIELD PINE-OAK FOREST
green frog
barred owl
eastern phoebe
eastern cottontail
pine-oak forest
garter snake
(TYPICAL)
SHALLOW MARSH
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
TOWN OF WESTFORD CONSERVATION LAND
HILDRETH HILLS
(BEAVER
wildlife
WILDLIFE Wildlife species noted on site include: deer, eastern cottontail, turkey, garter snake, red tail hawk, barred owl, Canada geese, frogs, beaver, warblers, and other forest birds.
photos by Emily Durost
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
OPEN WATER
HABITATS Old-field pine-oak forest surrounds the neighborhoods, making up a large portion of the site. A variety of wetlands, mainly to the northeast, include open water, wooded swamp, shrub swamp, and marsh meadow. Near the main entrance, a small portion of core habitat, as identified by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, extends onto the site from a large core area across from Hildreth Street. Eighty acres of land on site are part of a conservation overlay district, and the site abuts town-owned conservation land to the east.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
WILDLIFE
WOODED SWAMP
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sprinkler on a lawn
Current lawn maintenance practices constitute approximately 70% of the yearly landscape budget ($60,220 out of the $87,610 total for 2013). The single most significant way to reduce the current cost of landscape maintenance is to reconsider lawn materials and maintenance practices.
Insecticide
Herbicides
• Chemical insecticide for controlling grubs, beetles, and other insect species. • Toxic to invertebrates, fish, birds, and other wildlife species. • Irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. • Special product warning: “Do not apply in areas of high water table or where runoff is likely to occur.”
• Nonselective weed control derived from citrus oils. • Toxic to aquatic organisms. • Irritant to eyes and skin, toxic if inhaled
• Chemical pre-emergent selective weed control. • Toxic to aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plant species. • Irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. • Can be absorbed through the skin.
• Chemical non-selective weed control. • Toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, birds, and plant species. • Absorbed by the soil, water soluble. • Irritant to eyes and skin, toxic if inhaled.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
pesticide warning sign on the “meadow”
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Lawn Maintenance • Mowing occurs once a week, with the blade set to two inches: $42,900 per year. • Some areas are watered either by residents or by the landscape crew to maintain lawn health: $3,300 per year for maintenance of irrigation system. • Failing or disturbed areas are re-seeded and thatched: $2,470 per year. • Professionally applied chemical applications are used for PH, fertilization, and insect and weed control (see below for specifics): $11,550 per year.
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
CURRENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
These products specifically warn about their toxicity to aquatic organisms. Due to the location of the site upslope of wetlands, these toxic compounds are likely reaching the sensitive habitat areas via rainwater runoff.
flat-top pruning pattern
wooded courtyard with removed leaf-litter
salt buildup on walkway
Winter Maintenance Walkways and roads are salted and plowed to mitigate snow and ice. Due to heavy de-icing applications, soil tests show an accumulation of salts, which negatively affects the health of nearby plant life.
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
Tree, Shrub, and Planting Bed Maintenance Pruning of shrubs and small trees varies in style throughout the site: $10,300 per year Fall leaf removal: $9,550 per year Planting beds are hand-weeded biweekly: $415 per year Soils have become depleted of organic matter because of the removal of leaves, lawn cuttings, and other plant material on site resulting in the added cost of chemical fertilization.
HILDRETH HILLS
Chemical application information from material safety data sheets.
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RESIDENTIAL AREAS The three distinct neighborhoods have similar four-unit structures, but differ in community lay-out, access and circulation, topography, and proximity to wooded areas. Units within each neighborhood also experience different solar aspects, micro-topography, drainage and existing vegetation.
WATER PLANT
T
SEMEN
NE EA WERLI
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There is a need for site-specific landscape designs for the areas directly around the townhouses to be implemented by homeowners. A single plant palette will ensure a cohesive look amongst the units and neighborhoods while offering a variety of species and cultivars that will be appropriate for more individual site considerations of sun/shade tolerance, mircrotopography, and drainage as well as homeowners’ individual preferences.
HILDRETH HEIGHTS
COMMUNAL AREAS The Hildreth Hills Club area and the mowed turf “meadow” are largely unused by residents. They are closest to Monadnock residents, but are not connected by walking paths to any of the three neighborhoods.
PARKHURST THE “MEADOW”
JIMNEY
The Hildreth Hills Club occupies a central community area and is an valuable amenity and selling feature. A landscape plan that offers more physical connectivity between the pool, clubhouse, and tennis courts and provides a more inviting setting could increase use of this communal space. W. TANK
HH CLUB
wooded areas
ecological concern
wild meadow
residential areas
mowed lawn
communal areas
non-applicable
MONADNOCK
EXISTING WOODED LAND The existing wooded areas surrounding the site and within the residential areas provide shade, beauty, and a privacy barrier for residents while also serving as natural habitat for plant and animal species. The woods add to the value and sense of place of Hildreth Hills. AREAS OF ECOLOGICAL CONCERN In addition to the wooded areas, wetlands and meadows provide natural habitats and perform critical ecological functions. The site contains a variety of wetlands and includes land that is NHESP core habitat near the main entrance. Residential areas sit upslope of these areas and pose environmental health risks because runoff and leaching of landscape chemicals and other toxins could enter these areas and the larger water systems.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
FIE
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
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THE CONWAY SCHOOL
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SUMMARY ANALYSIS
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HILDRETH HILLS
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
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The following design plans for the three neighborhoods reflect their individual settings and character, but many design suggestions can be used in residential and public spaces throughout the site depending on site conditions.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
While Parkhurst, Monadnock, and Jimney share the same architecture and similar site conditions (i.e., soil type, drainage) each neighborhood varies in building layout, access and circulation, and proximity to wooded areas.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
THE "MEADOW"
❸ ❷
All designs were created with the clients’ goals in mind: Reduced Costs The new landscape should, over time, require less maintenance than the existing one. Decreased pruning, less lawn, energy-efficient lighting, and site-tolerant native plants with reduced need for irrigation, fertilizer, and other landscape treatments means lower landscape maintenance bills. Improved Curb Appeal The new designs are inspired by the woodland setting that makes Hildreth Hills such a beautiful site. The plant palette, which recommends native species that should grow well and stay healthy, helps to create a cohesive look across the individually owned units.
❶ PARKHURST
shady, wooded, secluded, perched upslope of a beaver pond
❷ MONADNOCK
centrally located, shared back lawns, wooded “courtyards” between garages
❸ JIMNEY
cul-de-sacs, sunny, open front lawns stretch to road front
Increased Safety New energy-efficient lighting fixtures will improve visibility by focusing light where it is needed, and only when it is needed. New walkway materials will provide a level, stable surface for increased mobility. Improved lighting and walkways can also increase curb appeal by using cohesive, attractive fixtures and materials. Increased Sustainability Reduced maintenance, less lawn, use of native plants, energy-efficient lighting, reduced need for irrigation, and no chemical applications will create a more sustainable human and wildlife-friendly landscape.
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
The planting plans (within design plans and on sheet 24) provide layout direction and suggest plants from the palette while considering physical characteristics (i.e., plant type, shape, height, texture, color.)
HILDRETH HILLS
❶
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
The plant palette is a guide for choosing vegetation that will grow well in sitespecific conditions (i.e., sun exposure, drainage, soil type).
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4-UNIT TOWNHOUSE
Y WA
LK WA
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KH
DESIGN: “INTO THE WOODS” This design embraces the woodland setting by bringing the wooded edge closer to the townhouses. The wooded park is planted with understory trees near the townhouses, and woodland shrubs, ferns, and groundcovers planted in the shady expanse beneath the canopy. Low walls and casual groupings of rocks are placed throughout the landscape, adding structure and visual interest with available, on-site materials.
GARAGE
UNDERSTORY TREE
FERNS
ROCKS
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
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HILDRETH HILLS
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Low mow Pennsylvania sedge fills the lawn space between the sidewalk and the homes. Ferns, groundcovers, and broad-leaf evergreens frame the foundation and echo the vegetation in the wooded park and the forest beyond.
PARKHURST
MOSSY WOODLAND FLOOR
THE SETTING Currently, in the Parkhurst neighborhood, townhouses are separated from the road and detached garages by a shady, wooded park with sparse under-plantings and some patchy lawn areas closer to the townhouses. Nearer to the housefronts, and framed by the sidewalk, there is more lawn space followed by foundation plantings. The road continues behind the homes, for attached garage access; a wooded slope borders the road to the east.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
BASEMENT-LEVEL GARAGES
R PA
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
PARKHURST
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUB
SEDGE OR LOW MOW LAWN SHRUB AND GROUNDCOVER
SKETCH PERSPECTIVE
12
K
DESIGN: “PRIVATE SPACES” This design creates a separation between the front yards and the walkway with low mounds of herbaceous perennials inter-planted with open-form, dwarf trees. Placing low vegetation along the walkways to provide a sense of separation from private front yards and public walkways without blocking views from the home into the courtyard. The front lawn is replaced with a low-mow lawn mix and no mow groundcovers.
AY W E
GARAGE IV
4-UNIT TOWNHOUSE
DR
GARAGE
UNDERSTORY OR DWARF TREE
FERNS
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUB ROCKS
The wooded courtyards, like the wooded parks in Monadnock, are planted with drifts of ferns, woodland groundcover and understory shrubs set amongst low rock walls—of which some have already been constructed by homeowners. Choose plants from the palette that tolerate dry, shady conditions (see planting plan for "Wooded Parks," sheet#) so that the plants will need less care and can spread out, filling in the shaded ground beneath the existing red oaks and white pines.
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
GARAGE
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
THE SETTING The townhouses are connected via paved walking paths and share grassy backyards. Detached garages frame wooded “courtyards” that separate the townhouses from the road. Much of the existing lawn is patchy; foundation plantings are overgrown or unhealthy; many wooded courtyards are devoid of understory plantings
N D AD RI N VE O C
MONADNOCK
O
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
M
GARAGE
HILDRETH HILLS
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
MONADNOCK
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
GARAGE
EVERGREEN NO MOW GROUNDCOVER LOW SHRUBS
SEDGE OR LOW-MOW LAWN FORBS SKETCH PERSPECTIVE
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GARAGE
4-UNIT TOWNHOUSE
Medium-height trees planted inside of the berm or along the road will soon provide shade and increase the woodland feeling that Hildreth Hills residents enjoy.
BASEMENT-LEVEL GARAGES
UNDERSTORY OR MEDIUM TREE LOW SHRUBS
FERNS SALT-TOLERANT MEDIUM SHRUB
The yard space adjacent to the unit entrances, between the houses and the sidewalk, are planted with groundcovers or other native lawn alternatives, and foundation plantings feature low shrubs and clumping (non-spreading) ferns.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
GARAGE
JIMNEY
DESIGN: “A ROOM AND A VIEW” This design creates a private front “room” by enclosing the front yard along the road with a planted berm. In addition to a visual barrier, the berm acts as a physical barrier between the front yard and the road salt that currently encroaches on the lawn when roads are plowed. On top of the berm, a salttolerant, informal hedge, under-planted with groundcover, replaces some of the large expanse of lawn.
HILDRETH HILLS
JIMNEY DRIVE
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
THE SETTING The townhouses in Jimney are laid out in a cul-de-sac arrangement with larger front yards that stretch to the road front. There is a lot of highmaintenance lawn space, fewer trees, and less shade than the other two neighborhoods. There are no wooded park-like areas in Jimney, but there are shared backyards that abut surrounding woodlands.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
JIMNEY
GARAGE
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
EVERGREEN GROUNDCOVER
FORBS AND GROUNDCOVER LOW-MOUND SHRUB SEDGE OR LOW-MOW LAWN
SKETCH PERSPECTIVE
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clockwise from left: bollard pathway light (www.hadco. com), Wall Forms® wall mount light and RDI Radius wall mount light (www.hubbelloutdoor.com)
RECOMMENDATIONS More energy efficient and architecturally appropriate lighting options are available and can provide a more cost-effective and visually appealing lighting system. Below are some important features to consider when choosing a new lighting system and fixtures: LED (light-emitting diode) fixtures Low-voltage, energy-efficient LEDs are more expensive than fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, but have a longer life, reducing both energy use and replacement costs. These lights should be spaced to provide adequate and consistent light on the ground.
LIGHTING PATHWAYS
The proposed design (right) utilizes shorter, bollard-style lights to illuminate pathways. By directing light toward walking surfaces with cut-off shades, this lighting scheme increases safety and decreases light pollution near the townhouses.
existing lighting
new led fixtures can provide energy-efficient lighting with a more modern look
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
LIGHTING DESIGNS
existing “colonial” style conventional lighting fixtures are dated and don't meet current energysaving standards.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
EXISTING LIGHTING Lighting is a safety concern for all residential, communal, and maintenance areas on site. The current colonial-style "lantern" lighting fixtures are dated and do not reflect the modern style of the townhouse architecture. Pole-mounted light fixtures line walking paths; they do not direct the light where it is needed (pathways) and many fixtures are worn and in disrepair. Differing wall-mounted fixtures are found on homes and garages throughout the site and vary in style and effectiveness.
timers and motion sensors Lighting controlled by timers reduces energy consumption by limiting the amount of time lights are turned on. Motion sensors only turn lights on when an intruder or visitor are detected.
proposed lighting
dark sky compliant “The mission of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.” (www.darksky.org) Guidelines include: • permit reasonable uses of outdoor lighting for nighttime safety, utility and recreation, while preserving the ambiance of the night • minimize glare and mis-directed light • conserve energy and resources to the greatest extent possible • help protect the natural environment from the damaging effects of night lighting
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
cut-off lighting + louvered lamps Directing light only where it is needed avoids energy waste and light pollution. Cut-off lighting that concentrates and directs light towards an intended area. Louvered lighting has layered cutoffs that further direct and concentrate light.
HILDRETH HILLS
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
LIGHTING DESIGN
15
brick pavers
Asphalt is an aggregate of crushed rock and crude oil that creates an impervious, monolithic surface that is smooth until it cracks and heaves from freezing and thawing. Asphalt is used on the site for roads, driveways, and [in Monadnock] some walking paths. It is a cheap material, but requires significant repair and replacement over time and is not an environmentally sustainable product.
Colonial-style red brick pavers were the original pavement material when Hildreth Hills’ sidewalks were first laid out, and many of them remain today. Clay bricks are slippery when wet and icy and require re-setting as they shift over time, but they are a reusable, permeable (at the un-mortared joints), nontoxic material. New pavers would benefit from a more stable base course than the existing sand as well as sturdier edging material.
proposed walkways
RECOMMENDATIONS Safe, level walking surfaces are the first concern when considering new walkways. Alternative materials that are sustainably sourced, allow for more permeability, and complement the desired aesthetics of the site are worth consideration when selecting pathway materials. Below are some options that reflect these considerations: unit pavers Frost heave is an issue in colder climates; monolithic surfaces like poured asphalt and concrete will eventually heave and crack, but pavers set in a permeable base course have more flexibility and can be re-set when necessary. By replacing the current colonial-style, red brick pavers with a more visually appealing and appropriate material with sturdier edging and substratum materials, a more resilient and cost-effective walkway system can be established—one that stays in place longer, requiring less repair and maintenance over time. urbanite Made of recycled concrete pieces, urbanite has low production energy and is a lowcost material to source. It has a look similar to flagstone and can be stained for a desired color effect.
recycled pavers Pavers made from recycled materials (seen here on Harvard campus) are set on a grid of stone dust, which provides more stability and durability than the existing brick pathways set in sand. This unit paving allows for water infiltration at joints and the light color reduces heat absorption in the summer. www.uos.harvard.edu
pervious pavement Pervious asphalt and concrete are porous hard surfaces that allow water to permeate through the surface which reduces the overland runoff during a storm and allows any toxic runoff to be filtered by the soil. However, pervious asphalt and concrete, like their impervious counterparts, are energy-intensive to produce and will eventually heave and crack, requiring patching or replacement. Still, these surfacing materials are less-expensive alternatives to unit paving and can be an improvement over the conventional, impervious options. Pervious pavement is worth considering when replacing driveways and parking lots on site.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
asphalt
EXISTING WALKWAYS Walkways connect units to garages, and streets. Most of the existing walkways are made of brick pavers set in sand and held in place at the edges with “soldier” bricks layed on their sides. These pathways have a tendency to become unsettled (and unsafe for pedestrians) and require frequent maintenance and re-setting. In Monadnock, some of the walking paths are made of asphalt, which is less permeable than brick and creates a visual disruption between the alternating surface materials. Bricks are especially slippery when wet or icy, and all walkways are currently plowed and salted in the winter, requiring a durable and salt-tolerant surface material (or an alternative de-icing solution, see "Best Management Practices," sheet 21.)
WALKWAY DESIGNS
existing walkways halt
HILDRETH HILLS
WALKWAY DESIGN
16
The suggested plants should do well without additional watering or fertilization once established. Broadleaf evergreens such as rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and azaleas will grow in shaded areas with acidic soil and require only minimal pruning. Taking design cues and plant materials from the woods of New England, these park areas will become an ode to the surrounding woodlands.
proposed
rhododendron
wood fern
Canada mayflower
wild geranium
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
WOODED PARKS
Canada anemone
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
existing
The design (below left) shows native plants that are suited to the sandy, acidic soil and shady conditions filling the understory of the existing red oaks and white pines. Struggling lawn patches are removed and replaced with mulch or groundcover plants. Stone walls may be constructed from on-site materials to add structure and visual interest that echoes the site’s agricultural past.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
foam flower
Wooded, park-like areas are a unique character of Hildreth Hills, providing shade and a woodland setting around the townhouses. These wooded parks are heavily maintained with brush and leaf-litter removed, and in some areas grass is planted, but struggling. These practices increase the cost of maintenance and deplete the soil of nutrients.
DESIGN DIRECTION
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
WOODED PARKS
HILDRETH HILLS
DESIGN DIRECTION
17
existing
inkberry holly
The proposed design (below) increases the size of the beds and uses larger shrubs such as northern bayberry that are more in scale with the open surroundings. Boulders—sourced from on site— repeat the theme of stone walls seen throughout the site. Perennial groundcovers and ferns fill in areas around shrubs and boulders. White birches are planted in the “Meadow”—an existing mowed field—that sits just beyond the Parkhurst Road bed (at left in images) to create a more wooded feel in the unused expanse of lawn. As the trees grow and shade out the lawn, more woodland perennials like Allegheny foam flower and Canada anemone, ferns, and shadetolerant shrubs can be grown in the understory. (See detailed planting plans on sheet 25.)
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
paper birch
FOUR CORNERS
northern bayberry
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Four Corners—the intersection of Monadnock and Parkhurst Drives— is a highly visible central node in Hildreth Hills. The existing corner beds are planted with a few shrubs and covered in a layer of mulch. A utility box in the bed nearest the Monadnock loop (at right in the image below left) is camouflaged with a mottled green finish.
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
HILDRETH HILLS
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
FOUR CORNERS
DESIGN DIRECTION
DESIGN DIRECTION
proposed
18
proposed
mountain laurel
highbush blueberry
bracken fern
fothergilla major
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
MAIN DRIVE
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
This design replaces the maintenance-heavy lawn with a more varied palette of ferns and shrubs that decrease in height as they near the road to keep an open feeling and preserve sight lines. Masses of ferns are planted in the area nearest the road and gradually replace the existing lawn. Ferns provide a low, green border along the road and can be mowed annually to prevent woody growth. Replacing the unused lawn border with a diversified mix of native species creates a more interesting main drive, provides more habitat for local wildlife, and decreases costly maintenance.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
existing
The main drive (along Monadnock Drive) begins at Hildreth Hill’s main entrance and runs for about 1,900 feet until arriving at the junction at Four Corners. This main drive is bordered on both sides by wide swaths of lawn that stretch to the wooded edge. On average, the mowed border is about 20 feet wide—a significant area of lawn to be mowed, fertilized, and irrigated (approximately 1.8 acres). As the lawn approaches the wooded edge, grass is shaded out and replaced by understory shrubs and aggressive species like Asian bittersweet and poison ivy.
DESIGN DIRECTION
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
MAIN DRIVE
HILDRETH HILLS
DESIGN DIRECTION
19
❹
❹ ❶
❾
❻
❶ ❸ ❶
❷ ❹
❺
The new design features a series of pathways that link all of the amenities on the club house site—including the new "bowling green" that replaces the unused lower tennis court and provides a flat surface for lawn sports and other outdoor activities. As lawn space is reduced elsewhere on site, the "bowling green" can become a central gathering place when an open, turf surface is needed. Trees are planted along the east driveway to frame part of the bowling green and shade the parking lot. White birch trees extend the wooded edge to the bowling green forming a birch grove under-planted with ferns and sedges. The deck is connected to the pool entrance by a curving path edged with low shrubs and perennials—maintaining visibility between the clubhouse deck and the pool. Taller shrubs border the west end of the pool path where it meets the driveway, enclosing the pool area and obscuring an electrical utility box. The path also connects the deck with tennis court and loops around the bowling green, and along the birch grove, providing a walkable circuit around the club site. Park benches line the path, allowing residents to take a break from their activities or to watch a game of tennis or bocce.
1 medium-height deciduous tree: showy mountain ash, hop hornbeam 2 tall, open-form shrubs: azalea, lowbush blueberry, 3 lawn alternative: low-mow mix 4 prostrate or mounding woodland shrubs: azalea, lowbush blueberry 5 successional forest edge trees: white or gray birch
6 shade-tolerant lawn alternative: Pennsylvania sedge 7 medium-height shrubs: maple-leaf viburnum, Virginia sweetspire 8 spreading ferns: hay scented fern, bracken fern 9 tall, evergreen shrubs: mountain laurel, rhododendron sensitive fern
azalea
showy mountain ash
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
THE HH CLUB
❹
Some residents feel that the club amenities are not well connected to one another, that space is uninviting, and that the current landscape is unappealing. Improved connectivity between the pool, clubhouse, and tennis courts, an up-dated planting palette, and a re-purposing of one of the under-used tennis courts (which is need of costly repair) could improve the function and feel of this space.
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
❼
❹
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
The Hildreth Hills Club is the central communal gathering space for residents. It includes a swimming pool and two tennis courts in addition to the clubhouse building which is used as an event space and meeting hall. These amenities may be attractive to potential buyers, but are not often used by residents.
DESIGN DIRECTION
THE HILDRETH HILLS CLUB
❽
HILDRETH HILLS
DESIGN DIRECTION
20
• Mulch can be sourced on site by chipping the leaves raked up in fall, mower clippings, and brush trimmings or it can be purchased commercially. Commercial mulch materials range from tree chips, shredded bark, pine needles or leaves to straw, nutshells, and compost. Inorganic mulches, such as gravel, ground rubber, and tumbled glass, do not improve soil qualities and may even damage or pollute soils. • As mulch breaks down into the soil, improving the nutrient levels, the mulch layer becomes less effective at inhibiting weeds. Mulch should be re-applied every year or so to maintain an ideal thickness of approximately three inches. When applying mulch, it is important to keep the mulch away from the base of trees and shrubs to avoid rot damage to the bark. vegetation control A variety of non-traditional weed control methods are available. Non-toxic horticultural vinegar applications may be used in place of a non-selective herbicide and corn gluten meal can replace a pre-emergent herbicide to reduce weed seedlings. For larger scaled vegetation removal, herded animals such as goats, sheep, and geese can be hired. Grazers such as sheep and geese will tend to eat vegetation on the ground, while browsers such as goats will be less selective, often eliminating all vegetation, including shrubs and young trees. As a result, grazers may be seen as an alternative to mowing whereas browsers may help with land clearing of woody species.
FORM PRUNING
de-icing alternatives According to on-site soil tests, the current salt products have been accumulating in the surrounding soils. The increased salinity has been negatively affecting lawn and other plantings. For winter-safe walkways that are not ecologically harmful, a host of biodegradable molasses based de-icing products are available for residential and municipal use. Molasses based de-icers are effective on surfaces down to -38˚ F, and unlike salt and potassium based de-icers, they do not corrode or cause build-up on surfaces and they safely degrade with no noticeable effects on soils or waterways. water conservation While native plant species suited to the site’s sandy hilltop conditions will require less water than traditional landscape species, rainwater catchment can reduce costs associated with landscape watering. Small scale rain barrels connected with building gutters can capture water for use in the landscape. Catchment systems are commercially available in a number of attractive styles for residential use. During drier summer months, when water becomes less available to plants, a supply of collected rainwater will keep plants healthy and attractive without increasing municipal water use. RAIN BARREL
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
• Mulching is an easy, affordable solution to degraded soil. In addition to improving the appearance of planting beds, mulch serves a number of functions such as increasing water retention, insulating root systems from temperature fluctuations, impeding weeds, and reducing soil erosion. Unlike soil amendments that need to be mixed into soils, mulch is applied to the surface and requires no digging or tilling.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
soil building • Healthy soil hosts a variety of beneficial fungal, microbial, and invertebrate species. When soils lose these organisms, nutrient levels become depleted, organic matter disappears, and water retention suffers. As a result, plants in these soils tend to struggle and experience higher instance of pest and disease problems.
pruning practices Opening a clear line of communication with the landscaping crew can help prevent dissatisfaction with inconsistent styles and the over-pruning of shrubs. Choosing shrubs and trees with a determinate height will reduce the frequency of necessary pruning. For a more natural but maintained look, a rounded shape with plenty of open space in the interior is recommended. This shape will promote air circulation within the interior of the plant, preventing damp related health problems such as blight, fungal infections, and rot.
BEST MGMT. PRACTICES
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
HILDRETH HILLS
Native plants chosen for the site’s specific conditions, low-growing lawn alternative grasses, and determinate height tree and shrub species (which will naturally stop growing at a certain height), will all require less attention than their traditional counterparts. To achieve good landscape health and a managed appearance, some maintenance practices will still be necessary. Considering cost, appearance, and ecological sustainability, the following management practices are recommended.
21
1 Shared driveways, providing access to four garages, form extensive patches of impermeable surface that direct fast-moving paths of water downslope toward the townhouses and eventually to the wetlands further below 2 Storm drains simply pipe runoff (often contaminated with lawn chemicals, road salt, and other toxins) further downslope and directly into waterways without treatment. 3 Some attempts have been made to intercept and slow driveway runoff with a planted bed; a drain in the front yard receives some of the runoff; the soil is being eroded, and the lawn is struggling.
③
④
A REDUCE IMPERVIOUS SURFACES ON DRIVEWAY
4 Adjacent to the stairway, a gravel-lined and mulched bed attempts to slow the driveway run-off; road salt deposits are evident on the asphalt. Rocks line the top of the planted bed seen in photo 3.
B OVERLAND SWALES ARE ROCKY AND PLANTED TO
RAIN GARDENS
INFILTRATE WATER
C CREATE RAIN GARDENS AROUND STORM WATER DRAINS TO INFILTRATE AND TREAT RUNOFF
D CREATE RAIN GARDENS FURTHER DOWN SLOPE TO CLEAN AND INFILTRATE ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND RUNOFF
A
B
C D
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
existing below ground storm drains
Rain gardens detain water, allowing it to slowly permeate through the ground, reducing overland runoff and allowing contaminated water to be filtered by the soil. Overland runoff is directed toward a depression in the ground planted with water-loving plants. Rain gardens fill up during heavy storms and dry out as water is infiltrated. These may be especially useful above wooded slopes to protect run-off from entering directly into wetlands; at the bottom of driveways that slope towards houses (as shown in diagram at left) and in areas where there is visible damage from water runoff erosion. The diagram, at left, demonstrates ways of directing, retaining, and infiltrating runoff with increased permeable surface area, rocky swales, and rain gardens. These water management systems utilize plants, rocks, and other natural materials to help prevent erosion and filter contaminated runoff.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
The images at left show areas in the Monadnock neighborhood that experience adverse effects from rainwater runoff:
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
Impermeable surfaces such as asphalt road, driveway, and walkway paving increase the rate of overland and storm drain runoff. This can create paths of erosion, and the excess flow that is not infiltrate by the soil will eventually settle in lower areas and be incorporated into the surrounding watershed.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
OVERLAND RUNOFF
WATER MANAGEMENT
WASTES"
②
①
WATER MANAGEMENT
M
HILDRETH HILLS
DU
AINS TO WA R T "D
"NO
NG PI
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
E
YS" A RW
22
Most American lawns consist of cool-season European pasture grasses that require constant care and watering to endure in the foreign soils of New England, especially during the hot summer season when they are supposed to go dormant. There are a number of attractive, costeffective, and more sustainable alternatives to the traditional lawn:
perennial groundcover
ferns
Native groundcovers such as partridgeberry, bearberry (above) and Canada mayflower can be a visually interesting alternative to monotonous lawns. These plants are shade-tolerant and form dense coverings that suppress weeds and require very little
Some ferns, such as bracken and hay-scented (above), spread to form large patches that can replace a lawn in areas where this is desired. These ferns tolerate a variety of soil conditions and can be mowed once a year in the fall to prevent woody growth.
moss + rocks
wood mulch
Moss is a beautiful and subtle groundcover that thrives in damp or shady locations in acidic soil. Using the rocks on site and encouraging moss growth in wooded areas will add to the woodland look.
Well-aged, untreated, and un-dyed wood mulch suppresses weeds, retains moisture, regulates soil temperatures and builds soil health as it further decomposes. It can also provide an intermediate ground covering while establishing groundcover plants.
reduce the lawn Bring the wooded edge closer to the townhouses to decrease the need for lawn care in unused yard spaces—the edge can be planted with understory shrubs or a wild flower mix to keep an open feel and not be closed in by tall trees. Increase mulched areas and groundcover in shady areas under trees where grass has difficulty growing. change approach Mow less frequently to reduce mowing costs by half, and keep grass clippings on the lawn as a free source of natural fertilizer that builds soil health. These suggestions might require a shift in the perception of what a lawn is supposed to look like, and be different from a maintenance contractor's routine practice, but ultimately residents should be able to appreciate the value of a lower cost and healthy looking landscape with a lower impact on the environment. change the lawn Another approach is changing the existing European grass lawn to a lawn planted with native grasses or sedges. The examples at left include native species that should grow well in conditions found on the site and require infrequent or no mowing. It is possible to overseed no/low mow grass seed over an existing lawn in the fall, and it should establish itself over the next few years.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
This native sedge spreads via stolons (aboveground runners) and is a shade-tolerant groundcover that forms soft “grassy” mounds. It can be mowed two to three times a year for lawn-like effect, is drought-tolerant in shade, and will grow in sandy, slightly acidic soils.
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
A mix of slow-growing, native fine fescues (cool-season grasses) that forms a dense sod that requires infrequent mowing, grows in sun or part shade, and tolerates sandy, acidic soils. Fescues also resist most turf diseases and are less susceptible to weeds. (prairienursery.com)
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Pennsylvania sedge
LAWN ALTERNATIVES
low-mow grass
Lawns have become the defining feature of the American yard, and an expanse of grass can be a useful play area. Traditional turf lawns, however, are an expensive, energy-intensive landscape feature that requires irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides and frequent mowing to achieve the intended look. At Hildreth Hills, there is little need for recreational lawns, and despite the amount of maintenance and time spent caring for these areas, a lush green lawn has not been achieved in many places on the site because sandy, acidic soil and dry shade are not the desired growing conditions for conventional lawn grasses.
HILDRETH HILLS
LAWN ALTERNATIVES
23
part shade/ part sun
PARKHURST part shade/ part sun
part sun
part shade/ part sun
sun/ part sun
JIMNEY
part shade/ shade
part sun
part shade/ part sun
This is a diagram of the amount of sun and shade different building clusters receive based on their forest cover. This will determine the type of sun and shade tolerant plants that will survive and thrive in these locations.
MONADNOCK
drainage and moisture • Overall, sandy soil composition and upslope positioning creates well to excessively well drained soils on site. Plants evolved for drier habitats will require less water and maintenance to look beautiful and healthy. • Jimney is downslope and closer to streams and wetlands so there may be wetter soil conditions.
natural open meadow
natural woodland
Micro-conditions will vary from house to house and even within areas of one yard. Please observe individual conditions carefully before planting. All units will have full shade on their north-facing sides.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
shade
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
sun • Due to the orientation of the house fronts and abundance of mature trees on site, most areas do not receive full sun, and would support shade tolerant plants best. • Areas in Jimney have fewer mature trees and receive more direct sun. Plants evolved for open meadows and higher sun conditions should perform best in these conditions. • Some areas in Parkhurst and on the west side of Monadnock may receive very little direct sun and should choose shade loving plants that would naturally be found in shaded woodland habitats.
PLANTING CONSIDERATIONS
Knowing the conditions of a chosen planting area is an important first step in choosing proper plant materials. Many plant species will thrive best in specific light, drainage, and moisture conditions.
HILDRETH HILLS
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
PLANTING CONSIDERATIONS
24
①
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
1 spreading, dry-tolerant ferns: hay-scented fern, bracken fern 2 low to medium, shade-tolerant shrubs: highbush blueberry, St. John's wort 3 taller, under-story woodland shrubs: fothergilla major, mountain laurel
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
MAIN DRIVE
②
②
④
WOODED PARKS
①
⑦
1 broadleaf evergreen, woodland shrubs: inkberry holly, azalea 2 prostrate or mounding woodland shrubs: dwarf fothergilla, lowbush blueberry, 3 taller, understory woodland shrubs: mountain laurel, rhododendron 4 spreading woodland groundcovers: Canada mayflower, bearberry 5 woodland perennials: foam flower, Canada anemone 6 clumping ferns: maiden hair fern, Christmas fern ⑤ ②
⑤⑥
FOUR CORNERS 1 trees: paper or river birch 2 tall-shrub: northern bayberry 3 medium-height broadleaf evergreens: rhododendron, inkberry holly 4 prostrate or low mounding shrubs: azalea, lowbush blueberry 5 + 6 clumping ferns: Christmas fern, autumn fern 7 groundcover: bearberry, moss phlox
③
②
③
⑤⑥ ④
④
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
①
PLANTING PLANS
③
HILDRETH HILLS
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
PLANTING PLANS
⑥ ⑦
25
Christmas fern
pink shell azalea
sweetfern
thread-leaved tickseed
wild geranium
pink turtlehead
Canada anemone
sundrop
blunt-lobed woodsia
mountain laurel
bayberry
white birch
pagoda dogwood
showy mountain ash
TREES
black-eyed susan
hop hornbeam
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
barren strawberry
partridgeberry
bracken fern
false dragonhead
FORBS
PLANT PALETTE
wild ginger
wood sedge
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
SHRUBS
little bluestem
HILDRETH HILLS
bearberry
hay-scented fern
images from New England Wildflower Society gobotony.newenglandwild.org
emory’s sedge
FERNS
GROUNDCOVER
Pennsylvania sedge
GRASSES
PLANT PALETTE
white wood aster
26
d - dry
ps - part sun
mw - moderately well
dr - droughty
psh - part shade
w - well
avg - average
sh - shade
ex - excessive
m - moist w - wet
Type
Botanical Name
Common Name
Sun
Height
Flower/Foliage
Drainage
Moisture
Notes
Sedges and Grass
Carex amphibola
Eastern Narrow-leaved Sedge
ps/sh
< 1’
bright green
mw
w-dr
blooms in april
Sedges and Grass
Carex appalachica
Appalachian Sedge
ps/sh
< 1’
bright green
mw
m-dr
blooms in april
Sedges and Grass
Carex eburnea
Bristleleaf Sedge
ps/sh
< 1’
dark green
mw
m-dr
blooms in april
Sedges and Grass
Carex emori
Emory’s Sedge
s/sh
2’
bright green
p-mw
w-m
Sedges and Grass
Carex flaccosperma
Blue Wood Sedge
ps/sh
1’
blue/green
mw
m-dr
blooms in april
Sedges and Grass
Carex pensylvanica
Pennsylvania Sedge
ps/sh
8-10”
bright green
mw
m-dr
smaller grass choice for dry shade and front border/bed
Sedges and Grass
Carex plantaginea
Seersucker Sedge
ps/sh
< 1’
bright green
mw
m-dr
blooms in april
Sedges and Grass
Carex platyphylla
Broad-leaved Sedge
ps/sh
< 1’
dark/glossy
mw
m-dr
blooms in april
Sedges and Grass
Carex stricta
Tussock Sedge
s/sh
2-3’
dark green
p-mw
w-m
Sedges and Grass
Hierochloe ororata
Sweetgrass
s
24”
glossy green
mw-w
m-avg
Sedges and Grass
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem
s
36”
blue/green
w
dr-m
Sedges and Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Indian Grass
s/ps
36-72”
blue/green
p-mw
dr-m
Thrives in poor soils, turns coppery orange in fall
Sedges and Grass
Sporobolus heterolepsis
Prairie Dropseed
s
36”
glossy green
w
dr-avg
turns yellow to orange in fall
Ground Cover
Amphicarpaea bracteata
American Hog Peanut
s/psh
6- 12”
purple/white
w-p
avg-w
nitrogen fixer; blooms August to September
Ground Cover
Aralia nudicaulis
Wild Sarsaparilla
psh/sh
8-24”
white
mw-ex
avg-d
prefers sandy acidic soils
Ground Cover
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Bearberry
s/lt sh
3-8”
light pink
w-ex
avg-dr
shrub/ trailing shallow-root branches; infertile/ loamy sands
Ground Cover
Asarum canadense
Wild Ginger
sh/ps
6-10”
glossy green
m-ex
m-dr
shiny leaves; rounded habit; moderate spreader
Ground Cover
Coptis trifolia
Three-leaved Goldthread
ps/sh
3-6”
white
p-w
m-avg
early spring ephemeral
Ground Cover
Dicentra canadensis
Squirrel Corn
ps
5”
white
m
m
Flowers are heart shaped
Ground Cover
Epigaea repens
Trailing Arbutis
s/sh
< 3’
white/pink
w-ex
avg-dr
Ground Cover
Epimedium sp
Barrenwort
ps/sh
6-10”
white/yellow
mw
m-dr
Ground Cover
Gaultheria procumbens
Wintergreen
s/sh
4-6”
white
p-w
w-dr
Ground Cover
Linnaea borealis
American Twinflower
Ground Cover
Maianthemum canadense
Canada Mayflower
s/sh
3-6”
white
p-mw
m-dr
Ground Cover
Mitchella repens
Partridge-Berry
s/sh
2-5”
white
p-mw
w-dr
Ground Cover
Pachysandra procumbens
Allegheny pachysandra
sh
4-10”
white
avg
m-avg
tolerates short dry spells
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
p - poor
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
s - sun
COMPREHENSIVE PLANT LIST I
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Moisture
PLANT LIST I
Drainage
HILDRETH HILLS
KEY TO LIST
Sun
pink
quick spreader-dense carpet; perennial dies back in winter
27
Height
Flower/Foliage
Drainage Moisture
Notes
Ground Cover
Sanguinaria canadensis
Bloodroot
ps/sh
6-12”
white
mw
m
bright green foliage/ red in fall
Ground Cover
Sedum spp.
Stonecrop
s
2-8”
white/yellow
mw
dr-avg
good for small spaces
Ground Cover
Tiarella cordifolia
Allegheny Foamflower
sh
12”
white
p-w
m-avg
Ground Cover
Vaccinium angustifolium
Low-Bush Blueberry
s/psh
8-24”
white
w-ex
m-dr
tough, easy, forms tight mats, good for erosion control
Ground Cover
Waldsteinia fragarioides
Barren Strawberry
s/psh
3-6”
yellow
avg
m-dr
fruits not edible; glossy, evergreen, dark green foliage
Fern
Adiantum pedatum
Maidenhair Fern
psh/sh
12-24” blue/green
p-mw
m
graceful ginkgo shaped leaflets
Fern
Athrium felix-femina
Lady Fern
s/sh
24-36” bright green
p-mw
m
adaptable to many conditions
Fern
Dennstaedtia punctilobula
Hay-scented Fern
s/ps
24-30” light green
p-w
d-m
fronds have an ornamental lacy texture
Fern
Dryopteris fili-mas
Male Fern
ps/sh
24-48” light green
p-w
d-m
turns dark yellow in fall
Fern
Dryopteris intermedia
Evergreen Wood Fern
sh
18-36” dark green
p-w
d-m
tough ornamental suited to heavy shade
Fern
Dryopteris marginalis
Marginal Shield Fern
psh/sh
18-30” bright green
p-w
d-m
fairly drought resistant
Fern
Onoclea sensibilis
Sensitive Fern
s/sh
12-36” blue/green
p-mw
m-w
tolerates full sun if soil is wet
Fern
Polystichum acrostihcoides
Christmas Fern
ps/sh
10-20” dark green
p-w
d-m
easy to grow ornamental
Fern
Pterstichum acrostichoides
Bracken Fern
s/sh
18-60” light green
p-w
d-m
thrives in poor soils
Fern
Woodsia obtusa
Blunt-lobed Cliff Fern
ps/sh
5-16”
p-w
d-m
thrives in rocky areas and on rock walls
Fern
Woodwardia areolata
Netted Chain Fern
s/sh
12-24” light green
p-mw
m-w
good naturalizer
Forb
Actaea racemosa
Black Cohosh
ps/sh
24-72” white
avg
m
woodland edge; varying sized cultivars
Forb
Anemone canadensis
Canada Anemone
s/psh
1-2’
white
avg
avg-dr
blooms late May-June
Forb
Apocynum androsaemifolium Spreading Dogbane
s/ps
7-30”
white/pink
w-ex
avg-dr
Forb
Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly Weed
s
12-36” orange red
w-ex
dr-avg
blooms all summer; great butterfly attractor
Forb
Campanula rotundifolia
Harebell
s/psh
8-12”
w
dr-m
rock garden; front of border; woodland edge
Forb
Chelone lyonii
Pink Turtlehead
s/ps
24-36” pink
avg
m
dark green foliage; blooms August
Forb
Chelone glabra
White Turtlehead
s/ps
24-36” white
avg
m-w
dark green foliage; blooms August
Forb
Clintonia borealis
Bluebeard Lily
ps/sh
12”
white
w-p
m
spring bloomer; bead-like berry
Forb
Clintonia umbellulata
Speckled Wood Lily
ps/sh
12”
white
mw-p
avg-dr
spring bloomer; bead-like berry
Forb
Coreopsis verticillata
Threadleaf Tickseed
s
1-2’
yellow
mw
m-dr
blooms in mid-summer
Forb
Delphinium exaltatum
Tall Larkspur
ps
2-6”
purple blue
w
m-dr
very resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits
Forb
Dicentra eximia
Wild Bleeding Heart
ps
12-18” pink
m
m
long-blooming; fern-like foliage; heart-shaped flowers
Forb
Eurybia divaricatus
White Wood Aster
ps/sh
1’
m
m-dr
blooms in September
Forb
Geranium maculatum
Wild Geranium
s/ps
12-18” pink
m
m-dr
early season blooming; use in masses/drifts
Forb
Gaillardia artisata
Blanket Flower
s
12”
w-dr
avg-dr
G. punchella is an annual form
light green
violet-blue
white yellow red
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
Sun
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
Common Name
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Botanical Name
PLANT LIST II
Type
HILDRETH HILLS
COMPREHENSIVE PLANT LIST II
28
Height
Forb
Heuchera americana
Common Alumroot
ps/psh
Forb
Liatris squarrosa
Northern Blazing Star
Forb
Oenothera fruticosa
Forb
Flower/Foliage
Drainage Moisture
Notes
12-24” cream
w
m-dr
blooms early summer
s
2-3’
purple
m
m-dr
blooms in July
Sundrops
s
1-2’
yellow
avg
m-dr
blooms in June
Penstemon hirsutus
Hairy Beardtongue
s
1-3’
white to purple
m-ex
m-dr
Forb
Physostegia virginiana
False Dragonhead
s/psh
2-3’
white/pink
mw
m-dr
blooms late summer
Forb
Polygonatum biflorum
Solomon’s Seal
ps/sh
12-28” white
m
m
blooms in Spring
Forb
Rudbeckia ful. Var. fulgida
Black-eyed Susan
s
2’
yellow
m
m-dr
blooms in July
Forb
Symphyotrichum cordifolius
Blue Wood Aster
ps/sh
1-2’
blue
m
m-dr
blooms in September
Vine
Lonicera sempervirens
Trumpet Honeysuckle
s/psh
5-10’
red
m
m-w
long-blooming in summer; attracts hummingbirds
Vine
Lonicera dioica
Glaucus Honeysuckle
s/psh
5-10’
yellow
m
m-w
blooms early in season; silver-toned bracts
Shrub
Aronia arbutifolia
Red Chokeberry
s/psh
6-12’
white
p-w
w-dr
compaction resistant; shallow roots
Shrub
Aronia melanocarpa
Black Chokeberry
s/psh
3-6’
white
w-p
w-avg
shallow lateral roots
Shrub
Calycanthus floridus
Sweetshrub
s/sh
4-7’
red
p-ex
m-dr
Shrub
Ceanothus americanus
New Jersey Tea
s/sh
3-6’
white
w-ex
avg-dr
Shrub
Cercis canadensis
Eastern Redbud
s/sh
15-30’ pink
p-w
avg-dr
Shrub
Clethra alnifolia
Summersweet Clethra
s/sh
6-12’
white
p-mw
w-m
compaction resistant; shallow root; forms clumps
Shrub
Comptonia perigrinia
Sweetfern
s/psh
3-4’
dark green
w-ex
avg-dr
poor dry soil
Shrub
Corylus americana
American Hazelnut
psh/sh
6-12’
dark green
m-ex
dr-m
Shrub
Diervilla lonicera
Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle
s
3’
yellow
mw-ex
avg-dr
shallow lateral roots
Shrub
Dirca palustrus
Atlantic Leatherwood
s/psh
3-6’
pale yellow
mw-w
m-avg
shallow lateral roots
Shrub
Fothergilla gardeni
Dwarf Fothergilla
s/psh
3-4’
white
p-w
w-avg
yellow-orange-red fall color
Shrub
Fothergilla major
Large Fothergilla
s/sh
6-12’
white
mw-w
m-avg
compaction resistant; fibrous roots
Shrub
Hamamelis vernalis
Vernal Witchchazel
s/psh
6-12’
yellow-orange
p-mw
w-avg
compaction resistant; fibrous roots
Shrub
Hydrangea arborescens
Smooth Hydrangea
s/sh
3-6’
white
mw-w
m-avg
intermediate compaction resistant; fibrous roots
Shrub
Hydrangea quercifolia
Oakleaf Hydrangea
s/sh
3-6’
green-white
mw-w
m-avg
intermediate compaction resistant; fibrous roots
Shrub
Hypericum frondosum
Golden St. John’s Wort
s
3’
bright yellow
w-ex
avg-dr
shallow lateral roots; round form
Shrub
Hypericum prolificum
Shrubby St. John’s Wort
s
3’
yellow
p-ex
w-dr
compaction resistant; drought resistant
Shrub
Ilex glabra
Inkberry
s/ps
10-12’ white
p-mp
m-w
good for streamsides and areas prone to puddling
Shrub
Itea virginica
Virginia Sweetspire
s/sh
6-12’
white
p-m
w-m
compaction resistant; drought resistant
Shrub
Juniperus horizontalis
Creeping juniper
s
3’
yellow
mw-ex
avg-dr
Shrub
Kalmia latifolia
Mountain Laurel Kalmia
s/sh
12-20’ white/pink
p-w
w-avg
compaction resistant; moderate drought resistant
Shrub
Leucothoe catesbaei
Drooping Leucothoe
s/psh
3-6’
white
p-w
m-avg
broadleaf evergreen
Shrub
Lindera benzoin
Spicebush
s/sh
6-12’
yellow
p-w
m-avg
shallow, rambling lateral roots
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
Sun
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
Common Name
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Botanical Name
PLANT LIST III
Type
HILDRETH HILLS
COMPREHENSIVE PLANT LIST III
29
Height
Flower/Foliage
Drainage Moisture
Notes
Shrub
Myrica pensylvanica
Northern Bayberry
s/lt sh
3-6’
white
p-ex
w-dr
shallow-deep roots; grows well in a range of soils
Shrub
Physocarpus opulifolius
Common Ninebark
s
6-12’
white
p-ex
w-dr
shallow lateral roots; mound form; fall-yellow-purple
Shrub
Potentilla fruticosa
Bush Cinquefoil
s
3’
yellow or white
p-ex
w-dr
shallow lateral roots
Shrub
Rhododendron canadense
Rhodora
s/ps
2-4’
magenta
p-mw
m-w
blooms in early spring
Shrub
Rhododendron vaseyi
Pink-shell Azalea
ps/psh
5-15’
pink
m-ex
avg-dr
Shrub
Rhus aromatica
Fragrant Sumac
s/psh
3-8’
red
m-ex
m-dr
Shrub
Ribes odoratum
Clove Current
s
6-12’
yellow
w-ex
avg-dr
fairly compaction resistant; drought resistant
Shrub
Rosa virginiana
Virginia Rose
s
2-5’
pink
p-w
avg-dr
blooms early to midsummer
Shrub
Rubrus odoratus
Fragrant Thimbleberry
sh
3-6’
rose purple
mw-ex
m-avg
shallow lateral roots; mound form; purple-red color
Shrub
Vaccinium corymbosum
Highbush Blueberry
s/sh
6’ +
white
p-w
w-dry
yel-orng-red-purple fall color, shallow fibrous
Shrub
Viburnum acerifolia
Mapleleaf Virburnum
ps/sh
3-6’
white
p-ex
dr-m
dark red fall color
Shrub
Viburnum cassinoides
Witherod Viburnum
s/sh
6-12’
white
p-w
avg-w
compaction resistant/intermediate heat resistance
Tree
Acer pensylvanicum
Striped Maple
ps/sh
15-25’ yellow
p-w
m-avg
reddish brown bark is marked with white-ish vertical lines
Tree
Amelanchier canadensis
Eastern Serviceberry
s/ps
10-20’ white
mw-w
dr-m
Tree
Betula nigra
River Birch
s
50-75’ light green
p-mw
w-avg
Tree
Betula papyrifera
White Birch
s
60-70’ light green
p-w
m-avg
Tree
Betula populifolia
Gray Birch
s
35-50’ light green
p-ex
w-dr
compaction resistant; dry areas; shallow roots
Tree
Carya ovata
Shagbark Hickory
s/sh
75100’
p-w
w-dr
compaction resistant; shallow roots
Tree
Magnolia virginiana
Sweetbay Magnolia
s/sh
12-20’ white
p-mw
w-m
compaction resistant; moderate drought resistant
Tree
Ostrya virginiana
Eastern Hop Hornbeam
s/ps
25-40’ yellow catkins
w
dr-m
peeling bark adds interest to winter landscape
Tree
Prunis pensylvanica
Pin Cherry
s/ps
20-40’ white
w
dr-m
ornamental bronze bark
Tree
Sorbus decora
Showy Mountain Ash
ps/sh
20-25’ white
p-w
m-dr
Tree
Swida alternifolia
Pagoda Dogwood
s/ps
15-25’ white
p-w
dr-m
Tree
Quercus ilicifolia
Bear Oak
s/psh
<20’
w-ex
dr-avg
light green
dark green
compaction resistant; shallow roots
horizontal branching pattern gives a layered look
There are many more native plant species suitable to this site. Please consider that this list may grow with the community’s knowledge.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
Sun
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
Common Name
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
Botanical Name
PLANT LIST IV
Type
HILDRETH HILLS
COMPREHENSIVE PLANT LIST IV
30
TOTAL $16,600-$18,000
TOTAL $22,800-$25,000
Monadnock (for one four-unit building)
Residential areas are calculated as the spaces between houses and the parallel walkway while common areas are calculated as the space between the walkway and the road. These estimates should be verified by a professional before proceeding with any project purchases and/or installation.
residential area • sedge lawn $5,700 • groundcover @ 2’ O.C. $1,600 • forb @ 2’ O.C. $350 • shrubs - 5 gal. $660 • trees - 1”-1.5” cal. $600-$800 • clearing $300 • soil amendments 3-6” depth $1,200-$1,700 • mulch (on-site) 3” depth $150-$250 • grading/ site prep $500-$550 SUBTOTAL $11,000-$13,000 common area • ferns @ 1’ O.C. $5,500 • shrubs - 5 gal. $750 • mulch (on-site) 3” depth $1,350 SUBTOTAL $7,500-$7,800
TOTAL $18,500-$20,800
lawn conversion The existing lawn areas and current management practices indicate an opportunity to convert upwards of 10 acres of managed lawn to naturalized meadows or lawn alternative. Converting 10 acres of existing managed lawn will require significant site preparation, materials, and implementation. Installation costs are estimated to be nearly $8,000 per acre, or approximately $80,000 for 10 acres of converted lawn.
Should an individual homeowner wish to install the design on their own budget, costs are based on the specific unit model, amount of residential green space, and neighborhood design. Costs include site preparation , grading, plant materials, and amendments. Cost could be reduced if the homeowner chooses to use their own labor or install in phases.
savings As noted above, current management expenses for existing managed lawn areas amount to approximately $3,800 per acre. Maintenance expenses for naturalized meadows and lawn alternative, including one mowing per season and monitoring of and treatment for invasive plants, has been estimated to cost $300 per acre. When combined, the total annual savings for landscape maintenance for both the remaining lawn areas (approximately 6 acres) and the natural meadows/lawn alternative (approximately 10 acres) are estimated to be $35,000 per year.
• Parkhurst - $2,100-$4,800 per unit • Monadnock - $1,100-$3,400 per unit • Jimney - $600-$2,800 per unit
Taking into account the installation costs of conversion, these savings would be realized after the third year of implementation.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
current maintenance expenses Under current management practices (see sheet 9), lawn maintenance—including mowing, seeding, chemical applications, and irrigation—constitutes nearly 70% of the annual maintenance budget or $60,220 per year. Approximately 50% of the landscape maintenance budget is dedicated to mowing.
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
residential area • groundcover @ 2’ O.C. $2,750 • forbs @ 2’ O.C. $1,700 • shrubs 5 gal. $720 • clearing $250 • soil amendments 3-6” depth $1,400-$2,100 • mulch (on-site) 3” depth $580 • grading/site prep $350-$400 SUBTOTAL $7,800-$8,500 common area • groundcover @ 2’ O.C. $7,500 • shrubs - 5 gal. $1,200 • trees - 1”-1.5” cal. $300-$400 • mulch (on-site) 3” depth $1,000 • berm (4’h x 150’l) $5,100 SUBTOTAL $15,000-$16,500
LAWN MAINTENANCE
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
residential area • sedge lawn $7,100 • groundcover @ 2’ O.C. $150 • forb @ 2’ O.C. $1,150 • trees - 1”-1.5” cal. $150-$200 • clearing $400 • soil amendments 3-6”depth $500-$1,000 • mulch (on-site) 3” depth $150 • grading/ site prep $600-$800 SUBTOTAL $10,000-$11,000 common area • ferns @ 1’ O.C. $2,200 • shrubs - 5 gal. $600 • trees - 1”-1.5” cal. $750-$1,000 • mulch (on-site) 3” depth $3,000 SUBTOTAL $6,600-$7,000
Jimney (for one four-unit building)
COST ESTIMATES
Parkhurst (for one four-unit building)
COST ESTIMATES
HILDRETH HILLS
These are preliminary cost estimates for long and short-term landscape improvements to Hildreth Hills. All of these improvements can be implemented in phases to reduce up-front costs. All designs will have decreased maintenance costs after establishment.
31
• Phase out use of all synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and other landscape chemicals. • Remove invasive shrubs in landscaped areas on site and phase out less-desirable shrubs (e.g. unhealthy, overgrown, aggressive, not part of recommended plant list) and replace with appropriate species from the plant list. • Plant trees recommended in the planting plans to give them time to grow and establish themselves. • Replace walkways in Parkhurst, where they are particularly in need of repair, and eventually, all of the walkways. • Implement the design at Four Corners (Sheet 18.) • Consider replacing the "meadow" at four corners with wild flowers or other lawn alternatives. Add mowed paths and reduce mowing to once or twice a year as an alternate to the existing expanse of high-maintenance lawn. • Replace townhouse front lawns with native low mow grasses, sedges, mosses, or groundcovers—especially in shady areas where grass is struggling. • Improve the accessibility of the nature trail by keeping walking paths cleared and navigable. Improve trails and add clearer trail markers. • Remove the lower tennis court and use the remaining replacement budget to replant the area with trees and a low-mow lawn as suggested in "The Hildreth Hills Club" plan on sheet 20. • Replace the deck and implement new pathway and plantings around the pool area. • Replace the existing light fixtures. • Implement residential design plans including wooded park areas. • Begin planting ferns and flowering shrubs along the main entry road. • Assess the health of the surrounding woodlands and wetlands with a local ecologist.
cost-benefit—What improvements to the existing landscape will have the fastest return on maintenance cost reduction? community effort—What projects can be implemented by resident volunteers? Wild-sourcing plants and materials like rocks and using "sweat-equity" are no-cost ways to get projects started and community members involved in the process. TEN TO FIFTEEN YEARS • Continue to replace lawn with native grasses and sedges.
• Replace all walkways and light fixtures. • Work with neighbors to create a walking and biking path to Westford town center. • Borrow sheep to graze meadows two times a year. • Create connected sidewalks throughout the site to link the Parkhurst, Monadnock, and Jimney neighborhoods. • Create extensive nature trails to enjoy more of the beautiful natural woodlands and wetlands on site and connect them to trails off-site.
judith doll-foley emily durost olivia loughrey
priority—What must be done immediately for safety concerns, or to prevent further costly structural or environmental deterioration on site?
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
This landscape master plan contains a series of designs and suggestions for establishing a more cost-effective, energy-efficient, beautiful, and sustainable landscape at Hildreth Hills. New designs and improvements have the potential to create a safer, more pleasant landscape for residents, increase property value, and reduce maintenance costs over time, but come with initial costs for materials and installation. The implementation process may be constrained by budget, season, and community consensus, but it is also important to consider:
westford, massachusetts spring 2013
FIVE YEARS
PHASING + IMPLEMENTATION
PHASING + IMPLEMENTATION
• Reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and other landscape chemicals (see "Best Management Practices," sheet 21.) • Work with the landscape maintenance company to devise a less-intensive pruning regime and encourage open forms with shrubs (see "Best Management Practices," sheet 21.) • Ask maintenance company to use a mulching mower that leaves grass clippings on the lawn to add nutrients back into the soil. • Use mulch to stabilize bare and eroding soils under trees—this will also help feed the soil. • Reduce the mowing schedule to once every two weeks or as needed. • Mow the wild meadow once in the fall and keep the walking path mowed to the nature trail • Replace shrubs and trees as they are cut down, with appropriate native species. • Rehabilitate existing shrubs (e.g. rhododendrons and azaleas) that are overgrown, but are still healthy with a hard pruning. • Plant ferns around the pool to allow them to establish.
HILDRETH HILLS
FIRST YEAR
32