Darrow School Central Green Space Design
New Lebanon, New York
Julie Welch
Elaine Williamson
The Conway School Graduate Program in Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design Spring 2011
The Pegboard
INDEX OF SHEETS
Wickersham, 1937
The Conway School is the only institution of its kind in North America. Its focus is sustainable landscape planning and design. Each year through its accredited, ten-month graduate program just 18-19 graduate students from diverse backgrounds are immersed in a range of applied landscape studies, ranging in scale from residences to regions. Graduates go on to play significant professional roles in various aspects of landscape planning and design with an eye to sustainability.
1. Darrow School
12. Preferred Design Illustrative Drawings
2. Project Summary/Goals
13. Plant Palette
3. Existing Conditions
14. Plant List 1
4. Access and Circulation
15. Plant List 2
5. Drainage
16. Design in Context
6. Vegetation
17. Planting Plan A
7. Summary Analysis
18. Planting Plan B
8. World Garden Alternative
19. World Garden Planting Plan
9. Gift Tree Alternative
20. Planting Instructions
10. Design Precedents
21. Costs/Materials Details
11. Preferred Design
DARROW SCHOOL
Tannery Barn is one of the Shaker buildings on the Darrow School campus
Darrow School, an independent college preparatory school located in New Lebanon, New York, occupies the former Mount Lebanon Shaker Village. Students and faculty live, work, and study in the original Shaker buildings.
treatment system, the “Living Machine,” which uses a natural ecosystem as a model to clean wastewater from school dorms and other campus buildings before returning it to the Hudson River watershed.
Mount Lebanon Shaker Village was established in 1787 as a self-sufficient farming community known for its seed enterprise, its unadorned, hand-crafted furniture, its utopian approach to communal living, and a deep reverence for the land that provided its livelihood.
In addition, Darrow School’s Hands-to-Work program fosters the dignity of labor and cooperative effort. Every Wednesday students and faculty work together in teams on special projects around the campus to prune apple trees, tend to the maple sugar bush, maintain the gardens, and chop wood. The program provides a means of learning how to work together as a community, and explore the relationships between people and their resources.
Since 1932, when the school was founded, students and faculty have embraced the Shaker tradition of respect for the land and stewardship of natural resources. In 2005, Darrow School was recognized as a pioneer in integrating environmental sustainability and stewardship into its curriculum. In addition to integrating sustainability into coursework, the school is recognized for the sustainable way students and faculty live on the land today. Darrow School hosts hundreds of visitors who come each year to learn more about the school’s wastewater
Hands-to-Work team planting a vegetable garden
Hands-to-Work team making maple syrup
Hands-to-work student tending the Living Machine
The Living Machine
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
1|21
PROJECT SUMMARY As part of an overall campus master plan, slated for phased execution over the next few years, Darrow School has asked the Conway student team to provide a pedestrian friendly design and planting plan for its one-acre green space in the center of campus. The team was also asked to provide a planting plan that can easily be implemented and maintained by the Darrow School Hands-toWork program. The design and planting plans need to be organized in phases that acknowledge the school’s plan to upgrade the drainage system near the focal area and across a large swath of the campus this summer as well as a major renovation, in the next three years, of the largest building on campus, the Dairy Barn, which flanks the western edge of the project focal area.
ADMISSIONS
vegetation that create an attractive first impression.
S.E.C.
The focal area is highly visible. It is next to the school admissions office and the frequently visited Samson Environmental Center (S.E.C.), where students and faculty lead tours of the school’s Living Machine.
DAIRY BARN
The school would like to improve the visual appearance of their center campus and create a more inviting green space for students and faculty to enjoy.
Darrow School would like to incorporate an outdoor gathering space into the design for classes and groups of 15 people, and would like clear paths and low maintenance
PROJECT FOCAL AREA
The campus green space is a highly traversed, roughly square space framed by the school’s main academic buildings. Cars and pedestrians move through and around the space, often at the same time. There are multiple pathways criss-crossing the area; some are dirt paths, some are stone paths, and several are desire paths. Essentially, the space is considered “a place to pass through in order to get from here to there,” according to stakeholders. A new design will give the space a visual identity and improve the appearance of the school’s center campus.
PROJECT GOALS • Provide a pedestrian-friendly design plan for Darrow School’s 1-acre green space • Provide parking alternatives that move cars out of open space • Improve entry experience to project focal area
• Develop a phased design and planting plan that Hands-to-Work crews can install and help maintain
• Honor Shaker traditions and aesthetics inherited by Darrow School • Further Darrow School’s commitment to sustainability
Desire paths
Stone paths
Cars parked on pedestrian paths
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
2|21
EXISTING CONDITIONS The project focal area is dominated by three stands of 80-foot-tall Norway spruce that cast long shadows across the space and the buildings that frame it. The topography is relatively flat. Groundcover is worn and bare, especially along the pathways that are traversed several times a day by the faculty and students as they walk to and from classes, the dining hall, student center, gymnasium, and living quarters, all of which are housed in the buildings that line the area. Conditions reflect the constant activity of vehicular and foot traffic. Cars and pedestrians both move through this space. The ground is compacted, and cars park on the root systems of most of the trees and vegetation in the area. Some of the 38 spruce trees appear to be unhealthy. Structures on the site: Wickersham is the first building as you enter from Darrow Road. The four-story brick building houses the school’s 12 administrative offices, 12 classrooms, a tutorial wing, a faculty apartment, and meeting rooms.
Dairy Cottage in the center of the open space is a single-family home for faculty and is one of the oldest buildings on this portion of campus. Dairy Barn is the largest building on campus and contains the gymnasium, dining hall, kitchen, student center, theatre, and a thirdfloor faculty apartment. The Science Building and the Samson Environmental Center (S.E.C.), which houses the school’s ecological wastewater treatment center, the Living Machine, flank the southwest edge of the focal area. Wickersham and Brethren’s Dorm are tall brick buildings built by the Shaker community. The Dairy Barn and Science Building were built in the 1960s and the Samson Environmental Center was built in 1998. The differing architectural styles of these buildings demonstrate the meeting of the old and the new across the green space, and are symbolic of the project design challenges: How to create a green space for a progressive, diverse, private high school while honoring the site’s Shaker heritage? How to design for current and future uses of the site?
Brethren’s Dorm is home to 27 students and has 2 faculty apartments.
SCIENCE/SEC •Living Machine •Wind Turbines •Classrooms
SCIENCE
WICKERSHAM WICKERSHAM •Admissions •Classrooms •Faculty Offices •Faculty Apartment
DAIRY BARN BRETHREN’S DAIRY COTTAGE
DAIRY BARN •Dining Hall, Gymnasium •Student Center •Theater •Faculty Apartment
BRETHREN’S •Boys Dorm •Faculty Housing
DAIRY COTTAGE • Faculty Housing
Worn and bare groundcover. Cars parked on tree roots on the dirt drive to Brethrens.
Tall spruce cast long shadows
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
3|21
ACCESS AND CIRCULATION Visitors enter the Darrow School campus via Darrow Road and travel south to the center of campus. A guest parking lot is located on the east side of Darrow Road across from Wickersham and holds approximately 5 cars. If the guest lot is full, visitors sometimes park in unmarked spaces across from the south door of Wickersham or on the dirt drive that leads to Brethren’s Dorm. The school receives approximately 4-5 visitor cars per day. Residents of Dairy Cottage and Brethren’s Dorm park on the dirt drive leading to Brethren’s (4 cars) and in the driveway at Dairy Cottage (2 cars). The 3 or 4 staff members who work in the administrative offices in the Wickersham building currently park their cars in the spaces across from the south door of the building. The lot behind Dairy Barn is the main parking area for the school and accommodates 44 cars; approximately 20 cars park behind the Dairy Barn on a daily basis.
MAIN ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS IS FROM THE NORTH
TANNERY BARN
plus the fields to the south and west of the Arts building. If the approximately 10 parking spaces in the project focal area are eliminated, an alternative location for those 10 spots will be needed.
TANNERY POND
ATHLETIC FIELDS
Pedestrians traverse the campus and focal area along with cars. The two merge often on paths, driveways, and service roads in and around the green space. The area outside the south door of Wickersham is especially dangerous for pedestrians due to the number of cars dropping off and picking up students and backing out of the parking spots and the dirt drive to Brethren’s Dorm.
DORM
PEDESTRIANS
LIBRARY VEHICLES
Making the focal area a car-free zone will provide a safer environment for students, faculty, and vegetation, as well as make the space more attractive.
High volume events such as parent weekends, summer concerts at the Tannery Barn, weddings, symposiums, and graduation ceremonies generally make use of all parking areas listed above
HEAD OF SCHOOL RESIDENCE
PARKING
FOCAL AREA
SCIENCE
DORM WICKERSHAM GUEST PARKING
SERVICE ROAD
ARTS
MAIN PARKING AREA
DAIRY BARN
DARROW ROAD
DAIRY COTTAGE
BRETHREN’S DORM
DIRT ROAD TO MAIN PARKING AREA
Area outside Wickersham South Door Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
0
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
20
40
4|21
Contours interpolated from CAD files supplied by Darrow School and Clark Engineering. Focal area was not surveyed for this project.
DRAINAGE Water flows from higher elevations from the east. It runs in a northwest direction across the site through aqueducts or on the surface and moves west toward the wetland. Residential development over the past decade on the western slope of the mountain to the east of Route 20 has increased the amount of impervious surface in the area. This increase has likely led to greater volume and speed of stormwater runoff from the mountainside. An aqueduct system, built by the Shakers, moved water underground throughout their property. The system worked well for over 200 years until it could no longer handle the increased water flow. Excess water has caused erosion, puddling, and icing throughout the campus and in the focal area. Within the next 12 months a reconstruction project is planned to address the problems with drainage. The access road that runs from Darrow Road in front of Wickersham and past the Science Building will be torn up in the process. Once the reconstruction is complete the installation of this landscape design will take place.
Wetland SCIENCE
Wetland
WICKERSHAM
Darrow Campus .Darrow Campus DAIRY BARN
Residential Development Residential Developement
DAIRY COTTAGE BRETHREN’S DORM
Residential development to the southeast increased the amount of impervious surfaces, likely increasing the stormwater runoff that travels through Darrow and on to the wetland to the west. WATERFLOW
PUDDLING 0’
NOT TO SCALE
DARROW CAMPUS
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
20’ 40’
There is a gentle slope from the highest elevation southeast of Brethren’s. The central portion of the focal area is fairly flat. It slopes down very gently northwest to the lowest elevation and past the Science building.
ROUTE 20 DARROW RD WETLAND
Stormwater run-off in section view.
Darrow School Central Green Space Design Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
5|21
VEGETATION Most of the trees and shrubs in the focal area are very large and leggy, shading the space, in particular, the southern side of Wickersham. There are 38 Norway spruce over 80’ tall, dominating the space. Because cars have been driving over and parking on the roots, many of them are in a state of decline and have become a safety hazard. Last year one fell on a truck. Some members of the Darrow community would like to take advantage of solar gain at Wickersham. Removal of Norway spruces would allow for more light on the southern side of Wickersham and throughout the green space. Use of more deciduous trees would create shade in the summer but allow for solar gain in the winter. Healthy lower-growing evergreen trees placed to the northwest of buildings would block winter winds, without blocking the sun.
Soils were tested in the area. A high level of lead, 622 ppm, was found within one of the stone fence areas at the Dairy Cottage. Further testing should be conducted. Edible fruits should not be grown in these soils until the soil is removed or remediated. The pH of soils was tested and ranged from 5.7 to 7.5. Bedrock consists of Stockbridge marble, which contributes to calcareous soils. According the UMass Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory, “It is difficult to lower the pH of some alkaline soils. As such, selection of trees and shrubs adaptable to these soils is a better option than trying to acidify the soil with amendments such as sulfur.” Plants amenable to more alkaline conditions should be used.
SCIENCE WICKERSHAM
A
A
A A DAIRY BARN
A
C
A C
The groundcover is currently a mix of grasses, creeping buttercup, ground ivy, clover, and dandelion. A low or no-mow option would reduce the amount of mowing needed. There are at least two invasive species in the focal area, including Japanese barberry at the door of Brethren’s dorm and goutweed in the small perennial garden at the Dairy Cottage. Removal of these plants during renovation would prevent their spread into the area.
B
D
E
DAIRY COTTAGE BRETHREN’S DORM
F Hemlock hedge to left. Norway spruce, Colorado blue spruce right. The large number of tall evergreen trees makes the area very shady.
A
Evergreen tree
Deciduous tree
0’
20’ 40’
Deciduous shrub
A B C D E F
Norway spruce cast shade on the south side of Wickersham on the winter solstice, blocking solar gain.
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
Norway spruce Blue spruce Crabapple Canadian hemlock Black locust Crack willow
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
6|21
SUMMARY ANALYSIS Key Points and Implications The green space has little character, no clear entry, and few defined paths. Most paths and interior roads are made of crushed stone and it’s difficult to tell a footpath from a roadway. A few paths in the space are made of concrete, flagstone, or dirt. Differing path sizes and materials would indicate intended use. Narrower paths would indicate that they are not to be used by cars. Signs at specific decision points would direct visitors where to go. Cars enter from Darrow Road and drive through and park within the open space, creating a safety hazard for students and other pedestrians. Cars park at the Dairy Cottage, in front of the Science Building, in the Norway spruce grove opposite Wickersham and along the driveway to Brethren’s. Some cars belong to people living in buildings within the focal area. Other cars belong to staff and students commuting. There are enough parking spaces behind the Dairy Barn to accommodate staff and resident cars.
lower-growing, evergreen trees placed to the northwest of buildings would block winter winds.
SCIENCE WICKERSHAM
The pH of soils tested ranged from 5.7 to 7.5. Bedrock consists of Stockbridge Marble, which contributes to calcareous soils. According to the UMass Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory, “It is difficult to lower the pH of some alkaline soils. As such, selection of trees and shrubs adaptable to these soils is a better option than trying to acidify the soil with amendments such as sulfur.” Plants amenable to more alkaline conditions should be used rather than using chemical amendments to increase pH.
Water drains from higher elevations sometimes causing puddling, icing, and erosion. A reconstruction project is planned to address the drainage problem. There is potential for rainwater catchment on the property. Much of the vegetation is large and leggy, making the area shady, in particular the southern side of Wickersham. Some Darrow community members would like to take advantage of solar gain at Wickersham which the shade precludes. Removal of the dominating Norway spruce trees would allow for more light. Use of more deciduous trees would shade in the summer but allow for solar gain in the winter. Healthy
DAIRY BARN
DAIRY COTTAGE
PEDESTRIAN
AUTOMOBILE PARKING RESIDENCE & ACADEMIC
DRAINAGE
0’
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
BRETHREN’S DORM
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
20’ 40’
June 2011
7|21
WORLD GARDEN ALTERNATIVE CONCEPT DRAWING
This concept moves the cars out of the space to an east-side parking area. The focal area is now pedestrian only and is a welcoming green space. A central gathering space is flanked by two open areas with locations for seating. Sustainable elements include a cistern, vegetated swale and pervious surfaces. The Dairy Cottage is given a defined yard. All Norway spruce trees are removed.
No cars are allowed in the World Garden alternative. When people enter from Darrow Road they pass between two large lilac shrubs and boulders arranged as a gateway. The ten-foot-wide path is clearly only for pedestrians, although five feet on either side is reinforced turf so an emergency vehicle can access the road if needed. Cars go to the turnaround and new parking lot near Darrow Road, just north of Brethren’s. Shrub borders on the east and west will block views of the parking lot from the road and from within the green space. A vegetated swale infiltrates run-off from the parking lot.
as it once did, it is captured and used for demonstrating sustainable practices and for watering plants.
Paths lead to all buildings and cross in the middle at the World Garden, the center of which is a gathering space with benches lining a twenty-foot circle surrounded by herbs and flowers. On either side of the gathering space and garden there are open areas with benches for unprogrammed activities.
Tree stumps remain in some locations and are used as seats. Wood from the Norway spruce is chipped for mulch or milled for use in woodworking for indoor furniture, boxes, bowls, or musical instruments.
Drainage has been repaired and erosion, puddling and icing are gone. There is a water feature on the property. To the south of the parking lot, a large cistern holds 360 cubic feet of water (from a five-year storm lasting sixty minutes). The water comes from the roof of Brethren’s and instead of running down the side of the building
SCIENCE
WICKERSHAM
This alternative takes out all of the Norway spruce and replaces them with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. Tall deciduous shade trees are placed to block the hot afternoon sun during summer. Passive solar can now be used at Wickersham during winter months. Shorter evergreens block the northwest corners of the Dairy Cottage and Brethren’s from wind. The new perennials, shrubs, trees are greater in diversity and resilience.
PROPOSED PARKING DAIRY BARN
DAIRY COTTAGE BRETHREN’S DORM
Vegetation is also used to define Dairy Cottage’s yard. There is even a hidden garden in the old stone wall north of the Dairy Cottage, providing an experience of refuge.
0’
20’ 40’
SCHEMATIC DRAWING
World Garden is centrally located with an interior gathering space. Tall deciduous trees shade benches and a path to the west. An open area is to the right next to the buffered parking and turn-around area.
The entry from Darrow Road to Wickersham and the green space has a deciduous tree-lined narrowed path to welcome pedestrians.
0’ Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
20’
40’
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
8|21
GIFT TREE ALTERNATIVE
Moving parking from the heart of the focal area to the south leaves the area for pedestrians only. A gathering area is centrally located. Elements demonstrating sustainability include a pedal-powered compost drum, living seats and living fence. Half of the Norway spruce remains, creating two shady areas on the east and west.
The Gift Tree Alternative keeps the Norway spruce trees on the east side of the focal area as a shaded seating alcove (as shown in the concept drawing), and on the west side of the space next to Dairy Barn. An existing gift to the school will cover the cost to maintain the spruce trees. Deciduous trees replace the spruce in the gathering area to allow for warmth from sun in winter and to shade both the open space and Wickersham in the warm months. Living seats and a pedal-powered compost drum are proposed as projects for the Hands-to-Work crews to build. The compost drum can complement the school’s existing composting program, and further the school’s sustainability initiatives.
building to be finalized. Existing paths are made uniform in size, to clarify the space. All the paths are gravel. Alternative parking is in an area convenient to Dairy Cottage and Brethren’s Dorm for the residents who live in these buildings. A pathway from the new proposed parking lot bisects the space and aligns with the path to Tannery Barn between the Science Building and Wickersham, which connects the focal area to the adjacent spaces in the center of campus.
SCIENCE
WICKERSHAM
STONE POSTS
SERVICE ROAD STONE POSTS
LIVING SEATS
DAIRY BARN
LIVING FENCE
Stone posts define the entrance to the focal area at Darrow Road. Bollards block entry to the service road, but may be removed for maintenance and emergency vehicles.
DAIRY COTTAGE BRETHREN’S DORM LIVING SEATS
A shaded seating area under the eastern grove of Norway spruce provides a comfortable place to enjoy the space. An open air gathering space for classes and meeting is placed under the deciduous trees across from Wickersham. A living fence of vines around Dairy Cottage defines the outdoor space for residents of the cottage. Vegetation next to Dairy Barn is not changed in order to allow for renovation plans for that
SEATING ALCOVE
Darrow Road
CONCEPT DRAWING
STONE POSTS
PROPOSED PARKING
0’
20’ 40’
SCHEMATIC DRAWING
Gift Tree alternative honors the Frothingham gift to Darrow School for maintining the Norway Spruce groves.
Living Seats can be built by students.
0’ Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
20’ 40’
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
9|21
Students building living seats
Cistern used for rain water catchment at North Carolina Botanical Garden
Stone posts
BELGARDPERMEABLEPAVERS.COM
NORTH CAROLINA BOTANICAL
Living seats
CRAIG GOEDECKE
CORNELL LEARNING GARDEN.COM
BOOMBANK.COM
Benches made from local materials
Student art displayed
Pedal-powered compost drum
CORNELL LEARNING GARDEN.COM
Vegetated swale for filtering parking lot run-off
Rock garden will contribute to a warmer microclimate against a south-facing wall.
PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGICAL DESIGN Š1993
U.S. EPA
GREENACRESVISTA.COM
Design Precedents
Permeable pavers allow water to filter through to soil below.
Herb garden at Hancock Shaker Village
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
10|21
PREFERRED DESIGN: The Green Space
Entry defined by narrowed path, two stone pillars and bollards at Darrow Road and at entrance to Tannery Barn. Parking for ten vehicles with drop-off and turn-around. Visitor parking remains opposite Wickersham. This lot 2 is used for overflow along with parking behind Dairy Barn.
Science Wickersham 1
6
Visitor parking
Once inside the green space, a variety of vegetation defines separate areas. A gathering space is found under a red maple and serviceberry. An herb and perennial garden, with cool colors of silver, blue, purple and magenta, is in the center, paying homage to the Shaker herb industry and providing the current Darrow community with herbs for cooking and teas. Plants are changed to reflect the
interests and backgrounds of the changing student group. Gravel paths are five feet wide and edged with brick to keep gravel in its place and make maintenance easier. The paths around the periphery are shaded in summer by deciduous, native, American hophornbeam, redbud and serviceberry. Other taller deciduous trees are placed to shade the parking lot and buildings. The old, crumbling stone wall to the north of the Dairy Cottage is turned into a refuge or “ruins” surrounded by a hedge and has a table and chairs. Vegetation around the Dairy Cottage defines its yard. A cistern at the corner of Brethen’s, where water drains from the gutterless roof, captures rain water. A rock garden, with moisture-loving, colorful, native plants surrounds the cistern. A pedal-powered composter is placed near the Dairy Barn to process kitchen waste. Student art is prominently displayed near the entrance to the busy Dairy Barn.
7 1
Access Road 3
2 4 5
8
Darrow Road
The entrance to the pedestrian-only green space is clear and pleasant. The path leading from Darrow Road is ten feet wide with five feet of reinforced turf on each side, to accommodate emergency vehicles. Two stone pillars define the entrance while two removable bollards between them block cars from entering. To the south a parking lot for ten vehicles with a drop-off and turn-around area handles the flow of traffic. The lot is visually buffered on both sides by hedges. An attractive rain garden at the low point near the access road filters automobile run-off.
1
3 4
The “World Garden” is placed at the center of the green space and can be seen soon after entering.
5
An informal gathering space is used as an outdoor classroom or a place to hang out.
6
A rock garden provides a low maintenance microclimate near the south-facing wall of Wickersham.
7
The shade of flowering dogwoods make sitting in Adirondack chairs made by the students more comfortable.
8
Five American hophornbeam shade the path to the Dairy Barn. Benches or picnic tables are provided for eating meals or socializing.
9
A place for student art work is located at the Dairy Barn entrance.
10
An old stone wall is enclosed by evergreen shrubs. A seating arrangement is found inside. The floor of this room is made of flagstone removed from paths during construction or wood chips from the Norway spruce. Cistern surrounded by a shady rock garden catches rainwater from the roof of Brethren’s dorm.
12
A pedal-powered composter converts kitchen scraps from the Dairy Barn into compost for gardens.
10 9 11
Rain garden infiltrates run-off from parking lot with tall native grasses and perennials.
11
Dairy Barn
Dairy Cottage
12
Driveway 0’
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
Brethren’s
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
20’ 40’
June 2011
11|21
PREFERRED DESIGN ILUSTRATIVE DRAWINGS
Science Wickersham
Access Road
A secluded seating area gives students and faculty a place to work or relax.
A
A’
PROPOSED PARKING
Dairy Barn
Brethren’s Darrow Road
Dairy Cottage
The entry from Darrow Road is marked by stone pillars and narrowed paths and parking area to the left is blocked by vegetation.
DAIRY BARN SEATING PATH
WORLD GARDEN
GATHERING SPACE
PARKING
Driveway
DARROW ROAD
0’
0’
20’ 40’
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
20’ 40’
A’
A The garden in the center is flanked on either side with shady gathering spaces. Parking is screened by shrubs and trees.
PATH
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
12|21
PLANT PALETTE
Red Maple
Elderberry
Marsh Marigold
Redbud
Fothergilla, ‘Blue Shadow’
Sedum, ‘Purple Emperor’’
Beauty bush
Maidenhair fern
Lavender, ‘Munstead’
Atlantic poppy
Yarrow
Hay-scented fern
Vietnamese shiso
Christmas fern
Coneflower
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
13|21
Darrow Central Green Space Plant List Location, Common Name
Symbol
Type
Botanical name, Variety
Height
Spread
Sun/Shade
Soil
#
Unit $
Total
Rain Garden: Moisture-loving plants absorb and filter water before it enters the drainage system and eventually the watershed. Tall native switchgrass will soften the entry and is left standing in the
DARROW CENTRAL GREEN SPACE PLANTING PLAN
winter to provide winter interest. Switchgrass
SG
Panicum virgatum, 'NorthWind'
Grass
6'
2-3'
sun
average to moist
3
$4.00
$12.00
Bee Balm
BEB
Monard fistulosa,'Claire Grace'
Perennial
30-36"
20-24"
sun
moist
3
$4.00
$12.00
Dwarf Joe Pye Weed
DJP
Eutrochium dubium, 'Little Joe'
Perennial
3-4'
3-4'
sun to part shade
dry to moist
3
$4.00
$12.00
Swamp Milkweed
SM
Asclepias incarta
Perennial
3-5'
3'
sun
average to wet
3
$4.00
$12.00
Blue Flag
BF
Iris versicolor
Perennial
2-3'
2-3'
sun to part shade
moist
3
$4.00
$12.00
Parking Lot: Trees and shrubs are intended to block views of the lot from the road so as not to detract from the historic Shaker buildings. They also block views from within the green space. The row
Vegetation for the green space is adaptable to a range of pH levels since tests indicate a range between 5.7 and 7.5. Some prefer more acid conditions but are amenable to higher pH levels. The majority of plants are native, requiring less maintenance and water, and providing habitat. Some are transplants, to encourage reuse and reduce costs.
of serviceberry and beauty bush provide a backdrop to the benches in the gathering space. Three of the beautybushes are transplants from the edge of Darrow Road. Beautybush makes a dense border that keeps areas separate. They also provide a beautiful spring bloom, as do serviceberry. Scarlet oak is a hardy roadside tree that is in scale with the five-story Shaker buildings. Winterberry is attractive in the winter with its red berries, and is a favorite of birds. Serviceberry
SB
Amelanchier arborea
Deciduous Tree
15-25'
15-25'
sun to part shade
moist to dry acidic
3
$175.00
$525.00
Winterberry
WB
Ilex verticillatta
Shrub
6-10'
6-10'
sun to shade
moist acidic
8
$20.00
$160.00
Red Maple
RM
Acer rubrum
Deciduous Tree
40-60'
40'
sun
average
1
$175.00
$175.00
Scarlet Oak
SO
Quercus coccinea
Deciduous Tree
70-75'
40-50'
sun to part sun
adapts to extremes of soil
2
$175.00
$350.00
Beautybush
BB
Kolkowitzia amabilis
Shrub
6-10(15)'
12'
sun
average soil
5
$20.00
$100.00
Beautybush (transplanted)
BBt
Kolkowitzia amabilis
Shrub transplanted
6-10(15)'
12'
sun
average soil
3
$0.00
$0.00
Wickersham: The small stone planter at the south door is planted with ferns, sedum and artemesia, a mix of green, grey and purple, which is also used in the rock garden at the back entrance. The rock garden is a small microclimate that gives extra warmth to the south side of Wickersham on cold winter days. Creeping juniper and Atlantic poppy are easy to care for in dry conditions. Fothergilla is planted next to the old stone walls for all -season interest. The north side of the access road is lined with flowering dogwood for spring bloom, summer shade, red fall color, and winter interest. Atlantic Poppy
AP
Papaver atlanticum
Perennial
10"
12"
sun
average
9
$4.00
$36.00
Juniper
JU
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
Evergreen Shrub
2-3'
3-4'
sun
dry
3
$20.00
$60.00
Fothergilla
FO
Fothergilla gardenii, 'Blue Shadow'
Shrub
5'
5'
part to hade
average to loamy
5
$20.00
$100.00
Flowering Dogwood
FD
Cornus florida
Deciduous Tree
30-40'
20'
partial shade
moist, acid, well-drained
4
$20.00
$80.00
Sedum
SE
Sedum,' Purple Emperor'
Perennial
16"
12"
sun
dry to average
8
$4.00
$32.00
Artemesia
AR
Artemisia stelleriana, 'Old Woman'
Perennial
6-12"
12-15"
sun
dry
10
$4.00
$40.00
Christmas Fern
CHF
Polystichum acrostichoides
Perennial
2'
2'
sun to shade
average
7
$4.00
$28.00
Average Plant Size, Installed Deciduous trees: 10-12' Evergreen trees: 6-10' Shrubs: 2 Gallon pot Evergreen shrubs: 3-5'
Dairy Barn North Door: Sumac handle the full sun and dry conditions of the location. ‘Tiger Eye’ is a sumac cultivar that will not spread aggressively . They also shade a nook with seating. Tiger Eyes Sumac
RT
Rhus typhina 'Tiger Eyes'
Perennial
10'
10'
full sun
sandy soil
4
$20.00
$80.00
Dairy Barn Path: American hophornbeams line the path to the Dairy Barn but are not so tall as to overly shade the central World Garden. Red Maple
RM
Acer rubrum
Deciduous Tree
40-60'
40'
sun
average
1
$175.00
$175.00
American Hophornbeam
AHH
Ostyra virginiana
Deciduous Tree
25-40'
20-40'
sun to understory
dry, acid to very alkaline
5
$175.00
$875.00
Hay-Scented Fern
HSF
Dennstaedtia punctilobula
Perennial
15-30"
many feet
part shade
average soil
50
$4.00
$200.00
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
14|21
Location, Common Name
Symbol
Type
Botanical name, Variety
Height
Spread
Sun/Shade
Soil
#
Unit $
Total
Path: Dairy Barn to Brethren's- north side: Redbuds are spring blooming, low-canopy, spreading trees that provide interest in all seasons and shade the path in summer. Inkberry is an evergreen shrub used to create an enclosure around an old stone wall. Inkberry
IB
Ilex glabra, 'Shamrock'
Evergreen Shrub
6-8'
8-10'
sun to mod. shade
wide range of soils
9
$20.00
$180.00
Redbud
REB
Cercis canadensis
Deciduous Tree
20-30'
25-35'
sun
moist to dry, acid to high pH
4
$175.00
$700.00
Dairy Cottage: Vegetation defines the yard for the Dairy Cottage. Yellowwoods on either side are anchors. They put on a wonderful flower display in spring and have a pleasing round form and smooth bark for winter interest. A row of edible elderberries screen the cottage from pedestrians on the path to the southwest. A white fir blocks winter wind. Pawpaw trees off the patio produce fruit and shade the western side of the building. The existing mixed perennial garden on the south is enhanced by the addition of artemisia in keeping with the palette of the rest of the green space. The northern stone wall is planted with hostas removed from the Wickersham south door flower bed to lower costs and give them a space to spread. As other perennials grow and need division they can be added to continue to fill these beds, repeating the palette from other gardens. Yellowwood
YW
Cladrastis kentukea
Deciduous Tree
30-50'
40-55'
sun
high pH
2
$175.00
$350.00
White Fir
WF
Abies concolor
Evergreen Shrub
50'
20'
sun
various soils
1
$175.00
$175.00
Pawpaw
PA
Asimina triloba (*1-2' tall)
Deciduous Tree
15-20'
15-20'
sun to understory
average
2
$21.00
$42.00
Hay-Scented Fern
HSF
Dennstaedtia punctilobula
Perennial
15-30"
many feet
part shade
average soil
6
$4.00
$24.00
Elderberry
EB
Sambucus canadensis
Shrub
5-12'
5-12'
sun to shade
moist
9
$20.00
$180.00
Sedum
SE
Sedum,'Purple Emporer'
Perennial
16"
12"
sun
dry to average
7
$4.00
$28.00
Artemesia
AR
Artemisia stelleriana, 'Old woman'
Perennial
6-12"
12-15"
sun
dry
14
$4.00
$56.00
Silky Dogwood
SD
Cornus amomum
Shrub
6-10'
6-10'
sun or shade
adapts to extremes of soil
3
$20.00
$60.00
Brethren's: The foundation is exposed to show the historic structure. Only ferns flank the entrance to the north side of the front stair to border the edge of the parking lot. Three large Lawson’s cypress provide a wind block and visual block of the parking lot. Ferns and colorful woodland plants thrive in the rocky, moist soil that surrounds the cistern. Solomon Seal
SS
Polygonatum biflorum
Perennial
24-30"
12-18"
shade
moist
2
$4.00
$8.00
Ostrich fern
OF
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Perennial
3-6'
3-8'
shade
moist
14
$4.00
$56.00
Cardinal flower
CAF
Lobelia cardinalis
Perennial
3'
1'
part shade
moist
6
$4.00
$24.00
Great Blue Lobelia
GBL
Lobelia siphilitica
Perennial
3'
2'
part shade
moist
6
$4.00
$24.00
Marsh Marigold
MM
Calth palustris
Perennial
12"
12-24"
sun to shade
moist
3
$4.00
$12.00
Northern Maidenhair
NM
Adiantum pedatum
Perennial
20"
2'
part shade
moist fertile soil
3
$4.00
$12.00
Lawson's Cypress
LC
Chamaecyparus lawsoniana
Evergreen Shrub
40-60'
10-15'
sun to shade
moist to average
3
$20.00
$60.00
World Garden: This herb garden is lined with evergreen inkberry to hold its shape during winter months. Most plants are herbs with a few perennials to provide color throughout the growing season. Grey, purple, green and variegated foliage along with blooms of rose and purple are cooler colors for this new open sunny spot. Taller plants are on the outer edge of the garden, shorter plants are in the center. Plants can be changed to reflect the ever-changing, diverse student group. Coneflower
COF
Echinacea spp.
Perennial
3'
2'
sun
average to moist
Artemesia
AR
Artemisia stelleriana, 'Old woman'
Perennial
6-12"
12-15"
sun
Lavender
LA
Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'
Perennial
12-18"
30"
Garden Phlox
GP
Phlox paniculata, 'Laura'
Perennial
24"
Yarrow
YA
Achillea millefolium
Perennial
New York Aster
AS
Aster novi-belgii
Vietnamese Shiso
VSH
Curry
12
$4.00
$48.00
dry
8
$4.00
$32.00
sun
dry
6
$4.00
$24.00
24"
sun
average
18
$4.00
$72.00
24"
24"
sun
dry to average
12
$4.00
$48.00
Perennial
1-4'
1.5-3'
sun
moist
12
$4.00
$48.00
Perilla frutescens
Annual
2'
1'
sun to part-shade
dry to average
12
$4.00
$48.00
CU
Helichrysum italic
Annual
2'
2'
sun
dry to average
6
$4.00
$24.00
Variegated Sage
VS
Salvia officionalis, 'Icterina'
Perennial
24-32"
3'
sun
dry to average
12
$4.00
$48.00
Inkberry
IBD
Ilex glabra, 'Densa'
Evergreen Shrub
3-4'
4-5'
sun
wide range of soils
24
$20.00
$480.00
Total
Average Plant Size, Installed Deciduous trees: 10-12’ Evergreen trees: 6-10’ Shrubs: 2 Gallon pot Evergreen shrubs: 3-5’
$5,987.00
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
15|21
DESIGN IN CONTEXT The “Green Space” design connects this open space to its larger context. Visitors, students, and faculty are welcomed in from Darrow Road. They experience rich and diverse vegetation that define different areas. Cars are kept out of the center where the community learns, relaxes, and socializes. Sustainable practices of using rain water from roofs, filtering water from the parking lot in a rain garden, composting kitchen waste, and taking advantage of solar gain teach the students and those who visit that Darrow is proudly committed to stewardship of the land once owned by the Shakers. ”Don’t make something unless it is both made necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.” -Shaker design philosophy
The crossroads of the herb garden in the World Garden alternative design is a place where people might pause to enjoy the flowers and herbs. They may want to spend time with one another in this interior space. In the final design this area could be expanded to have a seating wall along the inside edge, or benches made by students. This could be a place for people to meet and relax surrounded by the garden. The final size of this interior space should be considered and determined before installation.
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
16|21
Inset A
Inset B
CHF (7)
AP (9) JU (3)
SE
SE (5)
SE
AR (10)
WICKERSHAM
ROCK GARDEN (See Inset A)
FO (5)
FD (4)
STONE WALL BED (See Inset B)
PLANTING PLAN A (Refer to Page 14/21)
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
17|21
SS (2) LC (3) OF (3) CAF (6) GBL (6) MM (3) NM (3)
OF (3)
Inset B
SG (3) BEB (3) DJP (3) SM (3) BF (3) Inset A
RT (4) HSF (20)
AHH (5)
RAIN GARDEN (See Inset A)
RM
RM See page 17/25
WB (8)
SO
HSF (30) SB (3)
BB (5)
SO REB (4) LL (3) STUDENT ART DISPLAY
IB (2)
HSF (6) WF SD (3)
YW
YW
DAIRY COTTAGE
PA (2)
See Inset B
OF (8)
BRETHRENS
AR (20) EB (9)
PLANTING PLAN B (Refer to Pages 14 & 15/21)
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
18|21
IBD
AS
COF
VS
YA
VSH
VS
GP
GP
IBD LA
GP VSH YA
GP
AR
VSH
CU
AS
CU
AR VS AR
GP
LA
YA
VS COF
COF
VS YA VSH
AR
COF
IBD
AS
GP
VSH GP
AS
STEPPING STONE PATH ON GRAVEL BASE
IBD
0’
20’ 40’
WORLD GARDEN PLANTING PLAN (Refer to Page 15/21)
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
19|21
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS When to plant: Spring (April to May) and fall (September to early October) are the preferred seasons to plant, when overnight temperatures are in the 40 to 50 degree range. Annuals should be planted after the last spring frost, generally after June 1st. Morning hours are better than the hot afternoon. The best days to plant are ones that are overcast or lightly raining. Strong, hot sun stresses newly planted vegetation. It would be ideal if the forecast predicts a few overcast days in a row.
the stems or bark of trees and shrubs to avoid suffocating them. It is helpful to put nursery pots upside down over small plants when spreading mulch to protect them. Remove the pot and carefully move some mulch toward the crown of the plant without touching it. Refer to the appropriate diagram for instructions specific to perennials, shrubs and trees.
Prepare the soil: Remove weeds and grass. Mix some compost into perennial and annual garden beds. There is no need to add compost or amend the soil for planting shrubs or trees.
Plant Maintenance
Lay out the plants: Place the plants where they will be planted according to the planting plan, making sure to measure between them. Step on paths, stepping stones, or a piece of plywood to avoid compacting the soil while planting.
Prune dead or dying branches in February or March.
Water: Water the plants in their containers or burlap before and again after planting. Check plants a few times each week to make sure they are not drying out. This is especially important during hot dry spells. Using TerraSorb absorbent crystals as directed at installation time will help ensure that plants will have adequate moisture as they become established. Water about an inch weekly while plants are establishing.
Shrubs: Prune after flowering or fruiting. Remove dead or dying branches and prune to shape PERENNIAL PLANTING if desired.
Other notes: Transplanted plants should be planted at the same depth as they had been before removal. Transplanted perennials should be cut back to half their size so energy goes into the root system rather than trying to sustain the foliage. If plant roots are pot bound, loosen the root ball slightly. Mulch should only be three inches deep. Keep mulch away from the crown of annuals and perennials, and away from
SHRUB PLANTING BALL & BURLAP
RAIN GARDEN DETAIL
Trees: If trees are staked remove the stakes after one year.
Mulch to a depth of three inches in May, keeping mulch away from the bark of the tree.
DECIDUOUS TREE PLANTING
Mulch to a depth of three inches in May, being careful to avoid placing mulch against the bark of the shrub. Perennials: Leave seed heads on plants over the winter to add winter interest and provide food for birds. Cut back in March before new spring growth begins. If unsightly, perennials may be cut back to a few inches in October or just after flowering. Perennials may be divided every two to three years in early spring when spring growth reaches the height of three or four inches. Other notes: Pull weeds out of garden beds and away from trees and shrubs as they compete for CONIFEROUS TREE PLANTING water and nutrients from the soil. Compost can be added around the base of plants in April.
SHRUB PLANTING BALL & BURLAP
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
20|21
COSTS Estimates on the high side, experts for these projects should provide final costs. PHASING Phasing of the design should occur as construction projects are nearing completion so that disturbance in the green space is minimized. Disturbed soils should be planted as soon as possible to keep unwanted plants from setting seed and to prevent erosion. Phase 1: •The area along the access road in front of Wickersham and the parking area are constructed as the drainage reconstruction project is being completed. •The access road is reconstructed into a tenfoot wide edged path with five feet of reinforced turf on either side. Construction of the rain garden that ties in to the drainage system, rock garden next to Wickersham and plant installation are part of the Phase 1. •Both of the Red maples on the southern side of the access road should be planted at this time so they will be the same size as they grow. Phase 2: •The World Garden and the paths through it are installed. The path from the Dairy Barn to Brethren’s is installed. Vegetation along the path and within the Dairy Cottage yard is planted. Phase 3: •Landing at the west door of Brethren’s and connections to previously installed paths are constructed. The cistern is built and vegetation is installed. Phase 4: •Dairy Barn changes occur after renovations to that building. This phase includes path installation, five feet wide with brick edging, and installation of plants. CONSIDERATIONS Considerations for budget and sustainable practices Phasing will allow time to raise funds and acquire materials through a number of sources.
Contact with local garden groups or Master Gardeners may provide Darrow with ways to get plants at no or low costs. Finding the best quality plants at the lowest prices takes time, and phasing will allow those who will do the purchasing enough time to find the best source. Reusing materials from the Darrow property will also save money. The gravel being removed can be stored and used to create the base course for parking areas and paths. Salvaging items that may be found during construction might be useful for creating student art. An arborist’s inspection of the health of the Norway spruces will determine which trees are at most risk. Selectively removing trees during different phases may spread out the cost. Future planting of groundcovers to replace the turf will reduce mowing and the use of fossil fuels. Further soil testing will be necessary to determine which groundcovers will grow well.
ITEM
UNIT COST
PATHS /GRAVEL
$3/S.F.
QUANTITY 11,000 S. F.
TOTAL $33,000
EXCAVATION Allowance 1 ACRE $15,700 PARKING LOT $2.20/S.F. 7150 S. F. $15,730 EXCAVATION + GRAVEL
SEED $3,000 1 ACRE $3,000 Low Mow Groundcover
TREE REMOVAL $1,000 38 $38,000 BOLLARDS $400 2 $ 800
PATH MATERIALS/DETAILS
STONE POST $500 8 $4,000 REPLICA
Gravel as base for future materials Excavation price reflects stockpiling exisiting soil and re-using.
CISTERN $2500-3000 1 $3,000
SIGNS
ROCK GARDEN
A sign to indicate direction to additional parking behind Dairy Barn is placed at entrance to the driveway. Size and style is the same as sign shown below (found at entrance to campus on Darrow Road).
TOP SOIL $45/CY TBD After Excavation
It reads: Additional Parking Darrow School (in smaller text size)
$5/S.F.
1000 S. F.
$5,000
PLANT MATERIALS See Plant List $5,987 Details pp. 14 & 15 Total Cost $124,217
Inside the parking lot a handicapped parking sign is placed for that spot. A sign on the wall at the south door of Wickersham is placed to be visible once visitors exit the parking lot and approach building from the south side. It reads: Wickersham Admissions (in smaller text size)
Darrow School Central Green Space Design JULIE WELCH & ELAINE WILLIAMSON
THE CONWAY SCHOOL
June 2011
21|21