DONNA JOHNSON RESIDENCE 39 CHERRY DRIVE, GREENFIELD, MA 01301
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
INDEX
INTRO AND CONTEXT
1
EXISTING CONDITIONS & GOALS
2
ANALYSES VEGETATION SOIL, SLOPES, & DRAINAGE
3
4
VIEWS
5
ACCESS & CIRCULATION
6
SUN & SHADE
7
SUMMARY
8
ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS
9
FINAL DESIGN
10
CONCEPTUAL PLANTING PLAN
11
PLANTING PLAN
12
PLANT PALETTE
13 -16
Donna Johnson Property
CONTEXT
2005
1
Donna Johnson moved to her one-story, ranch-style house a year and a half ago from her 11-room, high maintenance, old Victorian house. She says that she has the best of both worlds in this rural residential neighborhood. It has the feel of living in the country, but she’s a quick drive to downtown. The neighborhood is quiet and Donna’s neighbors wave as they drive past, creating a safe, neighborly atmosphere.
4 Miles
The property is located at 39 Cherry Drive, in Greenfield, MA, approximately 4 miles north of downtown Greenfield and 3.5 miles south of Bernardston town center. The property is approximately 1 acre; about 1/3 of which remains a mature, mixed deciduous and conifer woodland.
2007
Overhead photos from 2005 and 2007 display that the development of the land is very recent. The 2005 photo shows the cul-de-sac has been cleared, but nothing has been built. The more recent photo from 2007 shows the recently built house.
DONNA JOHNSON 39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
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ng Livi ea ing Ar Din
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Donna parks her car in the garage and her visitors often park on the asphalt driveway near the walkway to the front porch and entrance to the house.
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Exiting the house through the sun room, Donna and her visitors set foot on the wooden deck with open views to the surrounding woodlands of the backyard.
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Red Oak
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F rline Wate
Leach Field
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Mowed Turf Grass
Storage Shed
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Structures on the site include a one-story, three-bedroom ranch-style house facing northeast onto Cherry Drive, with attached two-car garage, and a 12x8’ tool shed in the backyard.
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Wa te
Septic System Uncut Native Grasses
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ms
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Tu Mo rf we G d ra ss
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CHER
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The 1-acre property has an expanse of turf lawn in the front yard that is distinct from a backyard that is blanketed with tall, annually mowed native grasses. The backyard is primarily open aside from a couple of young lilacs and a young pin cherry.
White Pine
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Mixed Evergreen and Deciduous Woodlands (white pine, oaks, maples, gray birch, big-toothed aspen, pin cherry, black locust, sumacs, alder buckthorn, various ferns and herbaceous species)
A
The woodland area that surrounds the property is composed of 55-70’ tall mixed evergreen and deciduous trees that create an abrupt edge with the open yard. The trees cast shade on the property throughout the year and are high maintenance in the fall for Donna, who rakes the deciduous leaves. The house is connected to the Greenfield municipal water system. The property has a septic tank and leach field located in the backyard, west of the house. Telephone and electric wires are buried and out of sight.
GOALS
2
When Donna moved into her home, she was looking forward to developing the landscape of her backyard. However, because she works full time, Donna cannot imagine having more lawn to mow and rake. She is not quite sure what she wants, but she has requested the design to be low maintenance, and to include a small vegetable garden. The goals below have emerged through further conversation and analyses of the property.
Establish a vegetable garden to grow food for personal use Increase the use and enjoyment of a low-maintenance landscape Create a natural, private space for relaxing and entertaining Solve puddling problem in the front yard
E Pin Cherry
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10 20
DONNA JOHNSON 40 ft.
39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
N
VEGETATION ANALYSIS The Johnson property consists of about 1/3 turf grass in the front yard, 1/3 native grasses and early succession species in the backyard, and 1/3 mature forest. The turf grass in the front yard is mowed, and chemical fertilizers are applied, keeping the yard looking tidy and green; however these practices can have a high impact on the environment. Fertilizing can put harmful chemicals into the watershed and some fertilizers are disruptive of wildlife procreation. Mowing regularly reduces habitat for wildlife and accelerates rainwater runoff flow.
Abrupt Treeline Edge
The backyard consists of native grasses, wildflowers such as New England aster and goldenrod, and a few early succession species such as black locust, winged sumac, sweet fern, and aspen. It is currently mowed about once a year. Donna does not like the appearance of the backyard and views it as weed and snake infested.
Proposed transitional edge
The landscape is open with an abrupt edge between the surrounding mixed mature wooded area and the front and backyard. This creates and atmosphere where the house and the landscape feel disconnected.
DONNA JOHNSON Tall grasses, ground covers and herbaceous species
Shrubs and small trees
Mature trees
39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
3 Potential Design Directive Creating a transitional edge between the flat, open yard and the dense surrounding mature woodland with an assortment of shrub, herbaceous, and grass species will reduce lawn space and the amount of water, gas and fertilizers consumed to maintain the lawn. Adding diversity to the existing species will improve the natural appearance and have the added benefit of attracting wildlife. Assorted herbaceous species and shrubs can create aesthetic interest throughout the year, and soften the wall-like appearance of the treeline. Increased diversity also creates an atmosphere where the house and the landscape don’t feel so separate. Extending the living space into the landscape by creating outdoor living areas could also help to connect the house to the landscape. More diverse vegetation creates more wildlife habitat, providing food, cover for nesting, shelter from weather, and escape from predators.
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
LEGEND
SOIL, SLOPES & DRAINAGE ANALYSIS
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0 - 3% Slope
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3 - 8% Slope
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Soil Precipitation infiltrates readily into the well-drained, gravelly fine sandy loam. Welldrained soils create an environment that allows oxygen to infiltrate the root zone, which can support healthy plants and high yields. This can also create dry conditions for vegetation and should be considered when deciding what to plant.
8 - 15% Slope > 15% Slope 97
93
Drainage Direction
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SLOPES 94
Roof Drainage
98
1
Saturated Area
The Johnson residence is perched on a primarily flat plane, with steep slopes of 15% or more to the north at the wooded edge and to the south of the house. The steep slopes direct rainwater offsite to the north and on site from the south, indicated by the drainage arrows. Slopes directing rainwater on site are contributing to drainage problems during heavy rains.
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CHER
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A low spot to the southwest of the house creates saturated conditions in a small area. This is unappealing to Donna who calls this area “the swamp.�
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The steep slope to the south of the house directs water flow toward the front of the house and toward the low spot. This flow causes some puddling during heavy rains.
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Adding low-maintenance, attractive vegetation that tolerates wet soils could help to improve the appearance of the saturated area. Redirecting rainwater runoff flowing toward the house could help to stop puddling from occurring. It would be beneficial to reduce the amount of lawn space that needs watering during the drier, warmer months of the year by planting low-maintenance, drought-tolerant species. Installing a rainwater catchment system will reduce the amount of town water needed for the lawn and other vegetation.
As illustrated by the drainage arrows, most of the rainwater runoff that does not permeate into the well-draining soil flows away from the property. This contributes to the dry soil conditions on the site.
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Potential Design Directives
1 Drainage
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DONNA JOHNSON 39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
N
VIEWS
LEGEND Views Out From House Views Into Property
A
The openness of the turf lawn in front of the house creates expansive views out to Cherry Drive and the neighbors across the street. This creates a safe, neighborly atmosphere. Donna appreciates this and would like to keep the front primarily open.
B
The mature wooded areas surrounding the backyard screen most of the views into the backyard from the neighbors. Donna appreciates the privacy this creates. Nevertheless, the backyard is visible from Cherry Drive, and Donna would like to block these views to create more privacy.
C
The sunroom and back deck have views to the grasses and surrounding wooded area that Donna does not currently appreciate, and would like to improve.
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B
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Potential Design DirectiveS It is possible to maintain the neighborly atmosphere in the front by leaving the views open, but improve the views for Donna and her neighbors by increasing the diversity and beauty of the vegetation there.
B
C
Views from Cherry Drive into the backyard can be screened to give Donna more privacy and create more space in which she can relax and entertain.
A
It is possible to maintain the wild, more natural appearance of the backyard, but improve views with attractive vegetation. Strategic planting and clear paths can create a clean, orderly but natural appearance.
C
DONNA JOHNSON 0
10 20
40 ft.
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39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
N
ACCESS & CIRCULATION
LEGEND Vehicle Traffic
ACCESS The front door facing Cherry Drive is the primary entrance to the house for Donna’s guests, who park in the driveway and walk up the paved path to the door. The entrance walkway is lined on the right with a small bed of hostas and other ornamental perennials, and on the left with turf lawn. The entrance is very plain, with little plant diversity, and open to Donna’s guests and neighbors.
Infrequent Foot Traffic Frequent Foot Traffic
CHER IVE RY D R
The storage shed in the backyard is inconveniently located at the edge of the property, some distance away from the house. Donna does not use the shed when the grasses in the backyard have grown tall because snakes have been spotted on the property.
6 POTENTIAL Design DIRECTIVES The entry experience could be improved with the addition of a variety of different perennial plants and natural materials and the reduction of turf lawn. Moving the shed closer to the house and living area could be more convenient for Donna. Creating clear paths and organized plantings could encouraging more use and circulation of the landscape. Reducing lawn could provide more time for Donna to enjoy her landscape, rather than mowing and raking.
CIRCULATION The front yard is mowed, raked and watered, but rarely used for other activities. Donna works full time and would like to reduce the amount of maintenance the landscape calls for. Donna rarely uses the backyard aside from the occasional trip to the storage shed. Lack of clear paths discourages circulation in the backyard.
DONNA JOHNSON 0
10 20
40 ft.
39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
N
Equinoxes (March 21, Sept. 21)
Summer solstice (June 21)
SUN & SHADE ANALYSIS
7
In this analysis three dates are chosen, the summer solstice and the exquinoxes, to display the amount of shade being cast on the landscape from the treeline and house during the growing season. The shadows are cast at four different times, 9AM, 12PM, 3PM, and 6PM. In many ways the equinoxes represent the commencement and conclusion to the growing season with shorter days and more extreme shadow lengths. The otherwise shady backyard is quite sunny during the summer months, as the high angle of the sun shortens tree shadows. The darker spaces outlined in blue do not receive much sunlight throughout the year. Gold outlines indicate areas that receive full sun, six to eight or more hours throughout the day. Areas on the landscape not within the gold or blue outlines receive from three to six hours of sun.
Design DIRECTIVES It’s possible to take advantage of the full sun areas by planting vegetation that requires more sun. These areas are also the ideal location for a vegetable garden that would require full sun. Conversely, vegetation near the treeline should be shade-tolerant.
LEGEND
Entertaining and/or relaxing on the deck in the summer will benefit from a structure, such as a pergola, that provides shade from the approximately four to six hours of sun light.
Full Sun (6 - 8+ hours) Least Sun (0 - 3 hours)
DONNA JOHNSON 0 10 20
40 ft.
39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
N
SUMMARY ANALYSIS LEGEND Drainage Direction Roof Drainage
8
VEGETATION
The landscape is open around the house with an abrupt edge between the surrounding mixed conifer and deciduous forest and the yard.
SOIL and DRAINAGE
Most of the soil on the property is well draining sandy loam. There is a saturated area to the southwest of the house.
CHER IVE RY D R
Saturated Area
The slope in front of the house directs runoff towards the house, creating a puddling problem.
Views Out From House
VIEWS
Views Into Property
Views from the sunroom and deck look out on the wall of trees and wild yard.
Vehicle Traffic Infrequent
Views out to the front are open to Cherry Drive.
Views into the backyard from Cherry Drive decrease privacy.
ACCESS & CIRCULATION The landscape is rarely used.
Foot Traffic
Lack of clear paths discourages circulation in the backyard.
Frequent Foot
Goals
Traffic Full Sun (6 - 8+ hours)
Vegetable garden to grow food for personal use Increase the use and enjoyment of a low maintenance landscape Create a natural, private space for relaxing and entertaining Solve puddling problem in the front yard
DONNA JOHNSON 0
10 20
40 ft.
39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
N
ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS II : Enriched Circulation
I : Meadow Encompasses Orchard
Features
Features A
B
A
C
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0 orchard. J Raised vegetable, herb and flower planters receive six to eight or more hours of full sun, create a beautiful entrance to the path, and are an easy height and size to maintain. K For convenience, the storage shed has been attached to the garage and is more readily accessible.
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drawbacks • Lawn is reduced in the front, but not much overall with the introduction of a more traditional backyard lawn surrounding the deck and outdoor living space. • A successful orchard needs attention and maintenance.
40 ft.
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K
Donna and her guests enjoy the meandering path that circulates the property from the front entry, A along the rain garden that improves views and solves the puddling problem in the front. B The path continues under the trellis with flowering vine and through the ornamental evergreen shrubs that function as a screen to the backyard and as an inviting entrance. The path is constructed with local stone or a more permeable material such as crushed stone/recycled gravel, or various types of organic matter. C During the warmer months of the year, the path is lined with an attractive, low-maintenance ground cover and winds among tall swathes of native grasses and wild flowers. D Evergreen shrubs and trees along the path add winter interest and help to screen the view of the shed. E A mixed vegetable, herb and flower garden acts as a focal point and sanctuary for Donna in the section of the property that receives the most sun throughout the year. F Donna enjoys more of her time in the gardens or relaxing under the pergola cloaked in a vine such as climbing hydrangea or trumpet flower that provides shade in the summer. G Less of her time is spent mowing and watering the lawn, which has been reduced significantly. H A nature walk
CHER
CHER
Donna and her guests enjoy the improved entrance along Cherry Drive and the driveway lined with low-maintenance, salt-tolerant ground covers such as bearberry, columbine, blue fescue, little bluestem, and blue lyme grass. B Flowering evergreen shrubs to the south of the house and conifer trees to the northeast of the house screen views into the backyard. C Sun- and water-loving evergreen shrubs and herbaceous species help absorb rainwater runoff before it reaches the puddling area close to the house. Adding evergreen shrubs also increases winter interest in the front yard. D A more conventional design is implemented around the deck and sunroom with a small patch of lawn close to the house, E enclosed by a swooping perennial garden bed. F Beyond the garden bed, a low ground cover transitions into a meadow of native grasses and wildflowers, G that encompass the centralized orchard that provides productive and attractive views of various native fruit and nut trees. H The meadow borders the shrubs that have been introduced along the treeline to create a gradual transitional edge. I On warm summer days Donna and her visitors can stroll down the winding footpath that bisects the
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through the southern wooded area of the property and along the southeastern edge of the property leads visitors to berry bushes that have been planted for forage.
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drawbacks • Higher cost and initial maintenance to establish meadow, perennial gardens, rain garden, and nature walk. • The nature walk needs regular maintenance and attention.
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
N
40 ft.
Design Summary
FINAL DESIGN
The final plan proposes an alternative to the conventional flat, open landscape. Views from all angles of the property are improved with the use of various textures, colors, shapes and heights of vegetation. A considerable amount of lawn space is replaced with drought-tolerant ground covers, herbaceous perennials and shrubs. In turn, there is a reduction in water, gas and fertilizer consumption and time devoted to mowing and raking. Once established, the low-maintenance perennial gardens and annually mown meadow requires less time and money than a traditional turf lawn.
E
Perspective of backyard, outdoor living space.
B Colorful Meadow
A
A post and rail wooden fence separates the outdoor living space from a native grass and colorful wildflower meadow which is mown annually. An attractive redbud tree, receiving full sun for most of the year presents itself as the focal point of the meadow in this design, centralized and within view from all points of the backyard.
C Gradual transition to mature woods
B
B C
G Footpath to Secluded refuge
0
A compost bin is conveniently located close to the perennial and vegetable beds, next to the storage shed that has been relocated for easier access to the garden tools. Three rain barrels, hidden behind the shrubs to the north, capture roof runoff from the house for on-site use in the gardens.
Ornamental, salt-tolerant grasses, and perennial flowers line the driveway.
Rainwater runoff that is directed down slope toward the house is intercepted by a rain garden that absorbs and redirects water to the north and south. A culvert is installed under the driveway to direct water north, toward the existing rainwater retention basin. The sun-loving rain garden plants create beautiful swathes of color directly in front of the entrance. A small vegetable garden on the edge of the rain garden gives Donna a chance to grow food in the front and wave to the passing neighbors, creating a neighborly atmosphere.
A
D Compost, Shed and rainwater catchment
Inviting Entrance
F Rain garden
F
H G
C
Assorted drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant evergreen shrubs and small trees line the meadow, creating a transitional edge into the mature mixed evergreen and deciduous forest. The diverse array of vegetation attracts birds and small mammals by providing food and cover for nesting, and escape from predators. Diverse flowering vegetation attracts butterflies and beneficial insects such as bees.
E
E
D
E Y DRIV
Donna enjoys relaxing and working on her raised mixed vegetable, herb and flower garden bed that confines the fire pit with a two-foot tall stone wall. A semi-enclosed space is created, giving Donna easy access to maintain the garden and providing sitting space around the fire pit. Lowbush blueberries, lavender, and daylilies surrounding the exterior of the fire pit/stone wall invite Donna and her guests to enjoy this space.
A'
CHERR
A RAISED Vegetable bed encloses fire pit
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40 ft.
Guests are drawn past the front entrance on a winding path of permeable crushed stone around the corner of the house. They travel under the trellis with climbing hydrangea bordered by sweetbay and flowering perennial evergreen shrubs that screen views into the secluded backyard. To the left, the guests observe a rain/rock garden, abundant with shade- and water-loving ferns, grasses, and flowering ground covers.
N
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
H Outdoor living space
A'
A Section not to scale.
The path, lined with blue fescue on the left and perennial garden beds on the right, continues to draw the viewer toward the outdoor living space. A circular patio with fire pit connects to the deck, shaded by a trellis with trumpet creeper that will attract hummingbirds. Fragrant perennials in the surrounding gardens will also enhance the outdoor living experience.
CONCEPTUAL PLANTING PLAN A careful arrangement of assorted low-maintenance native trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and ground covers improves the aesthetics of the landscape, enhances wildlife habitat, and increases access and circulation.
MEADOW Low-maintenance native grasses, ground covers, and wildflowers increase diversity, increase wildlife habitat for birds and small mammals, attract butterflies and beneficial insects, and improve the aesthetics of the landscape.
CHER
Outdoor Living Space
IVE RY D R
A private space with enhanced natural views, additional area to relax and entertain, a fire pit, and increased shade over the deck draws Donna and her guests out to enjoy the landscape. Low-maintenance perennial flowers, ornamentals, and herb beds surround the space.
Lawn Decreased lawn space in the front yard reduces maintenance for Donna. It also reduces consumption of water, gas, and fertilizers.
Transition to Mature Woods Evergreen shrubs, tall grasses, and herbaceous species create an attractive, gradual forest edge. Diverse vegetation provides wildlife with food, cover for nesting, shelter from weather, and escape from predators.
DONNA JOHNSON 0
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39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
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Full-Sun Rain Garden The rain garden serves as a solution to the puddling problem caused by the downslope directing runoff toward the house. Any excess water is redirected and absorbed before reaching the house.
Shade Rain Garden Rainwater runoff that is directed to the saturated region of the landscape is absorbed by water- and shade-loving species.
Specimen tree Entering the backyard from any access point, the viewer’s eyes are drawn to the specimen tree situated in the center of the meadow.
Screening Evergreen shrubs screen views into the backyard, increasing privacy.
Entry Gardens Low-maintenance ornamental ground covers, grasses, flowers and shrubs provide color and form throughout the year, beautifying the entry space.
Vegetable, Herb, and Flower Bed Mixed vegetable, herb, and flower beds are raised two feet for comfortable maintenance, creating a semi-enclosed space for the portable fire pit, but don’t block views of the meadow. The bed is conveniently located close to the house and living space for easy access.
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
N
Leyland cypress
Bearberry
D
PLANTING PLAN
A
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A
Sheep fescue Blue huckleberry
Wood spurge
Redosier dogwood
Black huckleberry
Dog violet Turtlehead
Trailing arbutus
Redosier dogwood
Trumpet creeper
Sheep fescue
Mixed perennial container
Lavender
Mountain mint
D
Blue rug juniper
Vegetable, herb and flower bed
Swamp milkweed Blue flag iris
E Y DRIV
B
American holly
Daylily
Turf grass
CHERR
Lowbush blueberry
Wild strawberry
Blue star-Arkansas
Wild geranium
Switchgrass, Wild bergamot, Black-eyed susan
Sheep fescue
B Mountain laurel, Highland doghobble
Climbing hydrangea vine
Hairy alumroot
Vegetable, herb and flower bed
Pennsylvania sedge Wavy hairgrass
Autumn fern Bearberry
C
Autumn joy
Lavender
Sweetbay magnolia
Blue spruce
Native columbine Royal fern Baneberry
Ostrich fern Sensitive fern Canadian wildginger
Northern maidenhair fern
Barren strawberry
Barren strawberry
Indian grass
Native rhododendron
Canadian wildginger
Orange butterfly weed
Autumn joy
C
Great laurel, Catawba rhododendron
Sheep fescue
Summersweet
Blue flag iris
Lowbush blueberry
White spruce
Autumn joy
Blue flag iris
Mayapple
Lavender
Winterberry (male)
Dog violet
Redbud
Daylily
Winterberry (female)
Summersweet
Cardinal flower Blue star-Arkansas
Windflower
Autumn joy Blue flag iris
Stepping stones Summersweet Autumn joy Summersweet Wavy hairgrass Sheep fescue Spiked lobelia Autumn joy Eastern teaberry Switchgrass Lavender Wavy hairgrass
Windflower Blue flag iris Blue star-Arkansas Wild bergamot Beebalm Orange butterfly weed Beebalm Summersweet
Black-eyed susan
Sheep fescue Native rhododendron
Winterberry (female)
Winterberry (male)
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey
N
Plants have been placed to fit the specific, existing growing conditions assessed on the property, and for the aesthetic and ecological qualities they provide to the landscape. Photos of selected plants appear on the following pages.
MEADOW
Drought- & sun-tolerant species Ground covers Lowbush blueberry
Vaccinium angustifolium
Panicum virgatum Sorghastrum nutans
herbaceous species Wild bergamot Black-eyed susan
Monarda fistulosa Rudbeckia hirta
Outdoor Living Space shade-tolerant species Campsis radicans Hydrangea anomala Clematis virginiana
Transition to Mature Woods drought- & sun-tolerant species ground covers Bearberry Daylily Wild strawberry Pennsylvania sedge Appalachian sedge Blue huckleberry Black huckleberry Eastern teaberry Sheep fescue Wavy hairgrass Virginia creeper Sandcherry Mayapple Mountain mint Trailing arbutus
Ilex opaca
Woody Evergreen shrubs Great laurel Rhododendron maximum Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia Highland doghobble Leucothoe fontanesiana Catawba rhododendron Rhododendron catawbiense
Full-Sun Rain Garden
medium to tall grasses Switchgrass Indian grass
vines for trellis Trumpet creeper Climbing hydrangea vine Clematis vines
small evergreen trees American holly
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Hemerocallis sp. Fragaria virginiana Carex pensylvanica Carex appalachica Gaylussacia frondosa Gaylussacia baccata Gaultheria procumbens Festuca ovina Deschampsia flexuosa Parthenocissus quinquefolia Prunus pumila Podophyllum peltatum Pycnanthemum sp. Epigaea repens
Plants for the wetter center woody shrubs:* Summersweet Redosier dogwood
perennials:** Cardinal flower Blue star-Arkansas Orange butterfly weed Blue flag iris Marsh marigold Indian grass Swamp milkweed Joe-Pye weed Purple Joe-Pye Virginia sweetspire Turtlehead Beebalm
Clethra alnifolia Cornus sericea
Lobelia cardinalis Amsonia hubrichtii Asclepias tuberose Iris versicolor Caltha palustris Sorghastrum nutans Asclepias incarnata Eutrochium maculatum Eutrochium purpureum Itea virginica Chelone glabra Monarda didyma
Plants for the dryer outer edge woody shrubs:* Blue rug juniper Sweet pepperbush
Juniperus horizontalis Clethra alnifolia
perennials:** Tall cinquefoil Potentilla arguta Autumn joy Sedum spectabile Wild geranium Geranium maculatum Windflower Anemone canadensis Spiked lobelia Lobelia spicata Flat-topped aster Symphyotrichum umbellatus New England aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Perennial sunflower Helenium autumnale Lavender Lavandula angustifolia Blue mistflower Eupatorium coelestinum
*Woody shrubs: Though some deciduous shrubs listed shed
**Perennials: These plants die over the winter and sprout new
their leaves, the woody structure of these plants will provide
shoots in the spring. Sometimes some of last year’s foliage
winter interest in the garden.
will survive the winter, and should be left for wildlife food, cover, nesting.
Shade Rain Garden
Plants for the wetter, shadier center trees Sweetbay magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
woody shrubs:* Vernal witchhazel Native rhododendron Labrador tea Winterberry perennials:** Canadian wildginger Royal fern Ostrich fern Northern maidenhair fern Autumn fern Hairy alumroot Native columbine Sensitive fern Cardinal flower Dog violet Turtlehead Red baneberry
Hamamelis vernalis Rhododendron canadense Ledum groenlandicum Ilex verticillata
Asarum canadense Osmunda regalis Matteuccia struthiopteris Adiantum pedatum Dryopteris erythrosora Heuchera villosa Aquilegia canadensis Onoclea sensibilis Lobelia cardinalis Viola riviniana Chelone glabra Actaea rubra
Plants for the dryer outer edge woody shrubs:* Sweetfern Bearberry
Comptonia peregrina Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
perennials:** Wood spurge Wild geranium
Euphorbia amygdaloides Geranium maculatum
Specimen tree
TREE GROWN BY ITSELF, CENTERED IN MEADOW FOR ORNAMENTAL EFFECT Eastern redbud Sargent cherry Serviceberry Pin cherry Sassafras Sweetgum
Cercis canadensis Prunus sargentii Amelanchier canadensis Prunus pensylvanica Sassafras albidum Liquidambar styraciflua
DONNA JOHNSON 39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301
PLANT PALETTE
13
Screening conifer trees White spruce Blue spruce Leyland cypress
Picea glauca (Moench) Voss Picea pungens X Cupressocyparis leylandii
evergreen shrubs and small trees American holly Ilex opaca Great laurel Rhododendron maximum Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia Highland doghobble Leucothoe fontanesiana Catawba rhododendron Rhododendron catawbiense
Entry Gardens
Salt-Tolerant Species for Driveway hardy perennials Native columbine Bearberry Daylily Bird’s-foot trefoil Barren strawberry
Aquilegia canadensis Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Hemerocallis sp. Lotus cytisoides Waldsteinia sp.
ornamental grasses Sheep fescue Blue lyme grass Maiden grass Muhly grass
Festuca ovina Elymus arenarius Miscanthus sinensis Muhlenbergia capilaris
Vegetable, herb and flower Bed
The mixed annual and perennial vegetables, herb and flower bed can be determined according to Donna’s desires. The placement was chosen for its close proximity to the house, and proposed placement of the compost and tool shed, and it receives full sun (6-9 hours) during the growing season. For further information on rotating vegetables and pest control, please see Eliot Coleman’s The New Organic Grower. For more information on growing perennial vegetables, please see Eric Toensmeier’s Perennial Vegetables. TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
PLANT PALETTE
14
Lowbush blueberry
Cardinal flower
Eastern redbud
Sweetbay magnolia
Sargent cherry
Hairy alumroot
Ostrich fern
Trumpet creeper
Autumn joy Bird’s-foot trefoil Photo source: www.wikimedia.com
DONNA JOHNSON 39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301 Baneberry
Sheep fescue
Blue flag iris
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
PLANT PALETTE
15
American holly
Native columbine
Blue rug juniper
Moutain laurel
Turtlehead Wood spurge Leyland cypress
Winterberry
Wild bergamot
Native rhododendron Photo source: www.wikimedia.com
DONNA JOHNSON 39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301 Highland doghobble
Violet
Barren strawberry
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
PLANT PALETTE
16
Orange butterfly weed
Wild strawberry
Blue star-Arkansas
Daylily
Maiden grass Bearberry Marsh marigold
Blue spruce
Beebalm
Swamp milkweed Photo source: www.wikimedia.com
DONNA JOHNSON 39 CHERRY DRIVE GREENFIELD, MA 01301 Windflower
Blue lyme grass
Autumn fern
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
TOM JANDERNOA
FALL 2009
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Rd., Conway, MA
DONNA JOHNSON RESIDENCE 39 CHERRY DRIVE, GREENFIELD, MA 01301