A Landscape Design for
Nancy & Robert
Shelburne, Massachusetts INDEX Goals & Existing Conditions ......... 1 Context .......................................... 2 Slopes & Drainage ......................... 3 Soils ............................................... 4 Utilities .......................................... 5 Views ............................................. 6 Legal Implications ......................... 7 Summary Analysis ........................ 8 Design Alternatives ....................... 9-11 Final Design .................................. 12-13 Planting Plan ................................. 14-15 Erosion & Rose Control ................ 16
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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This household is home to six family members of varying ages and interests. There are two living spaces in this home. A first-floor apartment is Robert’s parents’ living space, and the rest of the family occupies the main portion of the home. They enjoy the outdoors and love to stay active and busy. This landscape should encourage and embrace that lifestyle in a beautiful and natural way. Taking many environmental aspects into consideration, this project aims to achieve the following client goals in a way that supports and heeds the ecosystem’s natural processes.
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Te Great Brook
Underground Utility Line
CLIENT GOALS
Attract More Wildlife
Nancy, Robert and their family enjoy watching animals in their landscape (especially deer and birds), and would like to encourage more animals to make their home here.
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Become More Self-Sufficient
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The family would like to get most of their food from a large vegetable garden during the growing season, and have enough extra to pickle and can for the winter months. They are also interested in growing trees for firewood, and growing their own Christmas trees.
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Conceal Utility Elements
There are many utilities on this site, some of which cause unpleasant views for the family.
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Access to Recreational Water
Robert and Nancy’s family loves to swim. They would like a natural swimming pond to go for a dip or to just splash around during the hot summer months.
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Define Space
This family doesn’t feel settled at this property just yet, and would like to feel “closed in and cozy.” They want individual entertainment space for the two households, a sited barn and pasture for potential livestock, and enough space for a 31-foot RV and parking spaces for friends and family when they come to visit.
SITE OVERVIEW Nancy and Robert’s property is 10.3 acres in its entirety, but this project focuses on roughly 4 acres.
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To the west runs the Great Brook, a perennial tributary of the Deerfield River. This water body is nestled within a shrub swamp, a legal wetland.
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There is a steep septic mound in the northeast corner of the property that frames the driveway.
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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A Landscape Plan for
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Four utility poles are visible from the home: two run along South Shelburne Road, and two cut through the center of the property. Property Line To the southeast of the focus area is Contours a neighbor’s paddock. This fence line was brought forward so the family can Shrub Edge watch horses from the house.
Legend
To the south is a woodland populated Wetland with white pine and hemlock trees. A strip of early successional forest (featuring many young oak) separates the woods from a very open and flat lawn.
Utility Lines
& Poles
Trees Fence Woodland
Drains
Goals & Existing Conditions
Buildings
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LOCATION
BioMap 2 Natural Heritage/ Endangered Species Program
Robert and Nancy’ss home is nestled in the hills of Shelburne, Massachusetts. It is surrounded by a number of habitats and environments important to the conservation of this region’s biodiversity.
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Greenfield Mt.
Brimstone Hill
Great Brook
Deerfield River
The property sits beside the Great Brook, which is a tributary within the Deerfield River watershed. The brook is fed by water draining from Dragon Hill to the site’s northwest, Greenfield Mountain to the site’s north, and Brimstone Hill to the site’s northeast. The surrounding perennial streams (in yellow) are considered Core Habitat by Natural Heritage and the Endangered Species Program. These spaces should remain undisturbed and undeveloped to help conserve the state’s biodiversity. Water from this site is draining into the Deerfield River (in blue), which is home to both endangered species and species of special concern.
ENDANGERED SPECIES The northern redbelly dace is an endangered species in Massachusetts. It prefers cooler, slowmoving streams in marshy areas. It likes to find refuge from potential predators under brush-heavy vegetation. Dace can live up to eight years in the right habitat, and is one of the most attractive in the minnow family. The wood turtle lives in shallow streams with compacted bottoms. It is mostly found within 100 feet of a stream or brook, and likes to live near the woods or in a wet field. It also relies on shady environments, especially mid-summer. This endangered turtle can live up to 40 years, reaching about 10 inches wide.
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
A Landscape Plan for
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The upland sandpiper has not been seen in Shelburne since 1908. These birds like to nest in open fields with tall grass to hide in. It likes to forage for fruit and seeds and eat crickets, weevils, and beetles. Adder’s-tongue fern is a beautiful and unusual low-growing plant that tends to live in acidic, marshy areas. It looks like a non-flowering lily. Endangered plants and animals of the area rely on the types of environment this property supports. There are many opportunities to support these communities and preserve the region’s biodiversity.
Context
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OBSERVATIONS Slopes
Drainage
Water here generally flows to the southwest. It eventually drains into the Great Brook, which empties into the Deerfield River. A combination of the pitch and lack of vegetation on the northeast knoll causes water to flow faster, whereas water in the flatter portion moves slower. There are three drain pipes depositing water on this site. Two drains transport water from South Shelburne Road and one from the foundation of the home. Slopes to the north and east contain water in the northern portion of the lawn, causing water to collect and slowly drain to a low point on the property.
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The Great Brook
This property is divided into two sections. The red area, lining the northern and eastern borders of the property, is where the land is steepest, between 10% and >15% grade. Such slopes can be difficult to navigate, and in many cases require steps to comfortably climb. The driveway is slightly steep at the entrance, and levels out as it approaches the house. It bisects the steep and flat portions of the lawn and runs along the base of the knoll. Most of the site is relatively flat (shown in green). These slopes are measured at <2% to 10%, and can be easily navigated by an able-bodied person without steps or railings.
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IMPLICATIONS The steep slant of the knoll creates an obstacle for maintenance: it is very hard (and dangerous) to mow. Because of its proximity to steep slopes, the driveway can become eroded in rainstorms. Slopes between <2% and 5% may cause water to pool, which adds moisture to the lawn. Drainage pipes on the property further concentrate the water, causing water to pool after rainfall. The topography along the western side of the property causes water to be slightly diverted away from the brook. A temporary channel forms through the property during heavy rainfall.
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Section A-Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shows how water moves across the property northeast to southwest. Quickly draining water from the hill can cause divots and channels along the driveway. Water then very slowly makes its way across the lawn to the lowest point.
Legend
Quick Water Movement Slow Water Movement Erosion Grassy Knoll
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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Flat Slopes safe & easy to navigate
Steep Slopes difficult to navigate
Quick Water Flow
Slow Water Flow
Drain Outflow
Temporary Channel
Low Point
Slopes & Drainage
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SOIL TEST Soil samples from multiple areas of the property were sent to the University of Massachusetts to be tested. This soil is acidic with a pH of 5.8, is calcium-rich and has a high organic matter percentage. The soil’s nutrient richness may be explained by the proximity to the brook: historic flooding may have deposited organic matter in the soils.
SOIL SERIES Three types of soil present on this property:
The Great Brook
Ridgebury Series
This soil tends to be a gravelly, fine sandy loam. It is classified as “very strongly acid to moderately acid throughout,” and is a hydric soil. Hydric soils are saturated in the top layer of earth. Because this decreases the soil’s water-holding capabilities, these soils tend to be very poorly drained, and often are ponded.
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Raynham Series
These generally silty soils were formed on low areas of glacial lake beds and terraces. Like the Ridgebury soil, it drains poorly, and tends to be acidic.
Canton Series
Canton soils are different from the other two types found at this site. It is also a fine sandy loam, but is not hydric, allowing sufficient drainage.
SIGNIFICANCE
A majority of this property has hydric soils (which are saturated year-round) presumably perpetuated by the presence of the Great Brook to the west and its neighboring wetland. This, combined with the natural acidity, require suitable vegetation. Plant selection for these spaces will focus on the plants’ ability to thrive in these conditions. Some plant types may need additional minerals, nutrients, or raised beds to create an optimal environment for their success.
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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Soils
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3 There are many utility elements on this property, many of which govern the height and density of potential vegetation.
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A set of utility poles and lines runs through the center of this property. Another set runs just beyond the northern property line, along South Shelburne Road. These lines are owned by Western Massachusetts Electric Company who have a legal right-of-way for maintenance. This right-of-way requires vegetation to be low-growing to avoid interference with the lines. This area is known as an easement and is divided into two sections. The wire zone is the strip below the lines, and extends out 15 feet. The peripheral zone stretches out 83 feet from the lines. Any trees or shrubs in the wire zone must reach a mature height of less than 15 feet, and within the peripheral zone vegetation height may not exceed 30 feet. See diagram below.
2 Leech Field
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An underground electric line runs from a utility pole on South Shelburne Road to the home. It is important not to dig in this area without checking first with Dig Safe to avoid disrupting service or possibly causing electrocution.
Legend
Three water pipes drain into the lawn. Two along the northern border carry water from South Shelburne Road and deposit it on the northern portion of the lawn. Another drain extends from the southwest corner of the home, transporting water that may collect around the foundation into the lawn. These drain openings cause pooling in the lawn long after rain.
Utility Lines & Poles Periphery Zone Wire Zone Water Drains & Outflow Water Well Buffer Zone Septic System
Just south of the home is a water well with a 100’ well buffer zone. The wellhead should always sit 12”14” above the ground. Avoid depositing heavy nutrients within the well radius to keep particulates out of the drinking supply. This can be accomplished by minimizing fertilization and controlling manure.
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Underground Electric Line
A mounded septic system and leach field is buried under the knoll to the northeast, with holding tanks east of the home. Trees and woody shrubs should not be planted in this area as their roots could damage the structure. Lightly rooted vegetation like grasses and other herbaceous species should be planted here. Northeast Utilities
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Utilities
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Looking west from South Shelburne Road
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CONTEXT
Source of Bad View
This portion of Shelburne is considered a “Noteworthy Scenic Landscape,” which is defined by the Department of Conservation and Recreation as an area of “high visual quality,” and can consist of “openness, low population density, historical land uses, surface water, significant vegetation, important geological features and a lack of contemporary development.” This attractive property is surrounded by large pine and hemlock trees, features a beautiful and healthy perennial stream, has few neighbors, and is generally open and beautiful.
CONFLICT
Four utility poles and lines cross this landscape, causing undesirable views for the clients. Two are in the northernmost portion of the land, just beyond the property line (A). The other two bisect the lawn, drawing the eye away from the surrounding natural beauty (B). The large poles are distinctive and conspicuous, the wires are less obscure but visible. The presence of these elements distract from the overall beauty of the property and Gretchen and Jerry would like to camouflage them in some fashion.
Utility lines obstruct an otherwise scenic backyard
B
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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Views
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WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT
Zon Set ing bac ks
Legal boundaries restrict potential development of this property. Local zoning and conservation laws constrict apt locations for a new barn and pasture, and limit vehicular circulation of the site. Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, no alterations within the 100-foot wetland buffer zone shall occur unless it serves the purpose of “maintaining, repairing, or replacing” currently existing utilities, and anything other than these outlined actions will require approval from the local Conservation Commission. The law governs “alterations such as filling, excavating, removing trees and other vegetation, erecting structures, paving, septic systems, (and) landscaping... within 100-foot buffer zones.” Because much of this land is open and regularly mowed, it is likely the board will approve an application to add vegetation to the wetland buffer, especially with native plant species.
100 foot Wetland Buffer 200 foot Riverfront Area
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The wetland surrounding the Great Brook is classified as a Shrub Swamp, which is occasionally flooded and is characterized by a dense thicket of wet-tolerant shrubs. Generally these plants only reach about 5’ tall, and have about 25% tree cover to keep running water cool. A 200-foot buffer from the perennial stream is called the River Resource Area. This buffer is meant to prevent damage to local waterways, drinking wells, and surrounding habitat. The resource area focuses on 8 principles of conservation: “protection of public and private water supply, protection of groundwater supply, protection of land containing shellfish, protection of wildlife habitat, flood control, storm damage prevention, prevention of pollution, and protection of fisheries.” Applications for development that affect or hinder these criterion will only be considered if there is no other feasible option on the property.
ZONING
The town of Shelburne has zoning setbacks for construction, which govern how close to the property line a resident can build. Gretchen and Jerry would like to build a barn in the future, and it must be sited at a location that respects these guidelines: Front yard setback: 25 ft Side yard setback: 20 ft Rear yard setback: 20 ft Maximum height of buildings: 35 ft
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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Legal Implications
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SUMMARY The Great Brook is a perennial stream that serves as Core Wildlife to many species in the ecosystem. A wetland exists on the banks of the water body, and a 100’ wetland buffer zone extends into the property from the edge of the wetland. This buffer serves as a barrier to mitigate pollution, disturbance, and development. The Riverfront Area extends out 200’ from the edge of the stream. Western Massachusetts Electric Company maintains utility poles and lines on this property, and rely on an easement area for access. This area is broken into two separate zones: the wire zone (only plants less than 15’ tall at maturity may be planted here), and a peripheral zone (only plants less than 30’ tall at maturity may be planted here). These poles create an unpleasant view for the clients and they would like to conceal them.
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The town of Shelburne governs zoning setbacks for new construction, these restrictions, 25’ on the front and 20’ on the sides, are shown the property boundary.
Legend Core Habitat Wetland Buffer Riverfront Area Wire Zone Peripheral Zone Source of Bad View Zoning Setback
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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Summary Analysis
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ALTERNATIVE #1: Labyrinth This design aims to create space appropriate for the family, wildlife, and potential livestock. The landscape is a maze of environments and destinations. The neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paddock fence is moved back to the property line, giving Nancy and Robert more pasture space. The Labyrinth embraces the idea of feeling settled and tucked in, conceals the utility lines, and provides access to recreational water.
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The vegetated edge of the Great Brook is extended, creating a greater ecotone for habitat to nest. Ecotones are the biodiverse transitional spaces where environments meet. Wettolerant and fruit bearing plant species are selected for this edge, which encourage wildlife (these edges provide both shelter and nourishment), soak up moisture from the wet lawn, and help frame spaces on the property.
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There is a gathering space due west of the home, featuring a small (but beautiful) opening to the Great Brook, surrounded by wetland plants.
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Native grasses and wildflowers are planted on the northern knoll, along with some flowering shrubs to help frame the view of the entire property from the entrance.
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A pond and some garden beds are placed close to the house, providing recreational water.
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An allĂŠe of trees directs visitors to the backyard, which opens into a meadow to the west and a lowgrowing nut hedge to the east. The barn and a fenced-in pasture area create space for the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desired livestock.
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An edible forest garden provides a long-term and low-maintenance production area, and features fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, vines, root crops and other edibles.
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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Alternative 1: Labyrinth
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ALTERNATIVE #2: Production Production is about using simple shapes and spaces. This design assumes the pasture fence isn’t moved and any livestock would graze on the neighbor’s pasture.
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Berry-bearing shrubs terrace the northwest corner of the property, providing nutrition for both birds and children. These plantings also filter and hold water that comes from drains along the northern border.
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An opening to the west of the home provides the perfect place for gathering. It is shielded by the views of the utility poles and offers access to the Great Brook.
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Stone walls terrace the west side of the knoll, echoing the home’s building material. This pulls the landscape and the architecture together and helps slow water drainage during heavy rainstorms, mitigating erosion.
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B Bu err sh y es
Knoll
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A natural swimming pond is nestled where water currently flows to, surrounded by wetland shrubs and native meadow, perfect to encourage wildlife and increase beauty.
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Garden Beds
An edible forest garden provides a long-term and lowmaintenance production area, and supports fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, vines, root crops and other edibles. A farm lane leads back to the shadiest portion of the property, where a barn is built. Space behind the barn can conceal a 31-foot RV from the home and gathering space.
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Christmas Trees
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Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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Alternative 2: Production
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ALTERNATIVE #3: Meadow Walk Meadow Walk provides a 1/5 mile nature path. It assumes the neighbor’s fence will not be moved, and extra pasture space will need to be defined.
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A north-to-south oriented strip of meadow defines this property. Placed within the wetland buffer (and 100-year flood plain), this expanse should only be mowed once a year or once every other year. The path can be altered with each mowing.
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Various wetland shrubs define the meadow’s edge, creating habitat and beauty.
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Shrubs planted along the base of the knoll and along the driveway create a clear entrance and echo vegetation from the wetland, framing the property.
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A pond is dug nearby the home, using rooftop runoff. It provides water for the nearby garden beds, keeps the micro-climate around the house warmer during the chillier months, and is a safe place for all ages to go for a dip.
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Fruit trees help shield the view of the utility poles from the back yard, and help shade the south side of the house from scorching summer sun. Garden beds are placed just south of the orchard to take full advantage of the sun. A pasture is carved out between the existing wood’s edge and neighbor’s fenced-in paddock. The new fence line keeps grazing animals out of the wetland buffer. Christmas trees are planted within, and will survive browsing.
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
A Landscape Plan for
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Alternative 3: Meadow Walk
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FINAL DESIGN: Nautilus This design incorporates favorable aspects of each alternative, creating distinct rooms in the landscape. Proposed vegetation supports and encourages wildlife habitat and highlights the natural beauty of the site. A redesigned entryway informs visitors of separate households. A natural swimming pond and a barn are sited south of the home. The addition of shrub edge and meadow greatly reduce mowing, conserving energy use.
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The edge of the shrub swamp is planted with flowering and fruiting wetland shrubs. This edge defines space in the northwestern corner of the property, creating a quiet space to meander, relax, pick berries, and appreciate wildlife. A cozy seating area is carved into a bosk overlooking the wetland. This new vegetation helps mitigate some of the pooling that occurs in this portion of the lawn, creating an even more desirable environment for lounging.
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A native grass and wildflower meadow minimizes mowing, creates habitat for birds and bees, and helps define edges within the property. Grasses and forbs are also planted on the leach field. This reduces the amount of mowing on the steep slope, helps control erosion along the driveway, and keeps the septic system protected from disturbance caused by roots. Flowers set to bloom throughout the seasons create long lasting beauty. This area should only be mowed once every year or once every other year. A brook-side space is perfect for family gatherings and special events. Access to the stream is increased by cutting back existing shrubs. These banks are replanted and reinforced with a 5-foot vegetated buffer. Two large black walnut trees provide shade, frame the view of the brook, and supply nuts for the family and wildlife. A deck or stone landing provides a formal yet cozy gathering space beside the stream. A barn replaces the existing shed, creating space for storage and a home for potential livestock. It sits along the side of the pasture to ease grazing management. The neighboring paddockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fence line currently runs through the site and is moved back to the property line, allowing extra grazing space. Crabapples are planted between the new pasture and woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge to encourage and draw out wildlife such as deer and turkeys.
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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The woolly adelgid is an insect that preys on hemlock trees that slowly kills them by feeding off of their sap. Scientists speculate that this pest could wipe out most of the Appalachian population within a decade. As the hemlocks in the woods begin to dwindle, they can be replaced with trees suitable for biomass production.
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Fully defined and functional entertainment areas wrap around the home. New destinations within close proximity to the home help the family feel settled and relaxed in their landscape.
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A clear sense of arrival has been achieved by creating paths to both unitsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; front doors. The circular entranceway provides a private, welcoming entry to two separate households. A stone landing creates a clear ingress. Honeysuckle vines and azalea bushes are planted in front, beautifying and framing the home. The honeysuckle flowers attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.
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A patio sits to the west of the first floor apartment. Highbush blueberries have been planted on the outer edge of the patio, tall enough to gaze over into the meadow. A shade tree is planted on the corner of the stone deck, cooling off this hot corner in the summer. Stone is the preferable material for this setting because it tends to stay warm in the winter and keep cool in the summer, potentially extending comfortable outdoor time.
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A natural swimming pond is dug within close proximity of the home. A footing drain currently takes water from the foundation and deposits it into the middle of the lawn. It is recommended that the pipe be diverted to the pond in order to utilize roof runoff. Vegetation planted along the pond helps keep it healthy and clean. Stepping stones ease entrance to the water.
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An orchard encloses the backyard. Apple, pear and cherry trees provide delicious fruit through the summer and shade the south side of the home from the scorching summer sun. These trees will lose their leaves in the wintertime, allowing the much-needed light to enter the windows. Garden beds are planted just to the south.
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A tea garden is carved into the wildflower meadow to the east, creating a special quiet area in an otherwise bustling backyard. Aromatic herbs suitable for harvesting and drying can be planted in this area to tantalize the senses.
Looking east to the new in-law apartment patio and pond Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
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Final Design
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This plan offers suggestions for plants that can withstand poorly drained acidic soils. Seeding is the most efficient method of installation in the meadow. Plant shorter varieties to the south, as not to shade them out as they mature. See the next page for specific recommendations around the house.
Black Walnut
Legend Wetland Shrubs
Driveway
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Meadow Plants
Pond
Fruit Trees Mowed Lawn Pasture Vegetated Stream Edge
Meadow Plants Scientific Name Carex gynandra Buddleja americana Festuca rubra Asclepias incarnata Monarda fistulosa Eutrochium dubium Penstemon digitalis Rudbeckia hirta Verbena hastata Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
Sheet1
Common Name Nodding Sedge Butterfly Bush Creeping Red Fescue Swamp Milkweed Wild Bergamot Joe Pye Weed Beardtongue Black Eyed Susan Blue Vervain
Height 1.5'-4' 5'-10' 1''-8'' 2'-4' 1''-1'' 3'-4' 2'-3' 3'' 2'-5'
Benefits O WF, S BS, O WF, S WF, M, E WF, S WF, O WF, O WF, M
New England Aster
3'-6'
WF, O
Wetland Shrubs Scientific Name Swida racemosa Swida amomum Swida sericea Sambucus canadensis Corylus americana Walt. Cephalanthus occidentalis Rhododendron viscosum Salix viminalis Amelanchier canadensis Viburnum dentatum Vaccinium corymbosum Vaccinium oxycoccos Lindera Viburnum nudum Ilex verticillata Juglans nigra
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Common Name Grey Dogwood Silky Dogwood Red Osier Dogwood American Elderberry American Hazelnut Buttonbush Swamp Azalea Basket Willow Juneberry Southern Arrowwood Highbush Blueberry Cranberry Spicebush Wild Raisin Winterberry Black Walnut
Height 6' 6'-10' 4.5' â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20' 6'-12' 12'-15' 5'-15' 5', 12' w 10'-20' 15'-30' 6'-8' 6'-12' <12'' 5'-20' 6'-10' 3'-16' 100'-130'
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Benefits BS, WF BS, WF WF, O, C BS, WF, M E, WF WF, O WF, O BS, C, FG BS, WF, M WF WF, E, O WF, E WF, E, S, O WF, E, O WF, O BS, C, WF, E
PLANT BENEFITS WF Wildlife Forage BS Bank Stabilization M Medicinal O Ornamental C Crafts E Edible Fruit S Sensory FG Fast Growing
Planting Plan
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PLANTING PLAN AROUND HOUSE Driveway
Plant Benefits
WF BS M O C E S FG
Stone Patio
Wildlife Forage Bank Stabilization
Stone Patio House
Medicinal Ornamental Crafts Edible Fruit
Deck
Sensory Fast Growing Pond
POND VEGETATION Tea Garden Elodea canadensis (Anacharis) Orchard
Mentha aquatica (Water Mint)
Raised Garden Beds Sheet3
Phlox stolonifera (Creeping Phlox)
ENTRYWAY & AROUND HOUSE Color
Saururus cernuus (Lizard Tail)
Scirpus zebrinus (Zebra Rush)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Height Benefits
Azalea 'Karen'
Azalea ‘Karen’
3'-5'
WF, O
Ceanothus americanus
New Jersey Tea
2-5'
WF, E, O
Magnolia virginiana
Sweetbay Magnolia
40'
O
Malus domestica
Apple
15'-25'
WF, E
Malus domestica
Crabapple
15'-25'
WF, E, O, S
Prunus cerasus
Sour Cherry
10'-25'
WF, E, O
Pyrus communis
Pear
25'-30'
WF, E
Sambucus canadensis
American Elderberry
6'-12'
BS, WF, M, FG
Vaccinium corymbosum
Highbush Blueberry
6'-12'
WF, E, O
Vitis vinifera
Grapevine
40'+
WF, C, M, E, FG
Mowed Lawn Assorted Garden Crops Typha minima (Mini Cattail)
Meadow Pond Vegetation Mowed Lawn
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Planting Plan
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EROSION CONTROL The banks of the Great Brook are constantly changing. Water rushes through its channels every day, bringing with it sediment from upstream. Water flow erodes the brook’s edge, expanding and disturbing the riverbed, taking with it bordering unvegetated soil. This process is slowed down by trees, shrubs, grasses or other plants. The photo to the right depicts an eroded riverbed and the effects of clearing and mowing by the stream.
Stream bank erosion in Ottawa, Canada
A resilient riverbank relys on a gentle slope and an effective plant cover. A good riparian buffer includes different types of vegetation that support the surrounding soil and has a slope of 1:1, a 45 degree angle. The best plant selections for this area have strong roots and can withstand temporary flooding. FairfaxCounty.gov
MULTIFLORA ROSE CONTROL The vegetation currently supporting the Great Brook is mostly multiflora rose, a species considered invasive by many states (including Massachusetts). Invasive species are known for spreading quickly throughout a landscape, and have been blamed for a decrease in native species and plant communities. Multiflora rose spreads in three ways: it can send up suckers, the branches can droop to the soil and re-root, and it seeds. A mature rose bush can produce between .5 – 1 million seeds per season, which stay viable for up to 20 years. This plant thrives on the banks of the Great Brook, creating a dense thicket. Many ecologists argue that the presence of this species stresses the natural environment: shades out native vegetation, brings down overall biodiversity in the community, and expands more and more every year. Complete control of the rose would require years of effort; constantly mowing, monitoring, weeding, replacing, and perhaps burning. The law allows for these processes because it has been historically mowed. More desperate measures include herbicide. Because the clients can only control the species from one side of the brook, this will become a never-ending costly ordeal.
Though labeled as invasive, many species rely on the multiflora rose bushes for habitat. A dense thicket made of thorny canes is the perfect sanctuary for a chickadee or bluebird being chased by a predator. Numerous small rose hips formed in the late summer provide nourishment for small mammals during the lean months. Nectar and pollen from the flowers in spring attract and feed local bees. The shade it casts over the water creates valuable cool space for amphibians. The thicket also prevents humans and canines from trampling up and down the brook, which avoids habitat damage. The vigorous roots of this shrub hold together the streambank. To keep the roses from extending into the lawn, mow along the shrub edge twice a season, once in late spring and once in late summer, before the plant has gone to seed.
If clearing and control is desired, it is important to make the transition slowly. A plan for this process will need to be reviewed by the town’s Conservation Commission and the vegetation must be replaced with species that will emulate lost elements, such as thorny protection and winter feed. Avoid taking out all of the shrubs at once as this could cause significant and immediate damage to the steam’s edge, including losing a percentage of the soil’s top organic matter layer, significant erosion until new plantings mature, or habitat loss.
Becca Robbins The Conway School Fall 2012
A Landscape Plan for
Nancy and Robert
Sh e l b u rn e M A 01 3 7 0
Erosion & Rose Control
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