Doverbrook Condominium Landscape Master Plan

D O V E R B R O O K E S TAT E S CONDOMINIUMS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN

Pre pa re d

for the

Bo a rd o f Tr u stees

Re s ide nts

of

a nd t he

Dover br ook Estates

Kate Benisek

a nd

Randy Marks

The Conway School of Landscape Design Spring 2009

INDEX

INTRODUCTION AND GOALS

1

CONTEXT : LOC ATION

2

ECOLOGIC AL CONTEXT

3

EXISTING CONDITIONS

4

CURRENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

5

SOIL AND DRAINAGE

6

ACCESS AND CIRCULATION

7

EXISTING VEGETATION

8

EXISTING LANDSC APE PATTERNS

9

COMPOSITE SITE ASSESSMENT

10

LANDSC APE PLAN

11

LAWN ALTERNATIVES

12

WATER MANAGEMENT

13

design template : MEADOW

14

plant palette : MEADOW

15

design template : WOODLAND PARK

16

design template : COURTYARD GARDEN

17

plant palette : WOODLAND

18

COMMON GROUND

19

RESIDENTIAL PLANTING GUIDE

20

design detail : STREETSC APE

21

design : PENDLETON ENTRA NCE

22

design : HONEYSUCKLE ENTRANCE

23

design : MAINTENANCE AREA

24

PHASING AND IMPLEMENTATION

25

FUTURE VISION

26

COMMUNITY CONCEPTS

27

NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING

28

appendix i : SAMPLE COSTS

29

appendix ii : SOILS

30

appendix ii : SOILS (continued)

31

appendix iii : SAFETY DATA SHEETS

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Kate Benisek 93-acre condominium complex. The site is a for mer militar y base housing area in Chicopee , Massachusetts, and is now home to over 1000 residents. Many of the residents have stated their desire to see an alter native to the cur rent landscape management approach, which is focused on tr aditional lawn maintenance and tree replacement.

This is the guiding vision of the plan: D ov e r b ro o k E s t a t e s i s a c o m mu n i t y o f re s i d e n t s w h o re n ew, rev i t alize , and adapt t h e i r s u r ro u n d i n g s t o c re a t e a re s i l i e n t , b e a u t i f u l e nv i ro n m e n t fo r life .

LANDSCAPE

Conway School of Landscape Design to develop a landscape master plan for the

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

The Board of Tr ustees of Doverbrook Estates hired a student team from the

M AS T E R PL A N

Randy Marks

G OA L S

and

AND

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

INTRODUCTION

The Doverbrook Estates Landscape Master Plan aims to: • Build a safe , healthy, and aesthetically pleasing environment.

• Reduce long-ter m maintenance costs.

• Help educate Doverbrook unit owner s about sustainable landscape management.

• Reduce water and ener gy usage .

• Guide future planning and landscape decisions.

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Chicopee is located in Hampden County in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, just north of the city of Springfield.

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Doverb ro o k E s ta tes Co n d o m in iu m s

We stove r Air R e se rve Ba se

A E

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Wes to v er Ai r p o r t

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Chicopee Reservoir

FRANKLIN

CHI CO P E E HAMPSHIRE

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Springfie ld HAMPDEN 0

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EAST SPR INGFIELD

Downtown C hic o pee

Chic o pee

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Pendleton Avenue (B) connects Doverbrook Estates to Memorial Drive (C), a major route that includes a variety of large and small scale retail.

The Porter and Chester Technical School (D) is located immediately to the southeast.

Doverbrook Estates is adjacent to Westover Air Reserve Base, the largest air reserve base in the world today. The homes at Doverbrook Estates were once on-base housing when Westover was a fully militarized air force base. In 1974, when Westover became a reserve base, portions of the base with existing infrastructure were transferred to developers and the City of Chicopee. The Doverbrook Estates Condominiums were opened to civilian occupation in 1982.

Westover Airport, a civilian access airport sharing the base’s military-maintained runways, is situated within an industrial and corporate office area (E) that includes businesses, warehouses and distribution centers.

Aerial photograph courtesy of Microsoft Corporation and NAVTEQ, c. 2009.

M AS T E R PL A N

Ri t icu t c ne n Co

er

Randy Marks and

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

C hi copee

To the west of Doverbrook are densely built neighborhoods of single family homes and yards (A).

Kate Benisek

H O LYO K E

LANDSCAPE

The Doverbrook Estates condominiums are surrounded by residential, military and industrial land uses.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

C O N T E X T : L O C AT I O N

Chicopee is situated on 23 square miles of urban land along the Connecticut River. It is the second largest city, by population, in western Massachusetts, with 54, 653 residents according to the 2007 census.

A conceptual diagram illustrating Doverbrook Estates and some surrounding land uses.

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL ROAD

GREEN

RESIDENTIAL

DOVERBROOK ESTATES

GREEN

AIRPORT

INDUSTRIAL

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From Chicopee the Connecticut River flows another seventy five miles through Springfield, MA, Hartford, CT, and Old Lyme, CT, before flowing into Long Island Sound at Old Saybrook, CT. Runoff from Doverbrook, including lawn chemicals and petroleum products washed off road by rain, can end up in the Atlantic Ocean.

H ar tford

CHICOPEE 90 C h i co p e e R e s e r vo i r

391

95

O ld Lyme

N ew H ave n

B ridg epor t

Lo n g I slan d So u n d

Chicopee River 1 mile

G ro u n dh o g

R e d-t a ile d H awk

S c re e c h Owl

Raccoon

B e ave r

Threatened or Endangered Species with Habitat in Chicopee

Wildlife Observed On Site by Doverbrook Residents

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Wildlife Many observations have been made of wildlife at Doverbrook, including black bear and coyote. A beaver dam has been constructed on the upper branch of Willimansett Brook. This heavily wooded area along the brook area offers refuge for other species, as well.

Bl u e - s p o t t e d S a l a m a n d e r

W E S TOV E R AIR R E S E RV E BASE

Among residents who responded to a survey, many selected bird watching as their favorite outdoor activity. Concern was expressed about the presence of other wildlife, such as skunks and groundhogs.

E a s t e r n Box Tu r t l e

CHICOPEE MEMORIAL S TAT E PA R K

G r a s s h o p p e r S p a rrow

Upland Sandpiper

I CH

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NHES P C o re Ha bit a t Pro t ect ed Open S pa ce

Ve s p e r S p a rrow

S uppo r t ing Na t ur a l La ndscape

P i n e Ba rre n s Z a n cl o g n a t h a

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Randy Marks and

To Atlan tic Oce an

1 0 m ile s

Dover bro o k Est a t es B la c k B e a r

About 15,000 years ago the much of the area that comprises the Pioneer Valley was under water in glacial Lake Hitchcock. A river flowing into the lake deposited a broad, flat, sandy delta on which Chicopee is now situated. The characteristics of this delta are very evident in the flat and sandy topography of Doverbrook.

M AS T E R PL A N

R. I.

D OV E R B RO O K E S TA T E S

Doverbrook Estates is located within the Chicopee River watershed, which is part of the Connecticut River watershed. The Chicopee drains over 700 square miles and flows into the Connecticut in the southwest corner of the city of Chicopee. Willimansett Brook runs along the northern Doverbrook property line and flows directly into the Connecticut.

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

C O N N EC TIC U T Roberts Po n d

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M A S S ACHU S ETTS

Kate Benisek

W illimans e tt Brook

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Ch icop e e

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LANDSCAPE

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Wa t e r s h e d

H olyoke

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D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT

Protected Habitat The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), part of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, has identified species within Chicopee that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Images of these species, which include ground nesting birds, cold-blooded vertebrates, and insects, are shown to the left of the map.

The NHESP has identified sites critical for the long-term survival of Massachusetts’s biodiversity and designated these Core Habitats.

One of these covers much of the land of Westover air base, which is adjacent to Doverbrook. Ground-nesting bird populations are supported by the wide, open grassy spaces of Westover.

Although Chicopee and Doverbrook are suburban in nature, both exist within a watershed and encompass habitat for diverse wildlife.

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reet e st

Doverbrook Road

B

Buildings

a sph da n a

lt driveway

The City of Chicopee owns and maintains the streets; Doverbrook owns and maintains the sidewalks. A maintenance yard for Doverbrook contractors and staff is situated near the northern property boundary (D).

Ve g e t a t i o n

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Utility c or

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F 200

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w

p ern e st

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Grass covers most of the open space. Grass, trees and shrubs are maintained by outside contractors. Though all exterior maintenance is paid for by the owners association, residents have the option of planting and maintaining small areas around their units.

Randy Marks and

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Access There are only two road entries into Doverbrook, at Pendleton Avenue (E) and Honeysuckle Drive (F). A third entry was closed because of nuisance traffic (G). Some fences visually shield the area from adjacent industrial zones and other residential areas.

Current Thinking

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The condominiums consist of 500+ living units in 178 separate buildings. There are eight building styles, from small one-story/one-bedroom duplexes to four-unit townhouses. Each unit has at least one assigned enclosed garage space in either attached or free-standing garages. Structures for community use are a clubhouse (C), (which also includes the property office), swimming pool, barbecue pits, and picnic tables.

Infrastructure

Six-car g

ara ge s

C

A heavily wooded area along Willimansett Brook (A) defines much of the northern property boundary. The western property line runs along a utility corridor (B), an open grassy expanse that is used as an ATV trail by Chicopee residents. Assorted barriers, such as a wooded brook and overgrown chain link fencing, along with limited entries, create a sense of protection, though not isolation for the community.

M AS T E R PL A N

t th sa

Shared

ma ilbo xe

D

Kate Benisek

Proper ty

LANDSCAPE

Approximately 1000 residents live on the 93-acre Doverbrook Estates. Though there are young families with children, the population is largely middle-aged and retired couples and individuals.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Heavily

Residents

A G

EXISTING CONDITIONS

e t t B ro o k - A ans

woo d

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

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When asked what they liked about Doverbrook, residents most often remarked about the trees, open space, and quiet. Simultaneously, concern was expressed about the landscape generally, and these issues specifically: cost of overall care, chemicals used on the lawn, loss of trees and tree replacement, the amount of water needed for upkeep, and the beauty of the landscape design.

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As expressed by the board of trustees, four concerns dominate thinking about the landscape:

Sign pla ced

•

Cost: the expense of current practices and that of any modifications. The view has been expressed that “organic” methods will be too expensive.

•

Trees: some sugar maples are in decline; fire blight is affecting the numerous flowering crab apples.

When trees are removed, residents react negatively to the visual holes that result and are often dissatisfied with the replacements.

•

Lawn: areas are brown, patchy, or weedy. A new maintenance regime has been established to restore lawn health by the application of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides, and by utilizing other methods detailed below. There is concern about the effects of the chemical regimen on the health of the environment and of humans, specially children.

•

Water: during dry summers the soil becomes hard and the grass goes dormant. There is no irrigation system and none is proposed.

“I just hate seeing those poison signs go up” Lawn near the clubhouse and office

- Doverbrook resident

D over b rook L a n d s c ap e C o s t s 2009

Maintenance area and edge of northern wooded area

$185,000 regular lawn and shrub care $45,000 lawn chemicals and aeration $30,000 tree replacement $5,476 per acre of lawn mowed

C a r e a n d m a i n t e n a n c e o f t h e p r o p e r t y a n d l a n d s c a p e is the responsibility of the Appleton Corporation, which manages the entire property under the supervision of the Doverbrook Board of Trustees. Appleton hired Mr. David Paine of Plan It Green Landscape Architecture to act as consultant and supervisor. Mr. Paine formulates plans for upkeep and maintenance, including lawn restoration and tree replacement. After making initial assessment, he solicits bids from contractors for needed work. The contractors are then chosen and hired by Appleton.

R o u t i n e l a w n m a i n t e n a n c e and shrub care is performed by Brown Lawn Care company.

The lawn is mowed regularly from April through September. One employee is usually mowing for eight hours per day, four days per week. As directed by Mr. Paine, mulching lawn mowers are now being used.

Previously, clippings were collected and removed from the site.

M AS T E R PL A N

emical applica tion

Randy Marks and

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

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Kate Benisek

Residents are proud of the open, park-like look of much of their surroundings, yet there is an ill-defined sense that all is not right with current landscape management practices and that changes need to occur.

There is not yet broad general consensus regarding the way forward.

LANDSCAPE

T h e ve g e t a t e d l a n d s c ap e i s d o m i n a t e d by l aw n a n d t re e s .

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

C U R R E N T M A N AG E M E N T P R AC T I C E S

C h e m i c a l a p p l i c a t i o n s t o t h e l a w n are made by Lawn Tech. The current regimen includes application of fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide. Lime is applied to raise the soil pH to make it less acidic. The lawn is aerated annually. These services cost $45,000 annually. The total cost for all landscape maintenance for 2009 is $336,500.

DESIGN DIRECTIVES • • • Gas-powered mowing four days a week

The maintenance yard

Reformulate the current management plan (particularly in regard to the extensive lawn care) to reduce chemical use and save money.

Increase plant diversity.

Select trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and ground covers that are suited to site conditions.

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Dr iv

Bare and Compacted Soils e

There is extensive erosion of the bank of the south branch of the Willimansett Brook behind houses that front onto Horseshoe Drive. There may be erosion problems on the main north branch of the brook as well, though none were observed by the design team. The water quality of the beaver pond in the brook appears to be quite low. The design team observed murky water with an oily surface and unpleasant odor. The likely cause is discharge from adjoining industrial property, though this is conjecture. These major erosion and water quality issues require further assessment from qualified professionals.

backed up catch b asi s at r u ns c oc

Pooling Stormwater Direction of Drainage

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Soil Sample Location

Storm w ate r

s ta

Impervious Roof

Catch Basin

Average total annual precipitation for Chicopee is 45.17 inches. Rainfall passes easily into the welldrained, sandy soils. Rain that falls on or is directed toward impervious surfaces is directed toward catch basins and into the sewer system and eventually flows into the Connecticut River.

Approximately 20 acres of Doverbrook are covered with impervious surfaces, including buildings, sidewalks, and roads. A .25 inch rainfall on this area is equal to 135,760 gallons of water.

LEGEND

Impervious Road

Stormwater

Many of the roads in Doverbrook have significant areas of pooling water (source: City of Chicopee Engineering Department). Mr. Steve Frederick, City Engineer, noted that Chicopee inherited a defective street and sewer system when the Doverbrook area changed from federal to municipal control. Property manager Mr. Mike Wright says that all storm drains back up during heavy rains due to poor design and aging infrastructure.

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Areas under some trees exhibit bare eroded soils due to a combination of the effects of shade, foot traffic, water movement, and plant characteristics. These areas are unsightly and ultimately damaging to vegetation. Foot traffic compacts the soil, damaging vegetation by reducing water and air infiltration and making root growth difficult.

E r o s i o n a n d Wa t e r Q u a l i t y

Severe p

udd ling

Catch b asin an d

So of uth Br B o o ra k nch

t street soil a ed d ero

the in s y

street

Into catch basin

Intended Drainage

To r i v e r

•

• •

Sewer overflows during many rains

• •

Major Erosion

C u r re n t D ra i n a g e

Randy Marks and

DESIGN DIRECTIVES

Wa t e r f l o w s a c r o s s impervious surface

Some water goes into puddles

M AS T E R PL A N

oe

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

sh

Doverbrook soils are classified as Urban land-Hinckley-Windsor association, characterized as deep and excessively drained. They tend to have a 5-7” surface layer of friable sandy loam, with subsoil and substratum of sand or sand and gravel to a depth of over 6’. Soils samples were taken from five locations in the interior of the property, plus one in the woods near the brook as a control.

All, except for the control and the Honeysuckle Entrance sample, are low in organic matter. Soils tend to have phosphorous levels that are medium to low, with uniformly low levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. (See Appendix ii.) These soil conditions suggest a change in management strategy.

Kate Benisek

or se

Soils

LANDSCAPE

H

S O I L & D R A I N AG E

soils

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

cted

Bare ro ots an d

c

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

pa om

Increase organic matter in the soil to help retain water and nutrients in order to maintain a healthy, functioning landscape.

Redirect, detain, clean, and use stormwater.

Choose plants suited to soil conditions.

Select plants that will improve soil conditions.

Reduce on-street puddling by intercepting stormwater before it reaches streets.

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Pe n at

pp A

nridg e

ea

d

ow

la

rk

La

ne

The arc of Partridge Lane connects to less-traveled side streets providing major access throughout the northern three quarters of the development. A section of Doverbrook Road connects to the clubhouse and office and attracts traffic for business and social events. In the map to the left streets are color-coded to indicate the hierarchy of traffic use.

e ge La n

M

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Tr a f f i c L e v e l s

Pa rtrid

Robi Ro

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Entranc e

e

venu nA o t dle

There are two entrances by automobile: one to the south at the intersection of Honeysuckle Drive and Westover Road, another on the west at Pendleton Avenue. Traffic is heaviest along the portions of Pendleton and Honeysuckle that connect these two entries. A third former entry crossing Willimansett Brook to the north has been permanently closed. Previously this provided a shortcut for heavy, disruptive traffic.

Sidewalks

Though sidewalks connect the various blocks of the property, walkers seem to favor using the streets, except on the heavily traveled streets. Sidewalks are often narrow, sometimes in poor repair, and sometimes discontinuous. Many residents enjoy sitting at the fronts of their residences watching and waving to passersby. The open spaces surrounded by housing blocks are open to foot traffic, but are rarely used. A few bicyclists enjoy the curving streets in the neighborhood.

Drive Ho

no n Sidewal ks o

Secondary Route Tertiary Route

od

The nearest public bus stop is one-half mile west of the Pendleton entrance. A school bus for elementary school children makes three stops in Doverbrook. The school bus for older children stops on Pendleton one block west of the main entrance. Public transportation options are limited.

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Randy Marks and

Lan e

GARAGE

DRIVEWAY 3’ WALK

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M AS T E R PL A N

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Entrances

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

at

Entranc e

Doverbrook, like most American suburban development, is dominated by automobiles. The closest convenience store is one-half mile away and the nearest shopping area is a mile distant. Though these may be walkable distances for some, they are considered to be accessible only by driving by the majority of residents.

Kate Benisek

C I R C U L AT I O N

LANDSCAPE

AND

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

AC C E S S

Drive

Ho

n

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

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Sidewalks

35’ STREET

MINIMAL VEGETATION UTILITY POLE

The above section illustrates a typical streetscape of a primary route in Doverbrook Estates. Sidewalks with curbs typically exist on only one side of the street. There is minimal vegetation and no buffer from traffic noise.

DESIGN DIRECTIVES • •

Develop a variety of streetscapes to enhance beauty and walkability.

Create alternative pathways for pedestrians and bicycles.

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Over one hundred trees have been removed in the past year.

Many of these trees include crab apples, which suffer from fire blight, and sugar maples, which suffer under urban conditions and changing climate patterns.

Flowering trees are particularly popular with residents. The trees often require intensive pruning and maintenance. Doverbrook unit owners have indicated that they would like more plants that have three- or four-season interest.

Randy Marks

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

M AS T E R PL A N

O r n a m e n t a l Tr e e s

R e m o v e d Tr e e s

LANDSCAPE

There are several places where turf lawn is struggling to grow, particularly under mature trees that create a great deal of shade.

The sandy soil has a difficult time retaining moisture and turf becomes dormant during hot and dry periods.

and

L aw n C h a l l e n g e s

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Newly planted trees are often the same species that had to be removed due to blight or decline.

Selecting hardy species better suited to site conditions may be a better strategy.

Kate Benisek

E X I S T I N G V E G E TAT I O N

Tr e e R e p l a c e m e n t

Private Outdoor Spaces Each unit has a small, partially private patio located immediately outside the back door. Residents often plant small shrubs, or tend a small garden in these spaces.

While Doverbrook provides lawn maintenance for the entire property, some residents indicate a preference for maintaining their own lawn by placing flags to alert maintenance workers to stay clear.

M ow n L aw n

Erosion Mature trees with extensive root systems have to contend with soil erosion, particularly on slopes.

There are over 40 acres of mown lawn throughout Doverbrook.

Broad expanses of turf are mainly behind residences in the block interiors. Trees are mostly clustered around the perimeter of the open spaces close to the homes.

M a t u r e Tr e e s This oak tree, located in the back of Meadowlark Lane, is likely 80 or more years old. There are many old, beautiful trees throughout Doverbrook, which provide shade and contribute to visual appeal of outdoor spaces.

DESIGN DIRECTIVES. • Use plants that are best adapted to site conditions.

• Reduce mown lawn.

• Manage the health of mature trees. Plant disease-resistant trees.

• Provide outdoor spaces that extend beyond the patio.

• Increase plant diversity for seasonal interest and ecological health.

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The homes at Doverbrook Estates Condominiums are multiunit buildings, each with a rear patio and individual garage space.

One-story “garden homes” out-number two-story “town home” units, which are primarily on the south and east sides of the property.

The interior of the units are owned by the residents of Doverbrook, with personal exterior jurisdiction ending roughly four feet from the foundation. Unit owners may maintain their own plantings and garden beds immediately adjacent to their homes.

Leisure activity outside of the home often occurs at the perimeter of the building. Lawn chairs are often placed at the front door and are oriented towards the street where residents interact with passers-by.

Streets

L aw n

Tr e e s

Driveways and garages are a fixture of the current streetscape.

Asphalt pavement is a dominant material at the entrance to residences. Cars parked in the street are common day and night.

Lawn covers roughly half of the ninety-three acres of Doverbrook Estates; forty-two acres of it is chemically treated with herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and neutralizers.

Along Willimansett Brook, to the north and east of Doverbrook Estates, there is extensive mixed hardwood forest. This dense tree cover extends into Doverbrook on the northern and northwestern edges of the property, making those areas a sheltered, shady environment.

Curbs are present on some streets and absent on others. In the absence of a curb, lawn may extend to the street.

Pedestrian activity, circulation and social interaction occurs at the street, in front of homes.

Bike riding is a popular activity for many residents, and streets with lower traffic volumes are used more frequently by bikers within the Doverbrook community.

Through-traffic is limited to Pendleton Avenue and Honeysuckle Drive.

Some residents choose to maintain their own lawns, and indicate their preference by the placement of small flags on the turf at the front and rear of their homes.

The interior of the residential block is covered with open lawn. While visually appealing to many residents, the lawns are currently not popular places for gathering, walking, or recreational activities.

Lawn cover is discolored, patchy, or weedy in some areas. Soil conditions, erosion, drought intolerance, and salt from snow removal all affect the turf ’s health and appearance.

Mature trees are a treasured part of the Doverbrook landscape, contributing to what many residents describe as a “park-like” residential setting. Many of these trees, including maple, oak, linden, and pine, are more than fifty years old. Deciduous trees are much more common than coniferous trees. Crab apple trees are common. The wealth of trees at Doverbrook is a result of the foresight of planning two generations ago.

Shaded canopy cover is concentrated centrally within Doverbrook. Fewer trees on the western boundary means sunnier conditions and increased exposure to winter winds.

DESIGN DIRECTIVES • •

M AS T E R PL A N

Randy Marks and

Kate Benisek Homes

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

LANDSCAPE

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

E X I S T I N G L A N D S C A P E P AT T E R N S

Create inviting spaces that will connect residents with the landscape.

Expand and develop the positive, strong elements of the existing framework.

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S o i l s a n d Wa t e r Rainfall is generally adequate to support lush vegetation, but the stormwater is not being utilized.

The soils could retain more water if their organic content was raised. This would also enrich the soils and enable them to support a wider variety of plant life without chemical amendments. The pesticides, fertilizer, and herbicides currently used on the lawn are making the lawn look better, according to resident reports. Their long-term effects on soil health, water quality, and potentially, human health, however, are not beneficial.

Streets Streets are laid out in a way that seems to create enjoyable routes for walking and bicycling. Pooling of water in the streets after rains is a persistently annoying problem to residents. Street surfaces are generally fair; some areas are in need of repair and some street surface replacement is likely in the near future.

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le Pend

M AS T E R PL A N

The landscape is designed with a simple palette: tall trees, lawn, shrubs close to houses, and large common lawns behind the residences. Mature trees are defining elements in the landscape. Most are not sited to most fully benefit houses by providing protection from sun and wind. The entire setting is much like a park and the open spaces are parks in all but name. A lot of money, time, work, and materials are expended in maintaining the open areas, yet they are not often used. In much of them there are only two layers of vegetation: large trees and lawn. The multiple layers of vegetation that lie between the two are absent. Species diversity is limited. Lindens, maples, oak, and crab apple lead the short list of tree species. Rhododendrons are the dominant shrub. Species diversity occurs in the private areas that some residents maintain for themselves. However, invasive species such as Japanese barberry are part of that diversity. It is not only the number of species, but how the species interact within plant communities that affect the health of the environment.

Randy Marks and

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Landscape Elements

Kate Benisek

The various analyses, combined with personal observation and resident input, illustrate that Doverbrook has many of the physical and sociological characteristics common to American suburbs. The major departures from that model are that there are neither single-family houses nor many private yards. However, lawn is abundant, cars are a necessity for daily life, and there is limited street access to the neighborhood.

LANDSCAPE

General Characteristics

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

COMPOSITE SITE ASSESSMENT

P e o p l e : T h e Ke y A key, perhaps the key, component of Doverbrook Estates is the community of residents who desire to effect change. Most residents seem proud of their community and many exhibit a willingness to work to improve it.

Trees are extremely important at Doverbrook Estates. Preservation of existing trees and addition of new trees will both maintain and enhance the park-like landscape of Doverbrook Estates.

0

200

4 0 0 feet

es W

v to

er

Ro

ad

DESIGN DIRECTIVES • • • • •

Define space so that it is visually appealing, physically functional, and ecologically healthy.

Create spaces for people that encourage connection with and care for the landscape.

Catch, retain, and use the rainwater that falls on the property.

First reduce, then eliminate use of chemicals on the landscape.

Incorporate long-range planning into the proposed landscape plan.

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Meadow Some of the broad grassy lawns, which currently require a continuing flow of money, energy, water, and chemicals to maintain their verdant color, should be converted to Meadow (yellow on the map). A meadow can be filled with flowers and colors that change with the season. It provides food and habitat for butterflies and birds. The proposed Meadows invite walkers, either on the mown paths, or through the grasses and wildflowers -- to gather a bouquet.

C

e ge La n

Cour tyard Garden

Community Commons These spaces (pink) are a reserve for uses to be determined by community decision-making. The existing commons area, including clubhouse, pool, and tennis court, is the model for this category. Some uses that may be considered for future development are community garden, children’s playground, and plant nursery.

Three Focus Areas While the designs for the areas described above are templates or guides, specific designs and planting plans are provided for three areas: the Doverbrook community entrances on Pendleton (A) and Honeysuckle (B), and the area adjacent to the maintenance yard (C). (See sheets 22, 23 and 24.)

L E G E ND

suckle

A

n Ave .

Drive

Streetscapes A major component of the public face of Doverbrook is its streetscapes. They are also the one landscape component that most residents will see and utilize each day. Proposed are strategies to make them function better, provide more privacy, and grow to be more visually appealing. (See sheet 21.)

Honey

Community Commons Courtyard Garden

Gathering Place Pedestrian Walk Design Focus Area 0

200

4 0 0 feet

Randy Marks

Recommendations for specific actions and practices are made to speed achievement of the goals set forth by the trustees.

Implementation of some actions can provide immediate savings; others will require initial investments that will provide long-term savings. All will enhance the beauty and health of the Doverbrook property. Soil and water are the foundation to landscape health; therefore, recommended actions start with them: stabilize bare and eroding soils; change the lawn composition, which will have immediate beneficial effects on soil health; and create and install systems and components that detain and retain rainwater for use. A phased implementation plan for these actions and others is given. Finally, a set of recommendations for further study and development over a longer term is provided in an expanded vision of the future for Doverbrook Estates.

Meadow

B

and

The Plan Forward

Woodland Park

Street

M AS T E R PL A N

Pa rtrid

Doverbrook’s landscape may be described as open park land with woodland on one-third of its boundary. A melding of these two landscape types produces a Woodland Park (green). Open park is dominated by only two layers of vegetation: overstory trees and lawn. There are shrubs, but they are clustered close to buildings. In a proposed Woodland Park there are multiple layers of vegetation from low ground covers, through shrubs of various sizes and shapes, through understory trees, to the existing overstory. Species that provide year round color and interest exist at every level. Wide, clear paths lead through the park providing ever-changing views and places to stop and rest.

LANDSCAPE

Wo o d l a n d P a r k

Some areas of Doverbrook where the common lawns are smaller and residences closer together suggest a more formal treatment of defined space. Understory, ornamental trees and shrubs are arranged to create outdoor rooms for gathering, visiting, reading, bird-watching, and sitting and looking. These proposed Courtyard Gardens (purple) offer nearby views of the surrounding vegetation, and views through the vegetation to the wider landscape beyond.

o Pendlet

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

In the proposed landscape plan the current characteristics of each open space suggest the design direction for that space. Three different design templates are developed: Meadow, Woodland Park, and Courtyard Garden. A fourth category, Community Commons, describes a variety of uses rather than a single template.

Kate Benisek

The Design

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

LANDSCAPE PLAN

Notes This proposed landscape plan follows in the footsteps of previous plans. A committee of Doverbrook residents invested many hours in crafting a thoughtful plan that made many specific recommendations. Also, Mr. David Paine (who is currently under contract with Doverbrook to provide recommendations and supervision) has proposed a plan that covers much of the same territory as the one herein. The design team endorses many of the previous recommendations, but departs significantly in the matter of chemical use.

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Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pennsylvanica) is a native New England grass-like plant that can provide verdant ground cover in shade to sun. It is hardy and spreads via rhizomes underground. It can be planted by seed or plugs.

Wood mulch may be used as a ground cover on bare, eroding soil by itself. Better yet, it provides a stable basis for the establishment of other living ground covers. It is an excellent moisture preserver, and, best of all, it is frequently available for free!

Meadow lawns combine the hearty, taller grasses with herbaceous plants and wildflowers to become a beautiful, layered lawn that requires infrequent mowing. Meadows are discussed in greater detail on sheets 18 and 19 in this plan set.

Lawn Comparison Chart: Current Conditions and Alternatives

Randy Marks and

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

M AS T E R PL A N

There are beautiful and functional alternatives, though, that deserve their time in the sun (or shade). Some are illustrated here.

Kate Benisek

In the modern era a green lawn usually indicates a sizeable investment in time, money, energy, and work. Most lawns in New England consist of grasses that are native to cooler climates in Europe. They are not ideally suited to either our climate or soils. Keeping the grass looking healthy and green through warm and dry weather requires continual inputs of work, water, and chemicals.

LANDSCAPE

There seems to be a predisposition in the human psyche to enjoy a broad expanse of green lawn. Perhaps this originates in the far distant past when our species arose on the savannahs of Africa. Our ancestors, looking across a verdant landscape, knew that the green meant the onset of the rainy season, bringing with it the promise of more food and an easier life.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

L A W N A L T E R N AT I V E S

Industrial Lawn Lawn Suburban

Freedom Lawn

Meadow

mowing

regular

occasional

once/twice a year

fertilizer

yes

no

no

pesticide

yes

no

no

fossil fuel use

most

much

least

structure

one layer

one layer

more complex

plant diversity

monoculture

diverse

most diverse

soil organism diversity

narrow, adapted to chemicals

broader

broadest

bird diversity

modest

more

most

water infiltration

modest

modest

most

quality of runoff

low

good

best

groundwater recharge

modest

modest

best

Nor th

storm flow contribution

modest

modest

least

12

Management

Ecosystem

Though Dutch white clover can be considered to be a pest in standard lawns, it is a beautiful grass alternative.

The fragrant blooms are beneficial to insects. Roots go deep and hold moisture. A big plus is that clover pulls nitrogen out of the air and fixes it in the soil. It fertilizes itself.

The Environmental Cost of Mowing

• • •

Freedom lawns are made up of hardy grasses and other plants. When mowed high and regularly, a freedom lawn can provide aesthetics similar to lawns with more intense maintenance programs. Freedom lawns mean freedom to play because they are chemical-free!

One hour of mowing is the equivalent of driving 350 miles in terms of volatile organic compounds.

One gas mower spews 87 lbs. of the greenhouse gas CO2, and 54 lbs. of other pollutants into the air every year.

Over 17 million gallons of gas are spilled each year refueling lawn and garden equipment – more oil than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez

Hydrology

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Impervious surfaces

Pervious surfaces: lawn

Infiltration

S t o r m wate r S outi ons :

An infiltration swale allows water from the street or parking lot to drain into a planted detention garden that filters stormwater flowing from impervious surfaces, reducing the amount of pollutants that enter bodies of water. Runoff is absorbed back into the soil, recharging the aquifer or groundwater supply. An infiltration swale can be a beautiful garden that is also functional. A curb cut at the street directs water into a depression filled with herbaceous plants and grasses along with gravel, rocks, and other filtration materials. Water that is retained can be cleansed by the natural actions of plants and soil organisms. In New England’s climate of heavy winter snowfall, roadside swales cannot be planted with woody plants which would be broken under the load of snow cleared from the street.

A rain garden is similar to an infiltration swale. While infiltration swales are often located alongside roadside impermeable surfaces, rain gardens infiltrate water that is directed from hard surfaces, including gutters or rooftops.

Rain gardens tend to be larger than infiltration swales, but structurally they function in a very similar way, filtering pollutants and cleansing water before it is absorbed into the soil. If the rain garden is located away from the road it may contain larger, woody plants and shrubs, safe from damage resulting from seasonal snow removal. Rain gardens also provide beneficial wildlife habitat and support pollinator species.

M AS T E R PL A N

Rainfall can be collected, detained, and retained. Not all of the elements illustrated in this diagram need to be included in every location in a water management system. Rain barrels collect rain water and store it for future use. A spigot with a garden hose attached allows the water to be easily used for plants. Overflow from the barrel flows into a swale where it can infiltrate into the soil. Some water flows into a rain garden. In Doverbrook’s sandy soils this water will probably percolate downward rather rapidly. Overflow from the rain garden is discharged into the storm sewer only during a large rain when the capacity to collect, detain, and retain water is overwhelmed.

There can be a somewhat better outcome for rainfall that is discharged onto grass.

Some of the water can percolate into the soil. Traditional lawn, however, is not the best surface for absorbing and infiltrating water. The dense mass created by the roots of lawn grasses slows infiltration and the water can sheet over the surface of the lawn, heading toward a catch basin. In doing so it picks up chemical residue and takes it to the river and beyond.

Randy Marks

LANDSCAPE

Rainfall that falls onto or is discharged onto an impervious surface is intended to be directed to the nearest catch basin. Along the way it picks up chemical residues, including pesticides and petroleum products. Some of the water puddles on the uneven streets where it can further degrade the asphalt. Water that is discharged from the property into the storm sewers, carrying its load of pollutants into the Connecticut River. These chemicals can harm aquatic life and must be filtered out of drinking water further downstream. Some of the residues will travel all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, and perhaps beyond.

Pro p o s ed Sy s tem :

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

C u r re n t C ondi tions :

Kate Benisek

and

The water that falls free from the sky is an underused resource at Doverbrook.When rain is allowed to rush across hard, impervious surfaces into the storm sewer, it is lost to practical use.Water can be detained, retained, and used. Retaining rainfall in storage systems above ground and in the soil makes it usable for the plants across the landscape.

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

W AT E R M A N A G E M E N T

A rain barrel collects storm water from the roof, storing it to be used to water plants. Water is brought to the barrel by a gutter and downspout. The barrel is covered with a screen to keep mosquitoes, other insects, and debris out of the water. A spigot connects to a garden hose, and there is an overflow mechanism that releases water when the barrel is full. Barrels may be connected in series to store even more water. Each residential unit at Doverbrook could have one or more rain barrel.

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M o re e x p e n s i ve : 1. till the turf and rake out 2. scatter desirable wildflower and grass seed 3. pull out undesirable plants as they emerge 4. plug the emerging meadow with desirable plants 5. mow once a year Most expensive: 1. totally remove the lawn grass with a sod-cutter or kill it with an herbicide such as BurnOut (environmentally safe) 2. till the soil and rake out grass clumps 3. plug the meadow with plant seedlings 4. mow once a year

MOWN PATH LARGE SHRUB

6’ 5’ 4’ 3’ 2’ 1’

MOWN VERGE

LAWN

Little Blue Stem

Side Oats Grama

Purple Coneflower

Switch Grass

White Wild Indigo

Kentucky Blue Grass

0 1’ 2’ 3’ 4’ 5’ 6’

Though many meadows are bright, colorful, and full of wildflowers (above), beauty is not the only function of meadow. As illustrated at right, some common meadow plants have extensive roots systems and can have more biomass under the surface than above it. The roots provide a matrix for beneficial microorganisms and help detain and retain water. These plants are highly adapted to the region’s warm summers and can thrive in weather that makes most lawn grasses go dormant and turn brown.

HOUSE 0

5

10

PATIO 20 feet

LAWN

MOWN VERGE

MEADOW

MOWN VERGE PATH

M.V.

MEADOW

M.V. LAWN

7’ 8’

M AS T E R PL A N

EXISTING TREES

L e a s t e x p e n s i ve : 1. quit mowing and using chemicals 2. scatter desirable wildflower and grass seed 3. pull out undesirable plants as they emerge 4. mow once a year

Randy Marks

LANDSCAPE

Meadow (yellow on plan, sheet 11) could cover most of the Horseshoe Drive open space. In this design concept, lawn is retained for 15 feet beyond the edge of patios. A 5 to 10 foot mown edge of meadow grasses and wildflowers forms a visual border and transition zone that acts as a barrier to tick movement. A mown path winds its way to a resting area. A large shrub, such as staghorn sumac or dogwood, is added for further visual interest.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

A meadow is one of the natural stages in ecological succession. If a lawn is left unmown and undisturbed long enough, it will revert to meadow. It may not be the most desirable meadow, though. Here are three ways to get the right one:

Kate Benisek

and

Meadow is one of the natural landscape patterns of New England.The interplay between open sunny meadow and shaded forest creates an intriguing visual display. A field of wildflowers and grasses powerfully attracts butterflies, birds, and humans.

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

design template: MEADOW

9’ 10’

Heights of meadow plants vary and their colors change throughout the seasons. Meadow need only be mowed once or twice per year, rather than weekly for lawn. The soil does not need to be amended. The native grasses, flowers and other plants are more resistant to pests and disease than traditional lawn grasses.

PATIO

HOUSE

Imagine being able to walk out the back door, take a dozen steps and be able to walk amid a field of wildflowers.

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of 32

Pu r ple co ne flowe r

B ut t erfly weed

P ar t r id ge p ea

Sta g ho rn suma c

G o lde nro d

S ideoat s grama

Lit t le bluest em

C at c h f ly

B ig- leaf lu p in e

Common Name

Ty p e

Height

Notes

Asclepias syriaca Asclepias tuberosa Baptisia alba Bouteloua curtipendula Chamaecrista fasciculata

Common milkweed Butterfly weed White wild indigo Sideoats grama Partridge pea

flowering flowering flowering grass flowering

3-6' 1-2' 2-4' 3' 2-3'

Monarch butterfly food butterfly attractor, orange color mounded form oat-like seed spikes nitrogen fixing

Cornus racemosa Dalea purpurea Echinacea purpurea Eschscholzia californica Linum grandiflorum rubrum Lupinus polyphyllus Monarda fistulosa Panicum virgatum Rudbeckia hirta Rhus typhina Schizachyrium scoparium Silene armeria Solidago canadensis Sorghastrum nutans Tridens flavus

Gray dogwood Purple prairie clover Purple coneflower California poppy Scarlet flax Big-leaf lupine Wild bergamot Switchgrass Black-eyed Susan Staghorn sumac Little bluestem Catchfly Goldenrod Indian grass Purpletop

shrub flowering flowering flowering flowering flowering flowering grass flowering shrub/tree grass flowering flowering grass grass

15' 2-4' 1-2' 1' 1' 4-5' 4-5' 5' 1’ 10-25’ 2-3’ 2’ 3-6’ 3-8’ 2-7’

spring bloom nitrogen fixing medicinal bright orange flowers deep scarlet flowers attracts butterflies, hummingbirds attracts birds, butterflies yellow color in winter attracts butterflies picturesque in winter mahogany-red in winter purple flowers showy yellow color gold and purple in fall lacy purple spinelets

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Botanical Name

M AS T E R PL A N

Randy Marks and

I n d ian gr as s

Kate Benisek

C ommon milkweed

LANDSCAPE

W il d whi te indi go

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Plant images from various internet sources.

plant palette : MEADOW

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A woodland landscape has a layered structure and appearance. Starting at the top, an overstory of tall trees makes a canopy or arboreal ceiling. Smaller trees come next, many of which are flowering. The next layer, woody shrubs, can define spaces and edges. Herbaceous foliage comprises the next two layers, including taller species such as ferns and shorter ones such as Allegheny pachysandra.

HOUSE 0

5

10

PATIO 20 feet

LAWN

WOODLAND GARDEN

PATH

WOODLAND GARDEN

LAWN

PATIO

HOUSE

A bench placed along a path offers a place to sit or gather underneath the shade of trees and surrounded by plants in the herbaceous layer.

M AS T E R PL A N

W MO LAWN

Randy Marks

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

proposed

N

PA TH

existing SHRUBS

LANDSCAPE

Kate Benisek

and

This design proposes Woodland Park (Green on the plan, sheet 11.) for the broad lawn areas that currently have a dominant mature tree canopy. In this design template, a path winds among tall trees and smaller ornamental trees and shrubs, allowing residents to enjoy a stroll.

The path is mown grass; the surrounding areas are planted in diverse ground covers which require no mowing. Plants are selected so there are blossoms at different times of year. Different plant species that bloom at different times of the year are chosen.

SMALL TREES

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

Form, color, texture, and light are combined to create a beautiful and layered visual and physical experience that evokes the natural woodland landscape.

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

d e s i g n t e m p l a t e : W O O D L A N D PA R K

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Randy Marks Kate Benisek

SHRUBS

OPEN VIEWS

SMALL TREES

Benches are placed around the inside perimeter defined by smaller trees, shrubs and other plants such as ferns. There are short views within the defined space and longer views through openings in the vegetation.

OPEN EDGE

M AS T E R PL A N

SEATING

LANDSCAPE

The smaller lawns behind the two-story town homes of the Pendleton-Pheasant block and in adjacent areas have a sheltered feeling. This can be enhanced to create outdoor rooms, or Courtyard Gardens. (In purple on plan, sheet 11.) These courtyards are surrounded by understory vegetation, providing an enclosed outdoor space beyond that extends beyond the patio. These spaces can be used for solitary pursuits such as reading or contemplation, or for small gatherings of residents.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

and

A courtyard is open space bounded by walls. In the Courtyard Garden the walls are formed by plants.The effect is of an airy room that provides some privacy without seclusion.

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

d e s i g n t e m p l a t e : C O U R T YA R D G A R D E N

Ferns and many species of woodland shrubs have lacy foliage that screens views pleasantly, allowing light in while also creating pockets of privacy.

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HOME 0

5

10

20 feet

COURTYARD GARDEN

HOME

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Gr ay d ogwood

Arrowwood

Rugos a ros e

S ensitive fern

Nor thern b ay b e rr y

Mapleleaf v i b u r nu m

Allegheny foamflower

Canadian a n e m o n e

E a ste r n re db u d

Mo u n ta i n l a u re l

F r a g r a n t su m a c

Canadian wild ginger

G re e n and go l d

Amelanchier canadensis

Canadian seviceberry

t

25-30

su-sh

early bloom, fall color

Amelanchier stolonifera Anemone canadensis

Running serviceberry Canadian anemone

s gc, f

4-5' 1-2'

psh su-psh

showy flowers, fall color long lived white bloom; hardy

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry

gc

2-12''

su

medicinal; evergreen with red berries

Aronia spp.

Asarum canadense Calycanthus floridus Ceanothus americanus Cercis candensis

Chokeberry Canadian wild ginger Sweetshrub New Jersey tea Eastern redbud

s gc sh s, gc t

5' 4-8'' 4-7’ 3' 15-30’

su sh su-sh psh-sh su-sh

showy white flowers in spring, fragrant heart-shaped leaves; colony forming round form in sun, loose and open in shade herbal tea; nitrogen fixing spring color; nitrogen fixing

Chionanthus virginicus

Fringetree

t

12-20’

su-psh

white spring bloom

Chrysogonum virginianum Clethra acuminata Comptonia peregrina Cornus alternifolia Cornus mas Cornus sericea Cornus racemosa

Green and gold Cinnamon clethra Sweetfern Pagoda dogwood Cornelian cherry Red osier dogwood Gray dogwood

gc s s t t s s

6-8'' 12-20' 2-4' 12-36' 20-25’ 6-12' 16'

su-psh su psh psh-sh su-psh psh-su su-sh

yellow flowers summer bloom, fall color, winter interest bayberry family late spring bloom, fall color yellow flowers early spring brilliant fall foliage; red twigs in winter three-season interest

Corylus americana Dicentra Spectabilis Hamamelis virginiana Hydrangea arborescens Hydrophyllum canadense

American hazelnut Bleedingheart Witch hazel Wild hydrangea Canadian waterleaf

s wf t s gc

6-12' 12'' 10-15' 3-6' 6-20''

psh-sh psh psh-sh psh sh

fall foliage; edible nut flower fall foliage, fall flower, aromatic summer bloom, winter interest summer bloom

Kalmia latifolia

Mountain laurel

s

12-20'

psh

white-pink flowers in summer

Lindera benzoin

Spicebush

s

6-12'

su-sh

early spring flowers, aromatic leaves

Myrica pensylvanica Onoclea sensibilis Osmunda cinnamomea

Northern bayberry Sensitive fern Cinnamon fern

s f, gc f, gc

5-10' 18-24'' 2-3'

su-sh psh-sh psh-sh

mounding form, semi-evergreen form form

Osmunda claytoniana Ostrya virginiana Pachysandra procumbens Parthenocissus quinquefolia Penstemon hirsutus Pinus strobus Polystichum acrostichoides Rhododendron vaseyi Rhus aromatica

Interrupted fern Hop hornbeam Allegheny pachysandra Virginia creeper Hairy beardtongue White pine Christmas fern Roseshell azalea Fragrant sumac

f, gc t gc v wf t gc, f s s

2-4' 30-50' 6-10'' 1-3' 50-80’ 1-2' 5-15' 3-8'

sh su-psh psh-sh psh su su-psh psh-sh sh su-psh

form attractive bark texture semi-evergreen fall color pale purple flowers in summer easy to transplant form pink foliage three-season color

Rosa rugosa Sanguinaria canadensis Sassafras albidum Tiarella cordifolia Viburnum acerifolium Viburnum dentatum

Rugosa roae Bloodroot Sassafrass Allegheny foamflower Mapleleaf viburnum Arrowwood

s wf t wf, gc s s

5' 10-15'' 50-120’ 12'' 4-6' 5-9'

su sh su sh su-sh su-psh

fragrant flowers early spring flower medicinal, furrowed bark forms colonies fall color late spring bloom, fall color

Randy Marks

Notes

and

Sun

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Height

Kate Benisek

Type

M AS T E R PL A N

Pagoda do g wo o d

Common Name

LANDSCAPE

S er viceberr y

Botanical Name

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Plant images from various internet sources.

plant palette : WOODLAND

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P h e a s a n t Way / D ove r b ro o k R o a d B l o c k The open space of the Pheasant-Doverbrook block can be readily converted to meadow for the short term, and this is recommended as a first step. Meadow will enrich the soil, particularly if it contains a lot of clover. This open, sunny space is an ideal location for a community garden.

A garden wall, seating area, and clear walkways are physical elements that will help make the garden an attractive area to work in and visit. A community garden was tried by Doverbrook in the past. Part of its failure may have been due to its relatively remote location from the center of the community. The Pheasant-Doverbrook block’s location near the center may draw participants from all areas.

Partridge Lane Open Space The small patch of both open and wooded land immediately west of Partridge and north of Woodbridge is the site of the former garden, and is currently used for snow dumping. The soil may have a high salt content because of the dumping. This area should immediately be allowed to revert to meadow. Salt-tolerant plants may need to be introduced in some areas. If soil tests show that some areas are low in salt concentration, those areas could be utilized as a plant nursery.

Doverbrook will need many types of plants and many individual plants in large numbers in the future. It may be that growing nursery stock would be a cost effective management strategy. The addition of a greenhouse would provide a warm and pleasant visiting place for residents on cold but sunny winter days.

M AS T E R PL A N

The prototype is the Doverbrook-Partridge block that encompasses the clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis court, memorial, and outdoor barbecue space. This is a central place, intended for community activity and located at the heart of the Doverbrook Estates property. It should be a dynamic center that adapts over time with features that will bring members of the community together. Some developments that could be sited here are discussed in Future Vision (see sheet 26).

Randy Marks and

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Any of the design templates—Meadow, Woodland Park and Courtyard Garden—may be applied to areas designated as Common Ground. The design team recommends that Doverbrook residents consider special uses for each of these areas in consideration of the changing needs of the community. Suggestions are discussed below.

The short, small slope that runs along the eastern side of the open area in the Greenwood/Honeysuckle block is an invitation for rolling down the hill and other types of play. Both adults and children sitting on the slope have a pleasant vista over an extended play area. Immediate introduction of a freedom lawn (sheet ) is recommended. Pesticides and herbicides used in current lawn management should not be used in children’s play area where they can come into contact with small hands, feet, and mouths. It is likely that the population of child residents of Doverbrook will increase, since this trend is already occurring in Chicopee as a whole. This block offers an ideal site for a playground for them, as well as areas for other family activity.

Kate Benisek

G re e n wo o d Te rr a c e / Ho n ey su c k l e D r i ve B l o c k

LANDSCAPE

A diversity of uses may work together to create common ground, areas where the community gathers for work and play.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

COMMON GROUND

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2

3

4

5

d e

1

c a

STREET

HOME

REAR LAWN

V i e w s to be taken into account when planting include: (1) to the residence from the street; (2) from the residence to the street; (3) from the residence to the large common open areas; (4) From the open areas to the residence; and, (5) from the open area to other open area.s Protecting privacy and enhancing beauty are important considerations when placing plants.

D

h

C

F a c t o r s t o c o n s i d e r i n d e s i g n : existing vegetation, the orientation of the building and adjacent buildings, the needs of the residents, the character of the street, the character of the open area to the back of the house, and the terrain.

H

D e s i g n d i r e c t i v e s : mass plants to create a sculptural relationship and to take advantage of beneficial

M AS T E R PL A N

f

Randy Marks Kate Benisek

and

b

The sun’s path stays in the southern half of the sky reaching the highest point in its arc on or about June 21 and its lowest on or about December 21. It creates a warm, sunny zone (a) on the south face of a building and a shady, cooler zone (b) on the north side. The shady zone increases in size as the sun goes lower in the sky in winter. At the east and southeast of the building are zones (c, d) that receive sun in the morning. Zone d may be particularly be desirable as a shady spot on summer afternoons; zone c may be a warmer location on sunny and cool winter mornings. On the west side of the building are zones (e, f) that may have hotter and drier micro-climates due to intense afternoon sun. Prevailing winds in winter come from the northwest and north (g), and warm summer breezes flow primarily from the southeast and south (h).

LANDSCAPE

Climate factors and zones

g

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Standard planting plans for each of the building types in Doverbrook are neither practical nor desirable. A plan suited to the front face of a building facing north would not suit the front face of a building facing south, for example. For this reason, broad guidelines for planting are provided here, rather than rigid plans.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

RESIDENTIAL PLANTING GUIDE

plant interactions; mix colors, textures, shapes, and sizes for visual interest; keep invasive roots away from foundations and sewer lines; mulch heavily to preserve moisture and enrich the soil; mimic nature in the use and variety of plants.

G

J

I A

A s i m p l e p l a n : Deciduous trees planted on the south (A, B) help shade the residence from summer sun and lose their leaves in winter, allowing in warming sunlight. Transpiration from the trees cools the surrounding area. The micro-climate under the trees cool summer breezes. Evergreen coniferous trees on the northwest (C) are planted close together to form a windbreak that diverts cold winter winds away from the residence and creates a calmer zone on the north side of the residence. Trees and plants can shield the residence from outside views (D, E). Residents have views to the street (F) and to the common areas (G) through the vegetation. Garden areas (H, I, J) take advantage of variable micro-climates for different food or ornamental plants.

B F

E

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GARAGE

ADD VEGETATION

35’ STREET

WALK

ADD STREET TREE WALK PLANTED PRIVACY SCREEN

Level Two: Secondary Street

e x is tin g s h r u b

new shr ub

Walking for fun and recreation occurs primarily on the sidewalks of level two and three streets, or even in the streets themselves as noted above. Pedestrian traffic on the level one streets appears to be more destination-oriented rather than simply pleasurable. Bicycle traffic takes place mostly on levels two and three, and along part of Pendleton which leads to nearby quiet neighborhood streets.

Design suggestions (left) have been made in order for each of the three levels of existing streetscape. These recommendations emphasize and enhance a feeling of pedestrian comfort, pleasure and safety.

Currently, because of the orientation of garages, which are often situated between homes and the street, plantings near the street are rare. By adding shrubs and small trees, privacy is enhanced while a more defined, vegetated edge has been created for pedestrians. This is a guideline for all street levels in Doverbrook Estates.

HOUSE

PLANTED PRIVACY SCREENING

WALK

25’ STREET

PLANTED PRIVACY SCREENING

Planted infiltration swales, a stormwater management technique (see sheet 13) are recommended first for level three streets. These streets have significant problems with puddling water (see sheet 8) that may be mitigated by implementing systems of water detention and retention.

HOUSE

HOUSE

GARAGE

INFILTRATION GARDEN

25’ STREET

ADD SMALL TREE WALK

ADD PLANTINGS

GARAGE

Randy Marks and

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

RESTRICTED VIEW OF RESIDENCE

Level Three: Low Traffic Volume

ADD VEGETATION

M AS T E R PL A N

n e w tre e

There is only one traffic route that connects the two Doverbrook entrances without turns and diversions into the interior of the community. The west entrance on Pendleton intersects Honeysuckle which leads directly to the southern entrance. This is the most heavily travelled route in the community and much of the traffic is passing through rather than originating or ending in Doverbrook. This corridor is designated here a level one street, meaning it carries the heaviest traffic. Levels two and three carry progressively less traffic. (see Access and Circulation, sheet 7).

Kate Benisek

e x is tin g tre e

The streets in Doverbrook Estates are the scene of much outdoor activity. In addition to automobile traffic the streets carry bicyclists and even pedestrians. The design team observed multiple instances of couples walking in the street and being greeted by other residents sitting on lawn chairs in their front yards, watching the flow of traffic on the street.

LANDSCAPE

LEGEND

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Level One: High Traffic Volume

ENHANCED VIEW OF GARAGE

INFILTRATION SWALE

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

design detail: STREETSCAPE

GARAGE

Nor th

21

TREES AT STREET WATER FLOWS IN

of 32

Ch

Cf

Glen

A

Te r r a d o o w

ce

Cm

Ca

Doverbrook Estates Condominiums

Ov

Cc

A . p e r s p e c t i v e s k e t c h : P L A N T E D C O R N E R a n d D O V E R B RO O K S I G N

The Doverbrook Estates sign at the corner of Pendleton and Glenwood Terrace has been lowered and enhanced by a backdrop of small trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and ground covers.

There is room above the sign for a community message board.

Sa Ac An

Ha

Va

Cc

Cv Cv 0

B

10 feet

Pendleton Entrance Suggested Plants Ac An Ca Cc Cf Cm Ch Cv

Amalanchier canadensis Anemone canadensis Cornus alternifolia Cercis canadensis Calycanthus floridus Cornus mas Chrysogonum virginianum Chionanthus virginicus

Canadian serviceberry Canadian anemone Pagoda dogwood Eastern redbud Sweetshrub Cornelian cherry Green and Gold Fringetree

Randy Marks Kate Benisek

and

An

M AS T E R PL A N

Rr

Cm

Kl

The Pendleton Avenue entrance already has many assets in its several beautiful, mature trees. These trees grow together in masses, and tall canopies provide shade. Two new trees, a zelcova and a maple, have been planted recently, which will grow tall in maturity. This planting design includes even more trees to create an aesthetically beautiful, welcoming entrance.

Understory trees contribute to the experience of entering a beautiful, wooded residential neighborhood.

LANDSCAPE

Cc

Cf

Hv

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Cf

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

ue Ac

Ac

Pendleton Avenue is a gateway to the Doverbrook Estates. Upon entering, pedestrians and motorists are presented with a lush, vegetated streetscape that incorporates native, climate- and soil-appropriate shrubs and ground covers with newly planted overstory and understory trees.

Aven n o t le Pend

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

d e s i g n : P E N D L E TO N E N T R A N C E

plan view: P E N D L E TO N AV E N U E a n d G L E N WO O D T E R R AC E

Refer to sheet 18 for further woodland plant details.

Ha Hv Kl Mp Ov Rr Sa Va

Hydrangea arborescens Hamamelis virginiana Kalmia latifolia Myrica pennsylvanica Ostrya virginiana Rosa rugosa Sassafras albidum Viburnum acerifolium

Wild hydrangea Witch hazel Mountain laurel Northern bayberry Hop hornbeam Rugosa rose Sassafras Mapleleaf viburnum

B . p e r s p e c t i v e s k e t c h : E N T R A N C E G AT E WAY

The existing brick gateway has been preserved. Shrubs of different heights and seasonal interest mingle with small trees. Beyond the gateway, tree-lined Pendleton Avenue defines the view and extends to the entry sign.

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ysu ck le Dr ive

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Young maple trees recently planted at Honeysuckle Drive will mature into sizeable street trees. The addition of understory serviceberry trees at the corner and also alongside the young maples adds seasonal interest with flowering spring bloom and brilliant fall color. The combination of plants bring color and a variety of shapes and texture. After establishment, native plants require less water and maintenance to thrive.

Cv An Rr

Ac Rr

Vd

Ch

Pp

0

Ly

10 feet

Street nwood

M AS T E R PL A N

ne

Cc

LANDSCAPE

Ho

Kate Benisek

and

A woodland garden welcomes visitors and residents to Doverbrook Estates at the south entrance to the community on Honeysuckle Drive.

Randy Marks

design: HONEYSUCKLE ENTRANCE

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

p l a n v i e w : H O N E Y S U C K L E D R I V E a n d LY N W O O D S T R E E T

A

Honeysuckle Drive Entrance Suggested Plants An Cc Cf Ch Cv Pp Rr Vd

Anemone canadensis Cercis canadensis Calycanthus floridus Chrysogonum virginianum Chionanthus virginicus Pachysandra procumbens Rosa rugosa Viburnum dentatum

Canadian anemone Eastern redbud Sweetshrub Green and Gold Fringetree Allegheney pachysandra Rugosa rose Arrowwood

Refer to sheet 18 for further woodland plant details.

A . p e r s p e c t i v e s k e t c h : P L A N T E D C O R N E R a n d D O V E R B RO O K S I G N The two-story town homes on Honeysuckle Drive are located near the street. Here, vegetation screens the residents from the street. Small trees and shrubs contribute to a pleasing visual experience and also contribute to a sense of being removed from one of the busiest streets in Doverbrook Estates.

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Ph Mp

Across from the maintenance yard is a small garden of woodland shrubs and ground covers dispersed around newly planted maple trees. This space, backing a garage, can become a gathering or rest area, a stop along the pathway of the Woodland Park that winds through Doverbrook.

Ra

A Ac

Cm

Kl Ha

Mp Kl

0

Ph

p l a n v i e w : M A I N T E N A N C E A R E A a t PA RT R I D G E L A N E

10 feet

A . p e r s p e c t i ve s ke t c h : WO O D L A N D P O C K E T G A R D E N Increased plantings in front of the maintenance yard make a utilitarian zone attractive, a welcoming scene mirrored across the street at the Woodland pocket garden. Extensive ground covers at both locations reduce the amount of lawn needing to be mowed and add color, texture and variety of form.

Maintenance Area Suggested Plants Ac

Asarum canadense

Canadian wild ginger

Au

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry

Ca

Cornus alternifolia

Pagoda dogwood

Cm

Cornus mas

Cornelian cherry

Ha

Hydrangea arborescens

Wild hydrangea

Kl

Kalmia latifolia

Mountain laurel

Mp

Myrica pennsylvanica

Northern bayberry

Ph

Penstemon hirsutus

Hairy beardtongue

Ps

Pinus strobus

White pine

Ra

Rhus aromatica

Fragrant Sumac

Refer to sheet 18 for further woodland plant details.

M AS T E R PL A N

Au

Kl

Randy Marks and

The forest cover that grows alongside the Willimansett Brook is extends onto the Doverbrook Estates property. Mixed hardwood overstory trees are encouraged to grow, replacing mown lawn. These hardwood trees will grow alongside planted white pine and dogwood trees. Fragrant sumac and ferns blanket the ground, reducing the amount of lawn. Wood chips from on-site line the driveway to the maintenance yard, absorbing automotive pollutants, and are replaced and disposed of properly as necessary.

Ra

B

Ha

Kate Benisek

Ps

LANDSCAPE

Lane idge Partr

Ca

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

In this design Doverbrook Estates’ maintenance yard becomes a functional facility that implements sustainable landscape maintenance practices and protocols. It is also a planted outdoor space that models ecological succession from meadow to forest.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal sur vey,

design: MAINTENANCE AREA

Nor th B . p e r s p e c t i v e s k e t c h : E X T E R I O R O F M A I N T E N A N C E YA R D

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• • •

•

Consider changing the by-laws to give more autonomy to residents who want to care for the areas adjacent to their residences. The autonomy should exist within a framework of guidelines for plant selection and a prohibition of chemical use.

Remove invasive plants that currently have been selected and planted by residents. Replace them with native plants and noninvasive plants adapted to this environment.

Create a list of recommended plants. This master plan is focused on native plants. There are other adapted plants that are beautiful and pose no problems to the environment.

Explore these resources: the New England Wild Flower Society (www.newfs.org), Noah’s Garden by Sara Stein; the Massachusetts Low Impact Development Toolkit (http://www.mapc.org/LID.html); Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison; the Sustainable Sites Initiative (www.sustainablesites.org); A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander.

Implement adaptive management strategies. A short definition is “Try something out. If it works, keep doing it. If it doesn’t, try something else.” There are often multiple right ways to accomplish goals.

Ta k i n g S t e p s Elements of this landscape master plan may be implemented over many years. Some actions can be done almost immediately to improve the beauty and health of the landscape. The sequence of steps may change due to resident desires, the ready availability of materials, and the availability of funds. Listed below are the recommendations for a phased implementation of the plan:

Imme di at e • •

•

• •

Stabilize bare and eroding soils under trees with compost and wood chips (Sheet 12. ) Hire a wetlands restoration professional to study the condition of the banks of Willimansett Brook to determine the need for erosion mitigation.

When replacing trees that were removed in 2008, replace not with single trees but with plant groups that include trees, shrubs, and other species that work well with each other aesthetically and ecologically.

When replacing trees in the blocks designated as Courtyard Garden, choose appropriate trees from the Woodland Planting Palette and follow the plan of creating outdoor spaces. (Sheet 17.)

Stop mowing the area at the edge of the wood near the maintenance area and allow the wood to expand to fill the area. (Sheet 24.)

S i x t h t h ro u g h Te n t h Ye a r s • • • • • • • • • • •

Choose one area designated as Courtyard Garden and plant it following recommendations in this master plan.

(Sheet 17.)

Continue planting plan on first level streets. (Sheet 21.)

Complete planting trees for Courtyard Garden areas. (Sheet 17.)

Complete planting understory trees and shrubs for Woodland Park areas. (Sheet 16.)

Expand area of lawn alternative. (Sheet 12.)

Begin planting plan of second and third level streets. (Sheet 21.)

Construct bioswales or long rain gardens along selected streets. (Sheet 13.)

Construct rain gardens near selected catch basins. (Sheet 13.)

Plant ground covers around trees and shrubs in the Woodland Park areas.

Mow paths through Meadow and Woodland Park areas.

Install park benches at resting places along paths.

M AS T E R PL A N

•

Randy Marks

• • • • • •

and

The following steps can be taken to broaden resident input, inform them of options for constructive development, and encourage individual action that will benefit the community:

Eliminate the use of chemicals except in cases where no viable alternative exists. For example, a pest infestation may require a carefully controlled use of a pesticide that quickly degrades and becomes harmless. No chemicals should be used that will continue to harm the immediate habitat or areas downstream from Doverbrook, or that have the potential to harm any child or other Doverbrook resident.

Expand meadow introduction into other designated areas.

Begin planting understory trees and shrubs in areas designated as Woodland Park. (Sheet 16.)

Plant the Honeysuckle Street entrance according to the recommended design. (Sheet 23.)

Select one small block for replacement of lawn with lawn alternatives. (Sheet 13.)

Begin planting first level streets according to recommended design. (Sheet 21.)

Plant maintenance area according to recommended design. (Sheet 24.)

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

•

Kate Benisek

S e c o n d t h ro u g h F i f t h Ye a r s

Resident involvement will be the key to the success of this master plan. The plan is not merely words, diagrams, and pictures in a document, but an ongoing process that will require thought and effort from informed and engaged participants. This master plan is the latest step in helping Doverbrook residents decide the future of their immediate environment.

I M P L E M E N TAT I O N

LANDSCAPE

L ay i n g t h e Fo u n d a t i o n

and

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

PHASING

Fi r st Ye ar •

• • • • •

Work with contractors providing mowing and lawn care to follow an ecologically friendly maintenance plan. Two objectives are to reduce costs immediately and drastically reduce the chemicals used. Most front and side yards will continue to be mown weekly, along with a 15-25 foot strip at the backs of units. The remaining broad areas of the block interiors should be mown no more than every other week, and should be cut higher.

Choose one block or area, preferably Horseshoe, to introduce meadow. (Sheet 14.)

Begin phasing out the use of manufactured chemicals. Confine use of chemicals to no more than the weekly-mown areas. Designate one block as a trial area for the total elimination of chemicals. Use compost tea and compost as amendments in that area.

Plant the Pendleton Street entrance following recommendations in this master plan. (Sheet 22.)

Plant ground covers in the areas where wood chips have been used to stabilize the soil. The wood chips will decay and enrich the soil as the ground cover takes root and grows to cover it. (Sheet 18.)

Start a rain barrel test program. Provide rain barrel catchment systems to a number of Doverbrook residents to test their usefulness.

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Listed below are a variety of actions the residents of Doverbrook may want to consider for implementation in the future. Some of the actions may seem to have no relation to landscape design. However, any action that is taken that reduces negative impact on the environment and helps build a sense of community will have a positive effect on the environment of Doverbrook, its residents, and landscape.

• Work with the city of Chicopee to redesign streets, to create infiltration swales. Since the city owns and maintains the streets it is in their interest to create conditions that will prolong the useful lives of the streets and make them safer.

• Hire a full-time gardener/landscaper. Some of the work that is currently contracted out may be performed more economically by a full-time employee. Such an employee could also be responsible for setting up and coordinating a community garden, composting site, and conducting resident workshops on topics such as appropriate plants and designs.

• Install solar panels at the maintenance area to charge batteries for power equipment.

C o m mu n i t y & S o c i a l • Apply for a WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program) grant administered by the National Resources Conservation Service. Grants may be available to help remove invasive species from, and improve habitat along the banks of Willimansett Brook. (http://www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/WHIP/) Plant nut trees as a food source, as well as for their beauty. The area where the snow is currently dumped could be planted as a walnut or hazelnut grove.

Nuts are an excellent source of protein.

• Encourage gray water systems. Recycling and reusing water that was used in washing machines and showers can reduce resident expenses and reclaim a resource for plants.

• Make a test installation of pervious pavers when a driveway must be replaced. A pervious surface allows stormwater to infiltrate into the soil rather than rushing to catch basins where it is lost to use. If the test is useful and cost effective, it could become the preferred surface for driveways and sidewalks in Doverbrook. (Note: asphalt is a petroleum product and will rise in price as oil does.)

• Make a community compost pile to be maintained by a hired gardener or a committed volunteer. The resulting compost can be made available to residents to use on their lawns and gardens.

• Start a community directory that lists good and services available from Doverbrook residents. This has the potential to build community, keep money in the very local economy, and reduce unnecessary travel.

• Start a baby-sitting service. Some older adults with spare time may enjoy taking care of younger Doverbrook residents.

Randy Marks and

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

M AS T E R PL A N

Landscape & E nviron m en t

It is desirable to look beyond immediate and midterm proposals toward making Doverbrook a truly resilient community in the years ahead. All times are uncertain, but these times seem more uncertain than most. Local, national, and world communities are currently encountering economic pain. Oil prices are expected to rise again and stay high as oil becomes harder to extract. Hanging over all is the possible threat of profound climate change. Each of these conditions will provide opportunities and pose challenges for the residents of Doverbrook and the land they steward.

Kate Benisek

The possibilities...

LANDSCAPE

Looking Ahead

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

FUTURE VISION

• Establish a small market/cafe/coffee shop near the clubhouse. In small towns in America in the early to mid-1900s, a town of 1000 people would support at least one community grocery that sold sandwiches and coffee. If automobile travel becomes less desirable due to increasing costs, and people are much more willing to make a short walk for amenities, such small businesses will become viable again.

• Set up an exchange/trade/recycling station. Doverbrook could provide an empty garage or other space where reusable items are available to anyone who wants them. This could be run on a volunteer basis.

• Establish an alternative transportation network: work with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to bring bus service directly to Doverbrook; start a minibus service for human and material transportation; start a bicycle delivery service.

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• Use alternative financing to accumulate capital for immediate landscape improvements. It may be possible to sell bonds which would be paid back over time from resident ownership fees.

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Many of the features that make Doverbrook Estates such an appealing place to live also make it an ideal place for applying some of the principles of cohousing. The open, common lawns and the fact that housing units are multihousehold, can be the first step in building community through shared outdoor space.

Community Farm

can provide a multitude of fresh fruits, vegetables, and even eggs, when properly designed and operated. Community farms are becoming increasingly common in many parts of the United States, including Holyoke, MA, where Nuestras Raices participants farm over 88 acres on parcels distributed around the city. Doverbrook could utilize a pattern such as Nuestras Raices, but on a smaller scale, where multiple community gardens serve residents in various parts of the community.

A CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, provides produce by subscription. Members buy a share in the farm for a season. In return they receive a portion of each week’s production throughout the growing season. Various CSAs serve the Pioneer Valley, including the Food Bank Farm in Hadley. Doverbrook Estates may consider partnering with a local CSA or inviting members of the farming community in to hold educational workshops and even assisting with an edible landscape.

In San Francisco, My Farm combines the idea of an urban farm with that of a CSA. My Farm contracts with homeowners to transform their yards into urban farms.

In return, the homeowner receives a weekly portion of the produce from their yard and sometimes produce from other locations as well. My Farm sells excess production to restaurants and in farmer’s markets. Proceeds pay employees and staff.

M AS T E R PL A N

The need for community members to care for common property creates a mutual trust and support. Common property includes open space, courtyards, a playground and a common house. Through spacial deign and shared social and management activities, cohousing inspires inspires interaction among neighbors, including neighbors of different generations. Social, practical, economic, and environmental benefits result from sharing resources.

Randy Marks

LANDSCAPE

is a type of collaborative housing in which residents actively participate in the design and operation of their neighborhood. Cohousing communities resemble old fashioned neighborhoods. They incorporate the value of private homes with benefits of more sustainable living by sharing common facilities and promoting good connections with neighbors.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Cohousing

Kate Benisek

and

When making long-range plans, Doverbrook Estates should consider what can be learned from varied modes of community organization.These alternatives could have a profound impact on landscapes such as those at Doverbrook

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

COMMUNITY CONCEPTS

Woonerf

is a Dutch word for a street where cars must share the road with pedestrians. This pattern can be seen emerging in Doverbrook where pedestrians often choose to walk in the wide quiet streets rather than on the narrow sidewalks. With this model, the street may not have such fixed boundaries as curbs and lanes. In a woonerf walkers and bicyclists have access to the entire street and adults can gather to talk while children may play in the street.

Curves designed into the street, along with strategically placed trees, can reduce sight lines, thus encouraging motorists to go slowly.

Street parking is limited, so that a wall of cars does not block pedestrian views and access.

Woonerfen may gain popularity in the United States as gasoline prices rise and people must rely less on cars. Doverbrook Estates can plan ahead for this development by encouraging cars to be parked off of the streets and considering a woonerf-like development of one of the more quiet streets. .

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The American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the United States Botanic Garden are leading an interdisciplinary effort to create a standardized system of voluntary guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land design, construction, and maintenance practices. This effort is the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SSI), which is modeled after the extremely popular LEED system for rating buildings.

SSI is founded on the understanding that healthy landscapes provide benefits to human functioning, health, and well-being. It will provide tools for those who influence land development and management practices to address increasingly urgent global concerns such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion. The tools can be used by those who design, construct, operate and maintain landscapes, including but not limited to planners, landscape architects, engineers, developers, builders, maintenance crews, horticulturists, governments, land stewards and organizations offering building standards.

By using Sustainable Sites guidelines and standards, Doverbrook Estates can work within an ecologically-minded framework of planning and landscape decisions

A Pattern Language VISTA SEAT GARDEN

Patterns:

Seat and garden.

is one of the most influential and best-selling books on architecture, planning and landscape architecture. Written by Christopher Alexander and first published in 1977, the book attempts to create a language which can be used to accurately describe the constructed human environment. The language is composed of patterns, each of which describes a problem that recurs in the environment. The book then describes the core of the solution to the problem.

M AS T E R PL A N

Sustainable Sites

Randy Marks

LANDSCAPE

Practical application of New Urbanist principles creates walkable cities and towns where the different activities of life are mixed rather than entirely segregated by zoning. New Urbanist developments usually include a town center with shops, services, and houses of worship. Housing may be intermixed with businesses; more housing is nearby. Streets tend to be narrow and street parking is restricted. The matrix of structures is knit together by walkways and paths to encourage walking rather than driving. Larger areas are serviced by adequate public transportation.

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

New Urbanism

is a design movement that emphasizes mixed-use developments that have many of the characteristics of traditional small towns. New Urbanism views disinvestment in central cities, the spread of placeless sprawl, increasing separation by race and income, environmental deterioration, loss of agricultural lands and wilderness, and the erosion of society’s built heritage as one interrelated community-building challenge. Doverbrook’s future may see it taking on more of the characteristics of a small town with home-based businesses and more emphasis on walking and public transportation.

Kate Benisek

and

Examine models and other resources to see what elements may be applicable to implement into Doverbrook’s landscape plan.

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING

No pattern is an isolated entity. The book’s forward states: “when you build a thing you cannot merely build that thing in isolation, but must also repair the world around it, and within it, so that the larger world at that one place becomes more coherent, and more whole; and the thing which you make takes its place in the web of nature, as you make it.”

SQUARE

Square and vista.

Illustrations adapted from Chrisopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language: Towns, Buldings, Construction, Oxford University Press, New York, c. 1977.

One such pattern among 253 that are described is Hierarchy of Open Space. The problem is stated: “Outdoors, people always try to find a spot where they can have their backs protected, looking out toward some larger opening, beyond the space immediately in front of them.” It is noted that any place where people are comfortable has (1) a back, and (2) a view into a larger space. Practical applications of this observation are examined, then a solution is described: “Whatever space you are shaping—whether it is a garden, terrace, street, park, public outdoor room, or courtyard, make sure of two things. First, make at least one smaller space, which looks into it and forms a natural back for it. Second, place it, and its openings, so that it looks into at least one larger space.” Patterns such as these can help create positive and beautiful spaces within Doverbrook Estates., such as in the Courtyard Garden design template included in this plan.

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Canadian serviceberry Canadian anemone Sweetshrub Eastern redbud Fringetree Green and gold Pagoda dogwood Cornelian cherry Witch hazel Wild hydrangea Mountain laurel Hop hornbeam Rugosa rose Sassafras Mapleleaf viburnum

3 20 4 3 2 24 1 2 2 6 3 1 4 1 9

Price

Extension

116.00 6.50 36.00 143.00 143.00 --99.00 225.00 54.00 32.00 130.00 208.00 19.00 37.50 48.00

348.00 130.00 144.00 429.00 286.00 110.00 99.00 450.00 108.00 192.00 390.00 208.00 76.00 37.50 432.00

Total plant materials cost is $3439.50. The estimate for all materials plus labor is $8600 to $10,500.

C o nve r t i n g l aw n t o m e a d ow : E x i s t i n g L aw n C o s t s : • •

Regular lawn care for 42 acres for 2009 is $185,000 plus $45,000 for additional services (fertilizers, etc.)

Cost per acre for 2009 is $5476

Creating one acre of meadow and maintaining for one year: • • • •

15 lbs. seed @ $15.00 = $225 x 3 (for installation) = $775 mow once a year = $100 weeding: 10 hours @ $25/hr x 4 times = $1000.00 total: $1875

• Cost savings per acre per year: $5476-$1875= $3601 Rain Barrel Purchase: Wholesale price for a rain barrel, delivered from the New England Rain Barrel Company in Peabody, is $72.95 plus $4.56 state sales tax for a total of $77.51. A test program involving one barrel for each residence in the units north of Pendleton and west of Greenwood Terrace would cost $1705. 22. Installation can be done by Doverbrook maintenance staff. A hacksaw is required for cutting the downspout. The barrel can be set on the ground or on a platform of bricks.

It is estimated that 6 acres could be converted to meadow immediately for first year savings of:

M AS T E R PL A N

Randy Marks and

Amelanchier canadensis Anemone canadensis Calycanthus floridus Cercis canadensis Chionthus virginicus Chrysogonum virginianum Cornus alternifolia Cornus mas Hamamelis virginiana Hydrangea arborescens Kalmia latifolia Ostrya virginiana Rosa rugosa Sassafras albidum Viburnum acerfolium

Quantity

LANDSCAPE

Common name

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

Scientific name

Kate Benisek

Pendleton Street Entrance Planting Plan:

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

appendix i : SAMPLE COSTS

$3601 x 6 = $21606, with additional savings each year as more lawn is converted.

Nor th

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M AS T E R PL A N

Randy Marks and

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

LANDSCAPE

Soil samples were taken from six locations in Doverbrook, including one in the woods near the maintenance area. Samples were sent to the Soil and Plant Tissue Testing lab at the University of Massachusetts for analysis. The reports of the analyses are reprinted here.

Kate Benisek

appendix ii : SOILS

Nor th Pendleton Street entrance

Interior of Horseshoe common area

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Honeysuckle entrance

M AS T E R PL A N

Randy Marks and

Kate Benisek Interior of common area between Pendleton and Pheasant

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

LANDSCAPE

Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

appendix ii : SOILS

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31 West of maintenance yard

Woods behind maintenance area

of 32

D O V E R B R O O K E S T AT E S Condominiums Chicopee , MA

M AS T E R PL A N

LANDSCAPE

and

Randy Marks Conway School of Landscape Design S p r ing 2009

Kate Benisek

a p p e n d i x i i i : M AT E R I A L S A F E T Y D ATA S H E E T S

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I M AG E C R E D I T S

AND

RESOURCES

All photographs and illustrations by Randy Marks and Kate Benisek unless noted below.

Sheet 1: Aerial photograph http://www.bing.com/ Sheet 2: Aerial photograph http://www.bing.com/ Sheet 3: groundhog http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Groundhog3.jpg, red-tailed hawk http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hawk_3695.jpg, screech owl, http:// www.ohio-nature.com/image-files/screech-owl-lg.jpg, racoon http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Raccoon_(Procyon_lotor)_2.jpg, beaver http://www.maxwaugh. com/images/yellowstone05/beaver1.jpg, black bear http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_Bear_Yearling.JPG, blue spotted salamander http://i.pbase. com/v3/59/68959/2/49613278.bluespotted5sm.jpg, eastern box turtle http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/cape_cod_II/images/Eastern%20Box%20Turtle.jpg, grasshopper sparrow http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grasshopper_Swallow.jpg, upland sandpiper http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grasshopper_ Swallow.jpg, vesper sparrow http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:VesperSparrow23.jpg, pine barrens zanclognatha http://www.friendsmssf.com/graphics/ duskywing0084.jpg Sheet 12 carex http://www.newfs.org/images/grow/begin%20june%20150.jpg/image_mini, wood mulch http://www.valleysawmill.com/Photos/Photos/Clean%20Wood%20 Mulch.jpg, meadow http://www.evp.vt.edu/images/meadow1.jpg, freedom lawn http://www.milfordecc.com/freedom_lawn/2007/freedomlawn_play.jpg, Sheet 14 Root diagram adapted from illustration by Heidi Natura of Conservation Research Institute. Meadow photograph courtesy of the New England Wildflower Society. www.newfs.org.

Sheet 16 Garden photograph care of the New England Wildflower Society. www.newfs.org.

Sheet 17 Garden photograph care of the New England Wildflower Society. www.newfs.org.

Sheet 19 three kids http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1612/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1612R-28185.jpg, toddler in grass http://media.photobucket.com/image/children%20playing%20in%20grass/tecknopuppy/BabyPlayinginOrganicLawn.jpg, children rolling down hill http://www.utexas. edu/features/2007/playgrounds/graphics/playground9.jpg, garden wall http://www.perennial-garden-plants.com/images/rock-garden-wall.jpg, nursery http://www. oldbuckhurst.co.uk/images/Nursery.jpg, greenhouse http://www.moline.il.us/departments/parks/NewGreenhouse.jpg.

Sheets 26 PVTA bus. htte://www.unit-e.com/urbnacompass/uliday1c.jpg Sheet 27 community concepts: cohousing http://mognot.com/architecture/residential/southside/i/projectImage1.jpg, (eating) http://www.canberracohousing.com/images/ gbay_break.gif. community farm: google search: urban farm, google search: urban farm. woonerf: http://transportehumano.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/woonerf-a. jpg, http://transportehumano.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/woonerf-a.jpg Sheet 28 new urbanism: google search: new urbanism, http://z.about.com/d/architecture/1/0/E/n/AnnapolisMD73873863.jpg. sustainable sites: google search: sustainable sites, google search: sustainable sites.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Doverbrook Estates Board of Trustees: Rosemary Costa, Steve Lemanis, Dick Wall, John Cottingham and Bob Benns. Special thanks to Bob, Maryanne Benns, and John Cottingham, who provided us with a wealth of information and documentation about the existing Doverbrook Estates landscape. Thank you to Mike Wright, property manager of Doverbrook Estates. Thanks to David Paine of Plan It Green Landscape Architecture, Kate Brown at the City of Chicopee Planning Department, and Steve Frederick at the City of Chicopee Engineering office. Thank you to Alan Rice, of Harry Dodson Associates, for his help with cost estimating and implementation.

The Conway School of Landscape Design

is t h e o n ly i n s i t i t u t i o n o f i t s k i n d i n N o r t h Ame r ic a . It s fo c u s is s ustainable planni ng and landscape design. Each year, th r ou gh i ts accr ed i ted , t e n - m o n t h gr aduate progr am just nineteen gr aduate students from diver se b a c k g r o u n d s a r e i m m e r s e d i n a r a n g e of applied landscape studies, r anging in scale from residences to r e g i o n s . G r a d u a t e s g o o n t o p l ay s i gnificant professional roles in var ious aspects of landscape plannin g a n d d e s i g n w i t h a n e ye t o su st a i n a bilit y.

T h e C l a s s o f 2 0 0 9 : Rachel Bechoffer, Kate Benisek, Micheal Blackete r, J o h n a t h a n C o o p e r, F i o n a D u n b a r, C y n dy Fin e , Ky le Ha le y, Alex Hoffmeier, Er ik J ohnson, Br i an Mar key, R an d y M ar ks, Lu ci e M ar ti n , Sar ah M i t c h el l , Ka t h a r in e Oc h s n e r, A s hl ey Pelleti er, Sar a Pr eston, Suzanne R hodes, J en n a Web ster an d Ar an W i en er.