Swami Kripalu Meditation Garden: The horizontal ground
and vertical tree trunks define the space. Interplanting canopy trees with mid-height understory shrubs would enclose the space in a more comfortable way. It is important to maintain the open view to the Stockbridge Bowl, so new vegetation should not block the southern edge of this garden.
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Ganesh Shrine: Because the east drive is elevated over the nearby stream, tires of passing vehicles are at eye-level and roughly thirty feet away from people seeking serenity at the shrine. Planting shrubs or small trees with dense foliage will buffer some noise and exposure from the driveway. 3
Orchard: Access to the orchard requires climbing a very steep hill and it may become more of a destination if a covered staircase is installed connecting the building to nearby parking lots. Evaluating its capacity as a social place will inform its maintenance needs. As a destination, the grass may continue to be mown. If used only for making cider and as a place to be seen from the dining room, a meadow should be allowed to grow to provide pollinator habitat, increasing the spring flowers and fruit set. 4
7 Slopes West of Main Parking Lot
South Drive 8 Allee
2
3
te 18 Rou
Allee Along Route 183
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eliminate the need to mow, and deter people from traversing the steep hillside.
Woodland Meadow
200’
Ayurvedic Garden: This location requires further evaluation of how all guests use the space. The Ayurvedic students use the garden in cycles and for specific purposes and a work bench for students may be appropriate. If the garden is to become a popular gathering space, it’s central lawn should be retained. 6
Mown Lawn
0
Orchard Slope: Plant with woody shrubs to prevent erosion,
400’
of Main Parking Lot: Although an effort has previously been made to vegetate the slopes, it is important to continue to plant them in order to stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. Irrigation and more attentive maintenance may be required to establish plants in this location, but maintaining slope stability will contribute to healthier water quality and reduce ongoing maintenance. Healthy vegetation on this slope will block some views of the parking lot from other properties.
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8
Slopes West
South Drive Allee: Establishing the long-term future of the south
drive will determine how its vegetation is managed. The existing allee trees could continue to serve as an allee or become part of the woodland if the woods extend into the south lawn. The pH of the allee soil is very high, likely from winter salt use. If this begins to negatively affect the maples (which are salt sensitive) or shagbark hickories, the slippery roads could be dressed with sand instead of salt, as a way to protect the existing trees.
center for yoga & health
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Swami Kripalu 1 Meditation Garden
Kripalu
3 Ganesh Shrine
Design
Ayurvedic Garden 6
a landscape master plan for
Orchard Slope 5
Allee Along Route 183: This historic remnant enhances the experience of walking parallel to the road. Working with professionals to maintain the health of these old maples and ashes is important; pulling away wood chips that could unintentionally smother the tree collar will contribute to their longevity. As they naturally die, they can be replaced with shade-tolerant canopy trees that will in time provide the same protection. 2
4 Orchard
Vegetation Plan Central
1
Erin Hepfner & Kate Tompkins The Conway School www.csld.edu Spring 2011
Vegetation Plan: Central
27/31
Stockbridge Bowl Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.