Landscaping for heat reduction & storm water management
The Garden at 31-81
This project has accomplished:
- Reduction of ambient heat behind the building;
- Air conditioners are not used as often;
- Dramatically improved storm water drainage; and
- Provides a unique (to Astoria) backdrop for 31-81 residents.
Phase 1: Steps taken prior to the design and implementation (cleanup)
- Excavation and removal of buried concrete slabs, large rocks and pavers (scattered all throughout the previously paved yard);
- Balancing, adding to and treating existing soil with organic fertilizers and peat moss;
- Removal of existing dead/dying grass, weeds while preserving three existing Rose of Sharon, one rose bush and a full sized tree;
- Utilized mulch to outline the new lawn design.
Phase 2: Design Implementation
- Kentucky Blue sod installation;
- Planted a mini Dogwood, China Girl (ilex), White Carpet and Wild Red Roses, Rose of Sharon, Clumping Bamboo, Tiger Lillies, Azalia, Rhododendron, Hydrangia, Lantana, ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) Lilac (syringa), pansy, Hosta, Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper;
- Phlox, French and Spanish Lavender, Dusty Miller, Portulaca, Pink Beauty Caladium, Gladiolus, Dahlias, Canna, Daylily, Tuberose, New Guinea Impatiens and Astilbe;
- Constructed and installed a Cedarshed Banf shed;
- Assembled a 2 person Adorondeck bench (from the National Wildlife catalog);
- Solar hanging lanterns by Twilight Outdoor Lighting (www.twilightlighting.com – model CSNEE-41);
- Incorporated a “hidden” Envirocycle Composter.
The garden at 31-81 before landscaping.
“The garden at 31-81 landscaping: Phase 1
The garden at 31-81 landscaping phase 1 complete
The garden at 31-81 landscaping phase 1 complete
Design and installation by Andrew Brooks.