Castle Rock Teach By Example Prog Report

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FROM TOWN OF CRSTLE ROCK 04.26.1994 11'16 P. 7 @ diminished the amount of high traffic r~sislent blup gr~ss in many areas which were low traffic or simply to be used for aesthetics. This reduced maintenance. and water consumption, thus making the area more practical. Proper care and maintenance of the remaining blue grass areas can help curtail current water demand requirements. . Plant material again revolved around the needs of the homeowners, and area to be planted. For some, attracting birds was a feature. And, at two homes, as locations for day care, fruiting shrubs were not used in areas the children access. Visual interest was an important feature in most of the retrofitted areas. Everyone did a lot of research, and looked around their neighborhoods for ideas that they might like to use around their own homes. They worked with designers, sharing ideas on colors. function, and layouts. It's one thing to be chosen for the project, and another to help in the creation of a new landscape for your entire family. The homeowners were committed to accomplishing the goals of the project, and they did their best to maintain their enthusiasm for the project. The Hopklns...200 Ichnsen Drive.... Initially, the landscape consisted of 7,690 square feet, made up mostly of bluegrass, and a garden area. Right off the bat, the exterior retrofit eliminated over 4,000 square feet of blue grass. No mowing to speak of, and little maintenance. The automatic irrigation system, mostly drip, takes care of the resll The function of the front yard here was mainly aesthetic. The back yard had a recreational area for the children, and was used for outdoor activities. There was no desire to maintain a grassed area in front. There was a definite slope to the front, so to add interest, as well as level the area, a dry stack rock wall was used to delineate an annual bed, and to define areas for evergreen, and deciduous shrubs. These were staggered along the wall to maintain some winter color. Also used in a lower lying "natural" area were decorative boulders, and a ponderosa pine, to tie the area in with a neighboring aspen grove. A wildflower bed was added as a highlight. Along the sidewalk, creeping flowering ground covers will be planted. This will help reduce erosion from runoff in this sloped area. There was a traffic area between the driveway and the front porch, 50 a flagstone walkway was introduced. Near the driveway were a couple aspen that were severely diseased. These were removed and replaced with a honey locust. Already present was a crabapple tree. The area was tied together with a wildflower bed. Donna had a rock garden willi several perennials that she wanted to maintain, 50 we highlighted it with junipers along its perimeter. Compost was used to amend the soil, and Robert had his work cut out for him with his rototillerl . We really feel all the hard work was worth III The Hopkins are looking "forward to the planting of the second wildflower garden, flowering groundcover, and the growth of our new landscape in the spring." The Hargroves...1766 Foxfield... This landscape had initially been installed by the home builder, as had most of the landscapes in the area. Basically, modifyi~g the front yard, and leaving the back yard in blue grass for young children to play, was the concept for the landscape portion of the project: Again, about 2,000 square feet of blue grass was removed, with around 1,000 square feet being replaced by what is called a foothills mix. .' The original front yard was a large blue grassed area with one ornamental tree, anll a few juniper shrubs near the front of the house. The tree was a Sunburst honey locust, usually a good water conserving deciduous tree. Its growth however was stunted .by a very shallow root system. The soil was clay-like, not allowing deep root zones for any plants, Including grass. Water permeability was low, therefore requiring more frequent irrigation to maintain a healthy color to the grass. To correct this problem the soil preparation required a large amount of compost and tilling to improve the texture, water and air permeability. The thinking went along the lines of more ornamental uses, since this area was not re.ally used for play, or any outdoor recreational activilies. There was a need for access to the back yard gate from the front door, so a more formal walkway .was added, by using mountain granile already on site. This rock was originally used In a small area next to the driveway. and on the side of the house. Cedar mulch was used on the perimeter of the walkway and nex110 the house to diminish water loss to the ornamental shrubs and perennials, as well as to reduce the amount of heat retention around the house in the summer, with the full south-eastern exposure. Two large shade trees were added to aid this situation as well. A raised bed was added for an accent and interest. Mulched areas were used around ornamental perennials and shrubs. Groupings of wildflower seed areas were interjected io break up larger grassed areas.