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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />(4) a sign at the bus turnaround is erected to acknowledge <br />the demonstration project and its contributors; and <br />(5) consultant speaks to two local groups about native <br />plants and water-wise gardening, and the Town of <br />Telluride sponsors xeriscape speaker Jim Knopf. <br /> <br />Year Three (1996) <br /> <br />(1) Maintenance and observation of gardens including <br />reseeding grass areas, weeding, and replanting shrubs <br />that did not survive the winter; and <br />(2) continued education by consultant, including leading a <br />native plant walk for the public. <br /> <br />III. Project Findings & Results <br /> <br />(1) Bus Turnaround <br /> <br />The bus turnaround is located next to a busy road and <br />exposed to sun, wind and traffic impacts. It is <br />slightly mounded with the steeper side facing south. <br />The south side, not reached by irrigation, has sparse <br />vegetation cover. These challenges have been <br />complicated by the fact that construction trucks have <br />bumped into the turnaround and snow plows have dumped <br />sand and gravel onto it. Future plans for the bus <br />turnaround should include temporary watering of the <br />south side until vegetation is established, applying <br />three inches of top soil, and further seeding. <br /> <br />Although terracing the turnaround would have helped <br />retain moisture, the bus turnaround project has been an <br />overall success. Trees, shrubs and perennials have <br />flourished despite obvious nibbles by various animals <br />and some vandalism. The garden is a bird's paradise <br />and a popular lunch spot for employees of nearby <br />businesses. <br /> <br />(2) Residential Gardens <br /> <br />A key component to the success of this project was the <br />County's selection of two homeowners who were excited <br />about the project and were willing to donate much of <br />their own time and resources. It is important to work <br />closely with selected homeowners and to understand <br />their perceptions of what landscaping should look like. <br />Native landscaping tends to create a subtle appearance, <br />and it may take people from lusher climates time to <br />appreciate its beauty. <br /> <br />Finding the right grass mix proved to be a challenge. <br />Although seeded generously into well prepared soil, the <br /> <br />2 <br />