 |
|||
Congratulations to the winners of our 2010 Conservation Landscaping contest! Winners were selected from 14 entries. The scoring committee reports that entries exhibited impressive conservation landscaping practices across the region and appreciates everyone's participation. Applicants for the winning sites will receive a complimentary registration to the 2011 Turning a New Leaf Conference.The next Conservation Landscaping Contest is scheduled for Summer 2012.
Professional
Category The majority of this 5.1 acre site is planted with native meadow plants as well as native shrubs and trees. The facility features a highly reflective white roof, permeable concrete, a green roof as well as an 8,000 gallon underground cistern which collects rain from the green roof as well as the main roof to be used for drip irrigation. In addition to this underground cistern, there is also a 4,000 gallon above-ground cistern that also collects roof water, which is in turn used for toilets in the facility. Organic gardening and composting practices are used in a community/employee vegetable garden. Invasive species found on the property are monitored and mechanically removed weekly .=============== |
View site plan Professional
Category:
|
||
Non-profit/
Association/Gardening Group Category Located within a mile of the James River, this 25 acre site remains primarily undisturbed woodlands. The museum features a conservation garden with 7 themes (e.g., nurturing the soil, gardening for wildlife, conserving water) which is accessible to visitors of all ages via volunteer docents. A large fire road on the property was partially converted to open pavers with vegetation growing within. Lumber from dismantled structures is reused in the garden as compost bins, potting tables, etc and any tree trimming done on site is shredded for use as mulch. Asphalt and concrete roads/pathways are now 50% converted to permeable pathways. Concrete/asphalt debris used for pathways and roads was recycled locally. The outdoor visitor boardwalk (3/4 mile long) was built on raised pillars to minimize soil disturbance. Two green roofs compliment this already diverse property by helping with storm water runoff and promoting clean air. ===============
|
Non-profit
Category:
|
||
|
|
With the goal of maintaining diversity on a small site (0.5 acre) this property features a multitude of small gardens that take advantage of natural existing elements. Despite its small acreage the site features over 200 species of plants (over 90% native) in meadow, forest and rain garden plantings. Non-garden- bed areas are planted as no-mow lawn and leaves are kept on site to promote healthy woodland soil. Kitchen scraps as well as garden cuttings are composted and used in planting beds, and downed woody material is shredded and used on paths. Invasive species such as Japanese Honeysuckle are regularly monitored and removed. The property owners succeeded in showing “how native plants can be used in a suburban setting to create an attractive landscape while conserving water and attracting pollinators."
|
Homeowner Category: Michael Schmotzer, York, PA
|
|
| Page updated 12/15/2010 |
