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If we are going to have any positive effect on our environment we are going to need to unite the tribes!

We have a lot of work to do to improve the health of our landscape environment! It’s work! It takes focus and consistent commitment and sustained time and energy. I don’t know about anybody else, but for me, if the time I spend doesn’t involve some measure of fun, I’m probably not going to be showing up…unless I really feel I’m going to be missing something. In my case, I’m not retired and have limited free time and interest in events that aren’t in my wheelhouse of interest. I support many non-profits with time and money. I often wonder if we are making any quantifiable progress.

This is why the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County(FCWC) gets high praise for getting a diverse group of people to contribute to a cause like composting, plastic bags etc. By sheer enthusiasm and personality FCWC is creating unique, fun events in venues we might be interested in going to anyway!

If we could get all the local environmental groups together, united under one roof, we could really have a powerful impact! The cumulative effect of joint marketing and social media would certainly be a greater sum than one group or individual. I think we all share a desire to improve the health and beauty of our landscape environment.

My personal passion and mission is to be a voice for nature. To speak for the plants and animals, the insects, the earth, wetlands, fields and forest. We all need a little more wild… so we can reconnect with our own nature!

More rain gardens, native plant gardens for beneficial species, less lawn, and no more toxic pesticides!

We can do more than be carbon neutral! We can create and manage our landscape environments to support and supply highly efficient carbon positive ecosystems!

We cannot do it alone! We must educate and we must make it interesting and…FUN!

Long live the new FCWC… keep up the good work …looking forward to the next event!

https://www.fcwc.org/calendar

—

Jay Archer

President, Landscape Ecology

914-560-6570

We make it a practice to evaluate every feature of the landscape during the initial consultation. We look at the property as if our family owned it and lived there! We are interested in evaluating and analyzing every view, every tree and plant, drainage and flow paths; what we can see and even what we can’t.

In this case, our primary mission was to develop an ecological landscape design for the entire property in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, to be implemented in phases. Once the design was presented and accepted with estimates and budgets for each part, we started with the demolition of a large part of the backyard. This work included carting and dumping of many tons of concrete from existing patios and walks, as well as old wooden sheds, removing electric and plumbing, base for an above ground pool, etc..

Below: Before photo.

We were able to repurpose and recycle part of the demo material on site and the remainder off site (see SSI sustainablesites.org/about). Resource conservation, including financial resources, is part of our contracted responsibility to the client.

Although summer was a good time for demo, masonry construction (including a patio and fire pit) and lawn installation (in this case, an eco-friendly tall fescue lawn), it was not ideal for pruning the mature, overgrown Kousa dogwood in the front yard ( see ANSI A300 pruning standards).

Winter is the ideal time for this kind of crown reduction, radical pruning and shaping.
While the tree probably will not flower as beautifully and fully as it did the year before, it was necessary to bring it back into an acceptable scale, if the tree was going to be saved as a component and feature of the new design.

—

Jay Archer

President, Landscape Ecologist

914-560-6570

Each and every landscape environment, each property, each client, each homeowner offers a unique and special opportunity to improve or downright convert the landscape into a highly efficient and productive ecological system. In this day and age of climate change and environmental threats to our well-being and human health, we must find ways to optimize existing conditions and resources while redesigning landscapes for better living. Always our goal is not to achieve carbon neutral but a net positive. We’ve never met a landscape that couldn’t be improved in terms of health, aesthetics, and ecological function. To do this, we take an integrated approach, where design meets ecology. Acknowledging the interdependence and biological relationships between soil, plants and water. This can be achieved while respecting a client’s taste, style, culture, wishes and desires.

In this case, we have a very attractive, contemporary, newly constructed home, with a formal landscape architectural sensibility. To create a more attractive landscape, while achieving our high standard of excellence regarding sustainable ecology and ornamental horticulture, we first start off well-developed master plan. This color-rendered, scaled drawing provided an overall defined concept with individual landscape garden areas and features.

[Above Top: Front Yard BEFORE; Above Second: Front Yard AFTER; Designed & Installed by Green Jay Landscape Design]

As always, landscape construction provides fresh new challenges, problems and solutions. One of the joys of working with an invested and caring client is that they encourage creativity and innovation, such as new combinations and possibilities in plant design and hardscape construction. From the beginning, we are aware of our responsibility to manage the full resources available including land, air, water, and financial resources. As a green design-build landscape contractor, it is an especially rewarding experience to be engaged fully in the process of conceptual design, through construction and installation through completion, to managing a property on an on-going basis. Taking a landscape which was previously treated poorly both culturally and with toxic pesticides to a completely pesticide, toxin free organically sustainable environment is a fabulous reward for our team, our client and the greater ecosystem.

[Above: BEFORE photo of Arborvitae less than thriving and hardly screening the road]

As Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals (AOLCP), it never ceases to surprise and amaze us how poorly our residential landscape properties have been treated historically. One of the prime motivations for our client to develop a plan with the intent to execute our joint vision within the same season was the feeling of an incomplete screen on the back side of the property. The client pointed out the existing single linear row of Arborvitae, which seemed to not be growing over the last three years. Our suggestion was to remove the existing plants, add some larger specimens, and arrange the plants in a more natural, staggered and layered formation. While we anticipated amending and improving the soil, as we consider essential to each and every landscape installation we are involved in, we did not anticipate a couple of significant factors that contributed greatly to the limited performance and overall health of the planting in this area. For one thing, the existing Arborvitae were planted too high or too deep in insufficient soil, some with the burlap and plastic string still attached. In addition, evidently deer browse was a problem, contributing to overall health and lack of growth. Once we excavated to expand the planting bed, construct the berm and arrange the new plants integrated with the old, we discovered in this area of the property, the soil and subsoil consisted primarily of dead sand. Dead sand was used primarily for early septic systems in agricultural or post-agricultural development. We were able to make these assumptions by touch, feel and smell.

[Above: AFTER photo of new Arborvitae hedge with hydrangea & rose underplanting]

I inevitably find on commercial projects there is little or no allocation in the budget for soil remediation. We must always keep in mind that life begins below ground, where the resources and possibilities for life exist. The absolute essential key to success is to increasing the microbial activity and diversity of populations within of soil organisms. Our goal is to nurture life and grow plants. We feel the best and only way to succeed is to use natural, organic source Earth products and high-grade biologicals to prepare the soil. We removed, carted and dumped 10,000 pounds of dead sand at a specially approved facility. In addition to replacing the void, we built a slight berm to elevate the planting above the roadway to improve drainage. Within six months, we enjoyed a flush of new growth. Between the improved design of staggering heights and layering, along with regular applications of organic deer repellent, the overall effect was a substantial improvement.

One of the joys of our work is the response from the children of our clients, in this case, young Nicholas, five-years-old. When mom was reading to him in his bedroom about Monarch butterflies, he insisted they go into the backyard so he could see the real thing in his very own butterfly garden. How cool is that!

Look at how water flows over, through and into your property and landscape. This observation is especially valuable during storm events. Consider the source: uphill, adjacent property, etc..

Sometimes even when we have substantial drainage systems, we need to reevaluate the function of drainage due to changes in the landscape environment. This may be caused by changes in the hydrology of the watershed above or below ground. During this past year we have seen issues that under normal circumstances may not be a problem. When the ground water table is high and the ground is saturated, existing piping and catch basins may be temporarily unable to handle a large volume of flow.

Early spring flooding can more detrimental, for most plants are still dormant and unable to absorb the excess water.

In this case, our client had a small amount of water at the base of the inside basement wall. Upon a proper inspection of the grounds we found the following: property was at significantly lower elevation from neighbors properties, patio had settled, pitching toward rear of house, window well covers broken, neighbors’ gutters and leaders were discharging towards side of house (where the problem occurs), lack of perimeter drain, bioswale and grade/pitch incorrect, evidence of significant loss of topsoil, scouring/erosion. The rear yard was very shady, mostly overgrown trees and shrubs, above the retaining wall. This reduced evapotranspiration, keeping the heavy clay soil damp. Additionally, the window well where the problem occurs happens to have a valve box for irrigation located very close.

The first step was to examine the property survey which showed the location of three cultec dry-wells cultec.com as well as piping and catch basins. For technical support we utilize conservationtechnology.com & ndspro.com. To correct the issues we started by tree removal and severe pruning to alleviate the deep shade. Next we excavated to expose the exterior foundation wall to the interior floor depth to be sure the foundation was not compromised by cracks/intrusion. We checked the irrigation system for leaks. We re-graded (by elevating) the side and part of the rear yard/lawn to increase pitch and volume of the bioswale. The installation of the cultec dry-wells were appropriately located, however, they were installed too deep considering the impervious clay fill between the surface and top of system. As a result, the water poured over the retaining wall (which also lacked proper drainage/weep holes), failed to infiltrate to the subsurface dry-wells, and flowed to the rear and side of house.

This drainage problem was remedied by installing a perimeter drain (perforated PVC/gravel/filter fabric) at the base of the retaining wall at a depth of 18”, the top void filled and re-graded with a topsoil/compost mix to increase storm water infiltration. Most importantly, we connected the perimeter drain to the deep cultecs by means of a vertical infiltration trench (gravel). While we were at it, we also prepped the ground for the new play set by dethatching the grass, de-compacting the ground/surface by hand, installing filter fabric and playground mulch (cedar chips) for under the playground surface.

As part of the scope of work we also: core aerated the lawn, applied gypsum, compost, topsoil, seed accelerator, re-graded and seeded the rear and side lawn (with 13 improved grass varieties/species) including the bioswale. We installed new window well covers and repositioned existing unused bluestone pieces to create a walk to the play set.

Once complete, even without re-pitching the rear patio, which remained slightly sunk below grade, the water intrusion in the basement was remedied. The total project took three full days. The visual effect was a dramatic improvement. The functionality was equally dramatic as the children were able to use the play set and rear lawn right away, even though it was getting rather late in the fall (Halloween).

—

Jay Archer

President, Landscape Ecologist

914-560-6570

Last week we had the pleasure of attending the 30thannual New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL) two-day conference at Connecticut College. Founded by Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, NDAL has a stacked history of assembling leaders in ecology, restoration, landscape architecture/design, sustainable agriculture, and community development, to name a few. This year was no exception—the speakers were informative, inspiring and grounded (the power of case studies!).

See bottom of page for a full list of speakers and their presentation topics. I’ll attempt to summarize my favorite talks for those who couldn’t make it!

Larry Weaner – Reflecting on New Directions in the American Landscape

Landscape Architect and NDAL founder Larry Weaner spoke on the need for landscape design to address and solve pressing issues of our time. He iterated three categories:

“Culture: Use an anthropological lens to reintroduce lost cultural landscape practices; particularly where contemporary trends have given them renewed relevance.

Agriculture: The role of farming in landscape design and the role of landscape design in farming.

Social Justice:How can landscape designers more frequently and more effectively provide services to underprivileged communities.”

Weaner gained international accolades for his expertise as ‘the meadow guy,’ frequently designing acres of native wildflower meadows for his clients. Larry reflected on his decades of meadow experience with lessons learned about meadow seed mixes and management. Some takeaways I found notable:

Many invasives are early succession colonizers. If you can shade them out with taller desired plants, they wont stand much chance.
Mow your meadow in June for shorter plants that still have time to flower.
Be patient! Some wildflower species don’t emerge for 8-10 years! Others will only be present for the first 1-2 years. The dynamism is part of the fun!
Observe which species can compete with each other, and which get over powered. For example, Larry noted that Canada Golden Rod is usually quite aggressive, but New England Aster can compete well with it.
Study the natural microclimate of your species. For example, Larry observed that Coneflower prefers the woodland edge to the open, sunny meadow. Mirror these preferences in your design and your plants will thrive.

William Young – Managed Ecological Succession as a Response to Major Disturbance Events

Wetland scientist and landscape architect William Young walked us through three case studies of mitigating extreme pollution and contamination through ecological restoration.

One such example was over 100 acres of riverfront Brownfield land in Woodbridge, New Jersey Young and the Dawson Corporation designed an ecological wetland restoration plan for the area, which would eventually become a public park, dubbed Woodbridge Waterfront Park. The plan involved using phytoremediation to remove toxins from the soil – industrial wastes from the site’s former owners Nuodex and later, EPEC Polymers. I was reminded that in phytoremediation, the plants are not up-taking the toxins in the soil, but rather, the plants are creating a hospitable habitat for microbiology that can decompose the toxins in situ. It is far preferable to detoxify on-site rather than haul materials out and in.

The design involved choosing which habitat, which stage of natural succession after a disturbance, to restore through grading (manipulating the hydrology) and planting. The Dawson Corporation team designated specific areas as wet meadows, scrub-shrub, riparian forest and swamp forest and planted them with species found in nature in each of these ecosystems. Plant It and They Will Come, the saying goes, and here was no exception. Young kindly provided these informative charts of what species to expect at what level of ecological succession. Fascinating!

Tama Matsuoka Wong – New Perspectives on Edible Landscapes

Tama Matsuoka Wong is a professional forager for elite local chefs; she forages on her 45-acre property in New Jersey. Wong’s passion for truly wild ingredients is one part ethnobotanic historian, one part eccentric foodie, and one part upcycling genius, turning obnoxious invasives into culinary delicacies.
Wong recently co-published with chef Eddly Leroux Foraged Flavor a foraging guide and cookbook detailing her foraging forays and Leroux’s delicious, inventive recipes. Some fascinating inclusions from her presentation are:

Shagbark Hickory Bark Icecream – recipe here
Garlic Mustard Pesto
Daylily shoots and buds used as a vegetable reminiscent of French beans x leeks, and asparagus, respectively.
Fading Queen Anne’s Lace flowers as a spice, whose flavor she described as a combination of coriander, carrot and paprika.
Japanese Knotweed as a Rhubarb substitute in yummy dishes like Strawberry Knotweed Crumble

Alexa Bosse – Landscape Design in Underserved Communities: Part 2

Alexa presented on the growing need and awareness for community-centered design in communities that are often overlooked and underserved in landscape architecture, architecture and urban planning projects. She spoke of her work in Philadelphia with her design firm Hinge Collective, whose mission is “to support communities in realizing public places, that reinforce what makes those communities unique and powerful.”

They do this through a lengthy participatory design process; one that involves showing up at community events completely unrelated to design or the space; surveying and listening to community members about what their community needs and doesn’t need in a public space; and involving them in the design process through community meetings and design charrettes.

Community involvement doesn’t stop there, either. It was inspiring to see how Hinge Collective orchestrated community installation days—with residents of all ages—to complete planting, painting, and other elements of landscape construction as a team. The community vision doesn’t stop at the installation, either. For example, in one such project, Frankford Pause Park, they partnered with the Frankford Community Development Corporation to host a small business “shark tank” for the vacant store fronts surrounding the new park; winners received one year of free rent in their new store front.

For more information on Hinge Collective projects and case studies, visit their website.

Full List of Speakers & Presentations

Larry Weaner– Reflecting on New Directions in the American Landscape

William Young – Managed Ecological Succession as a Response to Major Disturbance Events

William Cullina – Vignettes from Coasta Maine Botanical Gardens

Chad Adams – New Perspectives on Edible Landscapes: Regenerative Agriculture

Tama Matsuoka Wong – New Perspectives on Edible Landscapes: Foraged Flavors

Rick Darke – Imposition or Revelation? Design and the Nature of Contradiction

Teri Rueb – Listening to Landscapes: Augmenting Environments with Media Overlays

Charles Birnbaum – Managing Change with Continuity

John Swallow – Reality Check: Soil Science During Construction

Kofi Boone – Landscape Design in Underserved Communities: Part 1

Alexa Bosse – Landscape Design in Underserved Communities: Part 2

Thomas Baker – Advancing Science and Design: Exploring the Science of Ecology in Contemporary Landscape Design

Jeffery Longhenry –Culture, Ecology, and Equity as Drivers of Contemporary Landscape Design

When we think about our landscape what do we think about? It could be a simple as what you might do to make your property look better or be able to entertain outdoors more. It may be something useful and practical, something you need, like a new driveway, a retaining wall, new walkway, a green lawn etc. Maybe it will be something that will increase your quality of life and change or improve your lifestyle, like a swimming pool or a patio, gazebo or pergola. Is this a substantial home improvement (capitol improvement) project which will increase the value of your home and property?

Hopefully you are also thinking about what could enrich your life in terms of your physical, mental and even spiritual health. The desire to improve your overall health and well-being should be a motivation for landscape design as well as maintaining your landscape.

Removing toxic pesticides from your landscape is a healthy start in the right direction. Consider redesigning with a goal to increase the actual, healthy biology of your property. We are exposed to countless chemicals and environmental contaminants in our day to day life. Exposure to dirty air, unclean water, and we now know, pesticides and antibiotics in our food are a modern plague! Our homes and landscape environments, which we may not be completely in our control, can have the largest positive impact on our health and well-being.

Trees, for instance, will offer not only shade and cooling while drinking in air pollution, but will also create habitat and sanctuary for birds and wildlife while providing a peaceful, serene atmosphere for contemplation. Even modern medicine, through Harvard University now recognizes the health benefits from deep breathing, Tai Chi and meditation! Cornell University recognizes the value of nature so much so they are even giving out prescriptions in their natureRx program!

In any case, you should think about what changes you would like to make in your landscape and how your body and mind will react and respond to those changes. The true question is, what is your hope, your expectation from your new landscape? How will that be an improvement over the old? For instance, if you intend to entertain and cook on a new outdoor kitchen or build a fire pit with a patio you will need an architectural plan and permits as well as some lead time for the design and permitting process. You will need to allow for these costs in the budget. Whether your intentions are ecologically based or not really, you will need to consider resource management including land, air, water, plants, stone, wood and don’t forget… (most important of all) …financial! Who are you going to trust with your money?

What about growing your own organic herbs, fruit and vegetables? Foodscaping is not only popular but it’s fun! Personally everywhere I’ve lived, (I am a client too!), I have designed and constructed a water feature, a fire pit, a living wall or vertical garden and of course, an awesome flowering, colorful, native plant garden / landscape with fragrant flowers, fruit, herbs, trees and shrubs. Keep in mind, everything in life requires maintenance! That is as true of our landscapes as it is of our human bodies! Who’s your doctor, who will keep you well and in good shape …does he make house calls?

I know what these landscape features surrounded by vibrant, abundant healthy biology do for my health and serenity! I wouldn’t want to live any other way!

Since the beginning of time, some people were always blessed to be living with clean air and water and heathy organic food surrounded by nature and beauty. You don’t need to be rich to deserve and have the best things in life…you have to identify them…recognize what they are…and value them for the gifts of joy, hope and love they offer!

There are people that specialize in many different aspects of landscaping from contracting to landscape designers APLD to landscape architects to ecological landscape professionals (designers, ecologist etc.) to organic landscape professionals.

Many professionals wear many hats and have many overlapping interests. I recommend that you trust your intuition and common sense, after they have been carefully vetted through professional and government agencies such as the Better Business Bureau, Dept. of Consumer Protection, LinkedIn etc.

Plan on enjoying the wonderful experience of metamorphosis and change that occurs when you join your head and heart to begin an exciting, worthwhile journey to Landscapes for Better Living!

Jay Archer, President

914-560-6570

greenjaylandscapedesign.com

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