Week 3 Forum Post- Greenspace Inspiration!
Greetings gardeners!
For this week's forum post, choose a greenspace*, give a brief overview , and answer these questions:
What do you like about the physical layout/built environment of the space? What do you like about the plants present?
Is this greenspace a good example of GSI, why or why not?
*Some examples of greenspaces are botanical gardens, cemeteries, local parks, etc. This can be a place you've been to, or one you learn about online!
Here's my example: The greenspace I chose is the University City Garden Club space in West Philadelphia on 44th St. I like the stones that they use to mark the flower beds, the benches and garden statues, and the winding path through the middle, which makes the space feel organic even though its in a rectangle plot on a busier street. There's a mix of native and non native plants in this garden space--my favorites are the willow tree, the blue flag irises, and the phlox groundcover. There's a big variety in the height of the plants here which I like, and the colors (mostly purples right now) work well together. I think this is a good example of GSI, because the plants have deep roots (no turf grass!) and the adjacent buildings have rain barrels to absorb the extra water.
I love the rain garden outside of the Media Free Library, designed by Refugia. Its a fairly small space and has a great mix of water-loving trees like bald cypress, woodies and perennials. I love the way the path is laid out and the use of wood planks over the drainage area, and also that’s the whole area is not super wide so maintenance & access for weeding etc. doesn’t look too bad.
I also love the rain gardens outside the Haverford Environmental & Rec Center as well as the parking lot near the Media Courthouse. We need more parking lots like those!
Also a fan of Stoneleigh (love the mixed hedge too! And I am fascinated by the bog gardens near the bathrooms), and the Mt. Cuba Center (spring ephemerals! So magical).