Journey: Bed 5
Vision: Rehabilitate this bed so that it becomes a haven for birds again, and expand the diversity of plants so that it supports pollinator life cycles year-round. Shrubs should thrive during drought and cold temperatures and roots should stabilize a slope. Shrubs or a tree could make a statement from a distance through form or through color that is visible against the evergreen tree break and/or the beige building. Drifts of herbaceous perennials (that won't need staking) in warm colors complement the existing mature rhododendron and inkberry.
Plant Wish List: New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus L.), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Elderberry, Penstemon
About Bed 5In relation to the building, this bed contains foundation plantings (removed during this project) that start in the front and continue around the side. Three feet of rock edging were installed in 2019 to mitigate run-off from heavy downpours; the edging wraps around the building. This bed also serves as a transition between the two entrances to the building. Staff members see this bed every day from their windows. Visitors see this bed as they walk in for events. People driving by see the larger shrubs in this bed.
A complicating feature of this bed is that it is long, is bordered by grass and the parking lot, and is on a slope that ends in a retaining wall. The angle is not dangerous to people, but it is not conducive to heavy equipment either. Before the demolition, the barberries sheltered catbird nests and fed cedar waxwings, robins foraged for insects under the rhododendron, and hummingbirds visited the Siberian iris.
The original plan for rehabilitating this bed included sowing wildflower seed and grasses. During demolition two things became apparent:
1) Planting grasses is not a responsible long-term choice. They would need to be divided eventually, which would be difficult on a slope.
2) Maintaining a wildflower meadow would be difficult because mowing equipment is too heavy, and the bed is too small for safe maneuvering.
The updated design plan includes shrubs and perhaps a small tree. The grassy lawn adjacent to Bed 5 will be solarized and planted with wildflower seeds.
Left: Bed 5 in October 2024
Activity Log: Bed 5
Planned:
- Site Preparation: Remove 7 plants, 40 sq ft of ground cover; Remove landscape fabric and topsoil
- Planting: Sow 1/4 lb. native seed mix for tough urban sites and full sun; Plant 2-3 suckering/spreading shrubs, 7-9 grasses.
Actual:
- Site Preparation (March 2025): Removed 5 Japanese barberries, 2 winter creeper, random ground cover, and 500+ sq ft of landscape fabric.
- Update to plan (April-May 2025): Some changes are being made to the design of this bed and to the grassy area adjacent to Bed 5.
Bed 5, March 14, 2025. The first round of demolition in progress. There was a second pass to remove more landscape. Further preparation of the bed for planting unearthed yet more landscape fabric. This will be a continual struggle.
Bed 5, May 29, 2025. More of Bed 5 is visible. The small rhododendron survived the disruption and bloomed. Going forward, we will fertilize and mulch it to help it thrive.
Bed 5, May 30, 2025. Volunteers in action for Planting Day #1. Note: In the revised design plan, the grassy area in the foreground will be solarized. Part of the area will be an extension of Bed 5. The other part, closer to the parking lot, will be planted with wildflower seeds. There will be at least one access path through the new area.
About Bed 5
Dimensions: 45’L x 20’W (original)
Sq ft: 900 (original)
Exposure: East, South
Light: Full Sun
Soil pH: TBD
Soil Texture: TBD
Access: parking lot
Other: reachable with watering hose
Baseline Plant Survey: Bed 5
Keep
Euphorbium: 20'x5', ground cover
Inkberry: 1
Rhododendron: 2
Siberian iris: 8'x5'
Remove
Japanese barberry: 5
Winter creeper: 2
Random ground cover