HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 Mrs Walshs Garden Master PlanPREPARED FOR:
PREPARED BY:
Master Plan
Themes, Species Lists, and Criteria
September 2020
Town of Estes Park
Larimer County, CO
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:
Garden Themes
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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Pollinator
Gardens
Xeric Montane
Forest
Aspen Grove
Dry Cliff Garden
and Water Feature
Bristlecone Pine
Forest
Riparian Forest/
Shrubs
Seep Cliff Garden
and Water Feature
Xeric Garden
Pond and
Wetlands
Stream and
Riparian
Herbaceous
Foothills
Grassland
Mesic Montane
Forest
Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Master Plan Design Criteria
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
The Master Plan reflects the collective desires, goals, and directions of the advisory board of Mrs. Walsh’s Garden, and the Town of
Estes Park. However, much design work needs to be completed to transform the master planned themes and organizational layout
of the garden into showy, powerful garden spaces. Decisions still need be made on infrastructure, lighting, art, and other features.
Throughout subsequent design phases, the following design criteria should be considered:
•General:
o The Master Plan is meant to be a guide for future garden renovation, and flexibility is built into the plan. Examples include the entry plaza;
if a central water feature is too costly or not feasible, this area can be turned into an additional pollinator garden. The xeric entry garden
can also be transitioned into an expanded pollinator garden. The pollinator garden that has been “bumped out” into the street can be
transitioned into a mobile pollinator garden, being moved in and out of the front gates at opening and closing to create an encapsulated
feel when discovering the garden.
o Garden beds and infrastructure should be designed with low maintenance in mind. Funding for the garden is scant and most work is done
by utilizing volunteers.
o The Master Plan was created with the intent for clear transitions between themes. Diversity in the structure (e.g., height and spread) of
plants, and/or the use of hardscape features (e.g., different walkway textures, arches, bridges, etc.) should be utilized to aid in the sensation
visitors have when entering a completely new place.
o Water features can be constructed in phases. The eastern water feature associated with the pond should be constructed first, including the
creation of primary infrastructure for the western water feature.
o Irrigation should be buried as much as possible, to reduce interference with the visitor experience.
o The dry stack walls (i.e., without mortar) are meant to provide vertical relief where indicated throughout the garden, while allowing for the
establishment of native flora in-between each rock. Where possible, existing rock on site could be used to build the dry-stack walls.
However, moss-rock (lichen covered) provides a much more appealing aesthetic, and should be used whenever possible and affordable.
•Plants:
o All plant species suggested for each theme are specifically appropriate for Estes Park and an elevation range of 7000’ to 9000’.
o The intention of the Species Lists associated with each theme are to provide a comprehensive list of all species appropriate based on
where they will occur in the garden. Not all species listed need to be incorporated into the garden. Those species that are already
established in the garden should be prioritized, but transplanted to appropriate areas. Other species integrated into the garden are at the
discretion of the Stakeholder’s and Manager’s.
o Special attention should be paid to shade tolerance, as those that are not listed as shade tolerant (yes or partial) should be kept out of tree/
shrub understories.
o Focus should be on ecotypic and native plant material. Use of cultivars should be minimized. As such, most material will need to be
collected from around the greater Estes Valley area, and contract grown or propagated in the Estes Park nursery.
o Showcasing cultivars in artistic pots throughout the garden could be a useful educational opportunity for visitors who want to know the look
of something they might find in a Front Range nursery.
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:
Existing Garden Infrastructure
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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Bench
Bridge
Electric Boxes
Garbage
Irrigation
Light Post
Mailbox
Sign
Statue
Water Main
Skimmer/Pump Box
Tree Removal
Gate
Split Rail Fence
LEGEND
Bench
Bridge
Electric Boxes
Garbage
Irrigation
Light Post
Mailbox
Sign
Statue
Water Main
Skimmer/Pump Box
Tree Removal
Gate
Split Rail Fence
LEGEND
PREPARED BY:
Sept. 2020
Master
Plan
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:
Cliff Conditions and Treatment
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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Cliff Conditions
Stable Cliff
Unstable Cliff
LEGEND
Cliff Conditions
Stable Cliff
Unstable Cliff
LEGEND
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-Regrade lip of cliff to a 2:1
slope and revegetate with
upland erosion control seed
mix
Stable Cliff
-Revegetate barren areas
with native cliff speces or
allow natural colonization as
desired
Unstable Cliff
Sept. 2020
Master
Plan
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Garden Elevations
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:
Sept. 2020
Master
Plan
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Pollinator Garden Theme
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:
Vision and Inspiration
The pollinator gardens will be the first experience that
visitors have with the garden. These beds should captivate
people on the street and lure them towards the garden
gates to discover more of what the garden has to offer. A
variety of color, texture, and plant structure should be
utilized to draw interest. This area is also a great educational
opportunity for visitors to discover the importance of
pollinators and how to integrate pollinator gardens into their
own landscapes at home. Some species within the pollinator
gardens may easily be rotated throughout the year to
ensure a bloom period from spring through fall, and to
showcase different species every year.
Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Pollinator Garden Theme - Species List
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Bristlecone Pine Theme
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:
Vision and Inspiration
The well-established bristlecone pine trees will continue
to act as a wind break for the garden, but will also provide
a western backdrop for the entry court. After being pulled
into the garden by the pollinator garden and sound of
water, visitors will find themselves in an open courtyard
with a pergola to their right, providing seating against the
pines. While visitors pause here to either rest, orient
themselves, or just enjoy the line of sight through the
garden, this theme should showcase those species that
naturally thrive in a shaded coniferous understory yet
easily go unnoticed. This area already provides a dry and
rocky landscape to tuck these species into.
Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:
Bristlecone Pine Theme - Species List
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Riparian Herbaceous Theme
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:
Vision and Inspiration
The wetlands and meadows associated with the stream and waterfalls
are the unifying feature of Mrs. Walsh’s Garden, as they aid in
moving visitors from the entry court to the pond. These areas should
celebrate the lush diversity found throughout Colorado’s montane
wetlands and meadows. Structural diversity should help to lead
visitors’ eye along the falls and stream, with species blooming
throughout the year. The density of plant species can vary
throughout this theme, providing the feel of luxuriant vegetation in
some areas, while yielding to a rocky streamside in others. Education
on the importance of wetlands, riparian corridors, and water resources
in the West can create an additional interactive component for
visitors.
Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Riparian Herbaceous Theme - Species List
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
Page
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Pond and Wetland Themes
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:
Vision and Inspiration
The pond and waterfalls are really the principal features of the garden. Their soundscape
lures visitors into the garden, draws their eye throughout the garden, and provides pockets
of solitude to sit and enjoy the quiet beauty of Colorado’s native flora. The pond is likely
the last area of the garden visitors will see, so it must leave a lasting impression. Floating
submergent plants will decorate the water’s surface, while emergent plants will soften the
rock edges and provide structural diversity around the perimeter. Showy forbs will be
integrated into the moist fringes of the pond next to the pathway. Large boulders will
allow visitors to climb on top and get close to the water’s edge to view more closely the
wetland vegetation or skim their fingers over the water. A boardwalk on the south side of
the pond will unite the trail with the eastern loop around the pond, allowing visitors to
explore this area from all angles. The waterfall will start near the cliff face, splashing over a
boulder into a pool surrounded by more lush wetland plants. A stream under the
boardwalk will feed into the pond and bring visitors’ attention yet again to the water’s
surface, offering a viewpoint of the pond with a backdrop of willows, alders, cottonwoods,
and aspens.
Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Pond and Wetland Themes - Species Lists
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
Page
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Pond and Wetland Themes - Species Lists
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
Page
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Vertical Garden Themes
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:
Vision and Inspiration
The north-facing cliff face that acts as the backdrop for the entire garden provides a
special opportunity to highlight lesser noticed species and their habitats. This is partitioned
into a wet and a dry cliff theme. While artificial irrigation will keep a portion of this
stabilized cliff face wet, the end result will look as if this cliff seep has always existed in the
garden. Light streams of water will slowly work their way down the rockface, showcasing
bryophytes and species specific to this habitat. Plants will inhabit the nooks and crannies of
the rocks where roots can access pockets of soil and find an anchor. The dry cliff garden
should evoke a similar feeling, just without water.
Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:
Vertical Garden Themes - Species Lists
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
Page
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Montane Forest Theme
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:
Vision and Inspiration
The number of well-established conifer’s and deciduous trees throughout the garden, especially along the
south wall and middle island, provide a unique opportunity to showcase the diversity hiding beneath Colorado’s
evergreen canopies. Because the density of trees increases as visitors move east on the path, the montane
forest theme should transition from an open canopy with diverse understory, to a shaded closed canopy with
more specialized plant species. Orchids that are not normally noticed in a dense understory of whortleberry
(for instance) should be showcased in this shaded area. Currently, many native shrub species are overgrown
throughout this area. To increase plant diversity, existing shrubs should be pruned, removed, or transplanted to
more appropriate areas. The transition from open and sunny to dark and enclosed will provide a change in
mood as visitors move out of the trees and see the pond for the first time. The sound of the pond and its
associated water features will also help to draw visitors through the trees and into the open. This transition can
be aided by a shift in trail materials, an overhead archway or leaning tree trunk, or other transitional design
elements.
Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Montane Forest Theme - Species Lists
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
Page
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Riparian Forest/Shrub Theme
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
Vision and Inspiration
The riparian shrub & tree habitat will begin east of the xeric
garden, and continue to the pond. Nearby, there will be
seating for visitors to lull by the stream, while overhanging
willows provide shade and seclusion. The riparian habitat
continues across the path to the north, following the fence
line, where native riparian vegetation already exists. The tall
shrubs and trees in this area block the roadway, keeping
visitors focused on the enchanted space before them. Shade
tolerant facultative herbaceous species should be incorporated
into the understory of this area to bring visual interest from
top to bottom (see Page 15 for list of appropriate species).
Where the stream moves underground, a transition in pathway
material should be used to emphasize the feeling that visitors
are now entering a new “room” of the garden.
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Aspen Theme
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:
Vision and Inspiration
The aspen grove and surrounding area should look and
feel like a magical and delicate forest. This area is a great
opportunity for visitors to sit quietly and enjoy the shade of
the rustling leaves, while delicate understory plants bloom
around their feet, and reflections dance across the pond.
Currently, the aspen grove has well established trees, but is
lacking in a diverse understory that showcases the beautiful
native plants that grow in these environments. Because
many people have aspen trees in their own yards, this area
of the garden can give them inspiration for integrating
native plants suitable for growth beneath aspens. The trail
here may narrow down to a simple path to provide a
greater sense of wonder and discovery.
Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
Master
Plan
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Aspen Theme - Species List
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Foothills Grassland Theme
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:
Vision and Inspiration
The foothills grassland will provide a transition area between the
entry courts pollinator gardens and streamside gardens.
Structurally diverse bunchgrasses will be interlaid between rocks
and showy forbs, such as blazingstar. Showcasing Colorado’s
native grass species will allow visitors to appreciate the beauty
and diversity that is often overlooked in grasslands, while also
providing a realistic example of how to integrate these species
into their own properties. Care should be taken to reduce or
eliminate the use of rhizomatous grasses, which can be difficult
to manage over time.
Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Foothills Grassland Theme - Species List
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
Page
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Xeric Garden Theme
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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PREPARED BY:Master
Plan
Sept. 2020
Vision and Inspiration
Up until now, visitors have experienced lush, wet, or shady
environments with very showy plants. The xeric garden, with
sagebrush and juniper fringes, should transport visitors from
dense green riparian areas to a rocky, dry, simpler space. The
current composition of cacti species flanked by shrubs gives the
visitor the feel of being in the desert, while providing showy
blooms and structurally interesting plants. Filling in the gaps
with showy xeric forbs that bloom throughout the year will
captivate visitors with the unique beauty of Colorado’s most
arid environments. Because water in the West can be a
contentious subject, this area has the added benefit of
educating visitors on the aesthetic benefits (and water benefits)
of converting a traditional lawn into a water-scarce garden.
DATE:
PREPARED FOR:Xeric Garden Theme - Species List
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Estes Park, CO
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Plan
Sept. 2020
1 | P a g e
APPENDIX A:
Master Plan Decision Making and Meeting Notes
Overall Garden Goals
1. Showcase Colorado's Native Flora
• Create a natural flow through the garden that inspires the public to enter and engage.
• Diversity of plants that bloom throughout the year
• Diversity of plant communities and botanical themes
• Create a space that is sanctuary like, but multipurpose to residents of Estes Park and visitors
2. Educate all ages and all knowledge levels (i.e., youth to professional botanists and horticulturalists)
• Signage and educational technology that visitors can easily digest
• Self guided learning (e.g., pollinators, regional flora, landscaping with natives, etc.)
• Group events for a wide range of users
3. Create a space that attracts and inspires small group gatherings
• Reading to children
• Regional botanical and horticultural group gatherings
• Increase the use and diversity of art in the garden
• Suitable for wedding parties to take photos before or after a ceremony
4. Increase visibility, access, and capacity
• Multiple entrances to attract visitors from either end of Elkhorn Ave,
• Reorient main entrance to be visible from street, especially from new lodge to west
• Increase attractiveness at night with lighting and night blooming flowers
• Increase capacity to address future visitor use needs
5. Address erosion concerns on southern cliff face
April 6, 2020
Mrs. Walsh’s Garden Stakeholder Questions and Answers from Group
1. Describe your ideal user(s). Age, user expectations, frequency of use, familiarity with Estes Valley and
Colorado’s native flora, etc.
Donor restricted covenant: The Property shall only be used as a demonstration xeriscape garden for
native plants that are indigenous to the Rocky Mountain Region.
Demonstration as defined by Merriam Webster: a showing of the merits of a product or service to a
prospective consumer. Thus, the donor covenant implies that the garden will provide opportunities for a
visitor to learn the names of native plants, their place/purpose within the Rocky Mountain ecosystem,
and to learn about their utility and value as landscape plants, plants supporting native birds, animals, and
invertebrates (butterflies, pollinators).
Estes Park’s unique positioning as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park most certainly impacts
the considerable diversity of the users of MWG. It is inevitable that the users will range from young
children to professional botanists/horticulturists, and will include anyone interested in gardening and/or
learning about the native plants that grow in our area.
We want a garden for all ages.
2 | P a g e
2. Describe how the site is currently being used (primary and secondary uses, periods of activity or visitation,
etc.).
Primary: Plant identification, observing plant features (blooming period, fruiting period, plant size, etc.);
A place to hold educational and awareness building events. Open free to the public dawn to dusk daily
except during a wedding event.
Consider events such as The Pika hunt and creating a quiet, relaxing respite from shopping and walking
along Elkhorn Ave.
Secondary: A wedding venue (relatively few/yr.)
3. What do you believe are the three most important reasons for lack of visitation?
* Lack of understanding about what is the purpose of the garden, combined with minimal interpretive
information (or, perhaps, lack of more “user-friendly” and “technologically current” interpretive
information).
* Perception that garden lacks year-round interest or value
* Location of the garden and inadequate way-finding aids within the Town of Estes Park
*Winter weather, snowy paths, shady orientation so snow is slow to melt.
4. How important is it to showcase cultivars/varieties of native plants as compared to s howcasing the ecotypic
(i.e., not genetically modified) specimens of native plants in the garden?
The garden, as influenced by past designers and planters, has become an important, “scientific” plant
collection that is also useful to the non-scientist for identifying the more common native plants of the
region. It has also become an important demonstration of native plants that may be utilized in local
gardens and landscapes along with non-native, adapted species and cultivars. What is lacking within the
garden is the best approach to showcasing those native plants in a way that the overall effect is
aesthetically pleasing throughout all seasons of the year, thereby encouraging their greater use in local
gardens/landscapes. There are many opportunities within the Town parks and public garden spaces to
utilize “nativars/cultivars” in landscaping, thereby featuring the best selections/hybrids of/from the
original native species and demonstrating their inherent value for landscaping.
Keep cultivars separated in the garden from native species.
Give thought to the arrangement of plants to increase their impact.
Plan for care and maintenance of the garden which can be addressed by the garden’s design.
5. How do you perceive increased tourism in Estes Park impacting the garden? Positive or negative impacts?
If in-town wayfinding is improved and more current and technologically-improved interpretive methods
are employed the educational value of the garden to all visitors should make it an even more valuable
Town destination, contributing to the Town’s many amenities and attracting both “locals” and tourists to
the garden
Advertise on the Town Trolleys. Work with the drivers so they know about the garden since there is a
trolley stop in front of the garden. Have a coffee & doughnut event with drivers.
Install a “Little Library” near the entrance of the garden.
3 | P a g e
We need to plan strategically for high usage. With the Elkhorn Lodge development, we could have up to
200 people a day in the garden.
Move towards a preservation focus for the garden.
6. Describe the primary educational activities you would like the garden to serve.
Increasing all visitors’ sense of appreciation for and stewardship of our Rocky Mountain native plants.
Encouraging a greater use of native plants and their nativars/cultivars in local landscaping/gardens to
both conserve water resources and promote and support our native birds, butterflies and invertebrates
(bees, insects).
We have received the platinum rating from the Colorado Native Plant Society.
Look to increase educational programs with the public including: Estes Park Garden Club, school groups,
various gardening groups in town.
7. Write a one sentence vision for the MWG, depicting/summarizing everything you think the garden
could/should be in the future. Limit your vision to no more tha n 20 words.
A place for enjoyment, inspiration, and education while embracing both the aesthetic and utilitarian value
of Rocky Mountain native plants.
8. Questions and comments generated by the group for consideration:
A. How to increase garden visits in the winter?
B. How to improve the use of the patio space?
C. Have a “Welcome to Mrs. Walsh’s Garden” sign.
D. Have our own scavenger hunt activity in the garden.
E. Microchip the plant signs so a visitor can use their cellphone to learn about plants.
F. Work towards a 10-year master plan. Want a strategic vision for the garden.
G. Increase lighting in the garden including backlighting of the waterfall.
H. Have a selfie stick spot.
I. Look for ways to make the garden look more inviting from the street view. For example: Add an east
side access point for there are two entrances.
J. Add wind sculptures, flags, wind wishes, banners.
April 7, 2020
Stakeholder Kick-off Meeting
Welcome and Introductions from an adequate social distance: 5 min (All)
Present:
- Brian Berg- Town of Estes Park, Park Supervisor
- Ellie Ertl- Landscape Horticulturalist for Town of Estes Park
- Kathy Long- Secretary of Committee
- Maryann- Committee Member
- Jane Bush- Committee Member
- Merle Moore- Committee Member
- Joan Sapp- Committee Member
- Jim Conley- Committee Member
- Karen and Chase?- Estes Valley Library
- John Giordanengo and Sarah Smith – AloTerra
4 | P a g e
- Lauren Brown- LVBrown Studios
Stakeholder Engagement Process: 5 min (John G)
- Define stakeholders and engagement process
- We reviewed the stakeholder engagement process. Refer to powerpoint presentation for details.
- Brian Berg is design teams point of contact for this project
Master Planning Process: 15 min (John G)
- Refer to powerpoint presentation for details. Summary and notes are below.
- Identify goals and vision
o Need to nail goals and vision of the garden in order to develop design
o Most important task is to set our goals
- Survey existing conditions (including facility, infrastructure, and program assessment)
o Need to know current conditions, will have a drone on site and survey grade GPS t o record and
measure all existing features
- Define desired future conditions (program, users, physical infrastructure, horticultural, etc.)
o Need to define use type, horticulture, overall vision of the gardens
- Develop guiding principles based on desired future conditions, and goals/vision.
o Guiding principles of the garden will maintain the garden over the decades as people come in
and out of managing the garden
- Develop native plant matrix
o Native plant matrix is happening in the background and once goals are i n place, we can fine tune
species that will be planted.
- Conceptual design alternatives (two-dimensional plan view drawings to scale)
o Lauren
▪ Have a good idea from the questionnaire response, but today is about refining those
goals before we put pen to paper
▪ Start forming things on paper and see how things may start coming together
- Master plan production (two-dimensional plan view drawings, sketches, & illustrative drawings).
Review Master Plan Design Components and Themes: 10 min (Lauren B)
• Hardscape (entry plaza, paths, walls)
o Assessing layout will be determined by goals and objectives and garden bed design
• Softscape, (layout of garden beds and plant materials)
• Edges and entry, (fences, gates, enclosures, entryways)
o Might want to consider some different layouts and orientations of edges and entries based on
goals and objectives
• Fountain / water features (spring, stream, waterfall)
o Would like to design waterfall element
o Rock stream feature, would Stakeholders like to pull this further into the garden?
• Site furnishings (benches)
o Can be as simple as a bench or rock wall
o Do we want group use where people can congregate and learn?
o Site furnishing will evolve from the pragmatic layout of the garden design
o Discussion of the use of the garden will define how site furnishings are created
• Signage Program (signage, wayfinding)
• Lighting
o Use of garden is currently from dawn to dusk
o Is nighttime activity something Stakeholders want?
▪ Ability to incorporate the garden into the night with lighting features may increase
interest around the clock
• Art
5 | P a g e
o Already nice art in the park, do Stakeholders want more of that in the master plan?
o Can discuss locations for those different opportunities
• Infrastructure
o Irrigation, electrical components, drainage
o Always want to consider the functioning infrastructure and how they will impact the master
design
Project Schedule: 5 min (John G)
- Kathy asked about schedule and COVID concerns
o John addressed this by saying that we’re an exempt business, so we are still actively still working
and capable of completing this project. However, due to uncertainty with COVID and weather,
there may be a few tweaks in the schedule.
o Limiting factor as of now is the effect of snowmelt on site assessments
Review Pre-meeting questions/answers: 30 min (John G)
- Distill into clear set of goals
o Master plan directive and needs
▪ Stakeholders want a Master Plan that will last at least 10 years
▪ If we do our job well as a group, we hope the garden will last longer
▪ Stakeholders would like the garden to move towards a focus of preservation and art
▪ Users and visitation
• Garden for all age groups
• Stakeholders would like to improve the patio space and group space
▪ Stakeholders would like to improve the year-round access and interest to the garden
• Increase visibility from the street
o Lauren had a question about keeping natives and cultivars separate in the garden, why?
▪ Brian wants to identify them differently, not necessarily keep them separate
▪ We could incorporate color or micro-level of signage to identify cultivars vs native
species
▪ Garden is for education, but also a place for people to get ideas for their own properties
o What kind of experiences would someone like a professional botanist want to have in the garden
that they aren’t getting now as compared to a child?
▪ Garden is currently leaning towards the professional. While people enjoy the walk
around and peacefulness, feel like they aren’t getting much out of the garden (Brian)
▪ With hotel going in, the visitor demographic will likely change to the average person
without a lot of plant knowledge
▪ Opportunity lies in the amount of material we have to work with
• We want to immerse visitors in how amazing Colorado flora is, overwhelm this
with that feeling
• Task is how best to present cultivars
o Kathy
▪ Lives in Estes Park, uses the garden because her own home garden is in progress
▪ She’s paying attention to what the garden looks like in different seasons
▪ Mentioned that the TEP does a pika hunt for kids, where they look for bronze pikas
around town
▪ Would like to bring back group readings in the garden, as it has been discontinued
o Joan
▪ Primary goal is education: native plant ID and how to cultivate these species on your
own, explaining why native plants are important for natural systems (pollinators,
genetics, sustainability)
▪ Joan agreed with Laurens statement that lighting is more of objective with the overall
goal being to enhance visibility of the garden to attract more visitors
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o Do we want to plan for a garden that will quadruple in visitors? Target seasonality of users?
▪ Past events in the garden included children book reading, so understan ding target
number of people attending will help us to create a space in the garden with enough
seating that would benefit the use
▪ Joan
• We had more than 12 for the children’s party, closer to 75 children
• Book reading, but it was something Mrs. Walsh did and was a tradition
continued
• 75-100 combo of kids and adults
o Could be 200 people per day potentially coming to the garden, likely people who are just passing
through
o Could be interesting to rearrange the entrance to draw more people in and experience the
garden instead of just passing through
▪ Reconsider some of the pathways to accommodate how people use the park
o Annual garden meeting, had about 50 people come through, but:
▪ Could have been advertised more
▪ Not all 50 people were there at once, it was over 2-3 hour timetable
o Important to have self-guided educational program with signage, as well as physical programs, so
we need to provide space for both
o Patio area was originally intended for parking, but is used for open house events, and is pr obably
bigger than it needs to be
o Does there need to be more than one entrance?
▪ May be beneficial to have two entrances to create a natural flow through the garden
o Garden is on the west end of elkhorn, which is currently the sleepy end of town
o There are plans to put in the concrete right to the front gate of the garden and transferring
people over a crosswalk right at the gate
o Currently at construction level plans
o Could we influence the location of the sidewalk and crosswalk?
▪ Visibility is influencing placement of crosswalk (Brian)
o Wedding space is okay to have, but design of the garden should not center around it
o John and Lauren
▪ Don’t need to necessarily design for a wedding venue, can have it as a place to
take photos
▪ Not saying weddings can’t happen here at all, but saying that weddings need to
be designed for the garden
o Jim
o Additional high priority objective would be to significantly beautify the areas
surrounding the patio with colorful and long blooming native perennials, grasses, and
small shrubs.
▪ This would enhance the attractiveness of that areas for events, lure more
people into the garden, and support desire to educate people regarding the use
of native plants
▪ Started doing this in 2019 by planting the west wall with Gaillardia, Monarda,
Liatris, Columbine, and Yarrow.
o Kathy
o Imbalance of high medium and low importance, is that a concern?
o From a master plan standpoint, high importance are really objectives or goals, so not
worried, will revise and send it back out
- Final Goals and Priorities in light of above discussion:
o High
▪ Goal: Increase public education programming at garden
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• OBJ: Increase overall education (pollinators, regional flora, landscaping with
natives, etc.)
• OBJ: Update interpretive education
• OBJ: plan for self-guided and programmed education
•
▪ Goal: Demonstration garden for native plants (this ended up in Low priority as well.
Need to confirm).
▪ Goal: Improve Aesthetics (a town emenity)
• OBJ: sanctuary place
• OBJ: Enhance garden themes
▪ Goal: Garden for all ages (children to professionals)
▪ Goal: Improve access
• OBJ: Attract and plan for a more pleasant visitor experience, as well as more
visitors to the garden
• OBJ: Improve visibility by adding lighting and night access
• OBJ: improve winter access and use
▪ Goal: Plan for maintenance activities
o Intermediate
▪ Goal: Improve art presence
o Low
• Goal: Address erosion concerns
• Goal: Demonstration garden for native plants (this ended up in high priority as
well. Need to confirm).
• Goal: Wedding venue. No, but this should be a space for taking wedding
photos.
o Weddings should be planned for the garden instead of designing a
garden space for weddings.
- Review and refine vision statement
o Vision statements are more overarching and reach beyond the Committee and Town
o Merle wrote the current vision statement and will email comments: “A place for enjoyment,
inspiration, and education while embracing both the aesthetic and utilitarian value of Rocky
Mountain native plants.”
o Joan
▪ Should place the native plants at the forefront in the vision statement
▪ First purpose of the garden is not enjoyment or inspiration, it’s about native plants
▪ Order of words matter
o Jim
▪ The groups intent is to use only native plants in the garden and use other town l ocations
for cultivars
o Maryann
▪ What is it about native plants that makes them a priority? The vision statement needs a
verb
o Jane
▪ Instead of using utilitarian, maybe highlight the functional importance of plants.
- Future step is to develop clear design principles for the long-term development and management of
MWG
Next Steps: 10 min. (John G)
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• Assessing existing conditions as soon as we can
• Gathering soils data
• Assess major drainage patterns to plan for hydrologic conditions
• Provide a plan view of all the information we record, which will influence the first design meeting
• Second design meeting will occur when:
o We have a good grasp of goals and vision
o Will use this second design meeting to make alternative options
• We will schedule a review of everything before master design is finalized
• Kathy
o What’s the timetable for these next meetings?
▪ Depends on when we can get the survey done, but hopefully we can have a draft of
existing conditions and concept to review by the end of May (John).
▪ Early July mid-summer for design alternatives
▪ End of August we’d like to have a draft master plan
▪ Planning on having a 30% design done, so we can start construction this fall.
Revegetation will happen next spring
▪ Estimate of cost and 30% design by end of August so we can start construction in
October.
June 10, 2020
Stakeholder Meeting #2
In Attendance:
- John Giordanengo
- Sarah Smith
- Brian Berg
- Jane Bush
- Merle Moore
- Kathy Long
- Joan
- Jim
- Mary Ann Franke
Intro and status of process
- Take the results of this meeting and put conceptual alternatives together, have another meeting to go
over concepts, decide on a master plan
- We are behind schedule because of COVID, will need to readjust schedule
- Master Planning project, master matrix of the garden
1) Review the baseline conditi ons
- Joan went over the original biomes that the garden had
o Left of gate was foothills
o Center island was montane
o Area with bristlecone pines was alpine ridge
o Back patio area was wet subalpine with alpine above it
o Front fence area was foothills/grassland
2) Review the goals statements produced from previous meetings, and finalize goals/vision
- Showcase Colorado’s Native Flora
- Educate all Ages and all knowledge levels
- Create a space for small group gatherings
- Increase visibility, access, and capacity
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- Address erosion concerns
- Do the 5 primary goals seem okay?
o Everyone agreed they do
- Are there any goals missing?
o Brian, rotating themes that change every few years, where did that idea came from?
o John, about 400 different plants that we can showcase, but there aren’t distinct themes. If we
want to provide continual education, we can rotate themes over time. One tactic for showcasing
native flora since we can’t present all plants all the time in the space
o Brian, weddings, not looking to design for weddings, but not against having weddings there
o Mary Anne, its suitable for weddings, but not a goal
o Kathy, in addition to showcasing CO flora, we also going for different biomes (cactus, subalpine),
does not talk about showcasing biomes in goals
o Joan, garden was originally set up as plant communities and biomes, but it didn’t stay that way
o John, need for maintenance to make sure plants stay where they should
o Kathy, in education section, do we need to add merles suggestion where we add more technology
instead of just signs
o Merle, combination of labelled plants and a touring path to use your cell phone to access
information as you go around through the garden
o Sarah’s idea about QR codes, through iNaturalist?
- Vision Statement
o Original vision statement derived by Merle and some other folks
o Stakeholders do not want to take up our time with focusing on vision statement. They will decide
on a statement amongst themselves and then share it with us.
3) Define desired future conditions based on the goals/vision (i.e., diversifying the botanical themes present,
specific educational needs, circulation, access, water, eliminate wedding venue, etc.)
- Water theme throughout the Garden
o Starts as a waterfall feature in the SW corner and will end in the e xisting pond.
o Opportunity to draw people in from the street, guide them through the garden, and use it to
expand the number of themes in the garden (i.e., seep, bog).
o Maintain two waterfalls, one at the SW end and the current one at the pond.
o Seeps can be created by playing with pumps and hoses
o Downside to more water features is more maintenance
o Everyone liked the idea of the SW waterfall and having the water features be what guides people
through the garden.
o While Mary (Mrs. Walsh’s daughter?) liked the d ry riverbed, it does not need to stay.
o Jim, will the water features be broken up?
▪ John, sky is the limit, we can arrange it however we want
o Kathy, practical feature of flash floods and heavy rains
▪ Will need to keep the permeability of surfaces in mind when designing to account for
weather events.
o Jim, are there legal concerns to consider with water?
▪ Brian, no we are covered under CO law.
- Discussion about patio
o Jim wants to keep the whole patio area (was the only one who felt this way).
o Joan suggested compensating the loss of 50% of the patio by having smaller areas in the garden
where people can gather
o Jane, because the patio area gets the most sun, it’s very hot, so she supports Joan’s suggestion.
o Brian agreed to a 50% cut in patio size as there are only 1-5 events at the garden per year.
o General consensus that making the patio smaller will enhance the entire garden and increase
potential to drawing people in.
- Removal of bristlecone pines
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o Would rather not remove them because they provide a wind barrier for the garden.
o Okay to remove that giant spruce on the west side of the gate.
▪ It is not healthy (Merle) and they have not been able to get anything to grow under it
(Joan).
▪ Joan, not against removing bristlecone pines, but they must be repla ced with something
that will act as a wind screen.
4) Define design/guiding principles (i.e., based on desired future conditions and key criteria such as native
plants only, importance of education, defining desired user groups/patterns, and other top -level principles
that will endure for generations).
- Maintenance materials, stormflow, education, etc.
- Draft alternatives for entry way, walkway, and waterway
- Have alternatives in a month
- Joan, if we redo the patio and entrance, whatever is existing now can b e moved
- Jane, really want to have more art in the garden, and a variety of art, not just bronze
- Jim, on the drone photo there are two areas that are unstable cliff faces, how will we fix that?
o John, rebuild the area above the existing waterfall to get a better waterfall
o SW area requires more thought especially if we are going to redo that whole area.
July 21, 2020
Stakeholder Meeting #3
In Attendance:
- Brian Berg
- Eli Ertl
- Kathy Long
- Merle Moore
- Joan Sapp
- Mary Anne Franke
- Lauren Brown
- Sarah Smith
Meeting Notes:
• Kathy mentioned that bristlecone pines are showing some discoloring
o Brian said it was the result of freezes, but the trees should be okay
o There may also be a fungus issue
• Sidewalk
o Merle questioned whether this was a dead-end, and if so, opportunity to expand the garden out to
the sidewalk.
o Brian mentioned that there may be a future crosswalk at the east end of the sidewalk (where it ends)
so keep pedestrian traffic access here.
o Town wants to maintain street parking count.
• Entry court
o Overall like the idea of expanding garden entry out to the street for visibility and anchoring aspen.
o Be mindful of species selection outside of fence (herbivory)
• Gateways and Fence
o Okay to eliminate the MWG ornate gate and replace with something new that meets the criteria of
creating a harmonious architectural edge identity as well as function to prevent herbivory
o Like secondary entry and gathering space at the eastern ends provides more opportu nity for small
group gatherings.
• Entry Plaza
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o Concern about the alpine tarn idea, mostly related to the related alpine species, expensive to
purchase and difficult to maintain.
o Group still agrees that a more dramatic falling water feature (more than a seep garden) is a nice idea
as a visual focal point and to draw folks in.
o Idea to move the pool feature near the fall (outside of center) and have stream begin here.
o Provide a ‘bridge’ feature over stream as access to the garden walk.
o Kathy concerned about Bristlecone pines health and asked about shade for seating areas.
▪ Brian said it was the result of freezes, the trees should be okay, but there may also be a
fungus issue
▪ Maybe provide a pergola in this area to encourage more shade and gathering
• Pavilion
o Folks like the pavilion. Provide some image examples in the master plan theme sheets.
o Size could be 10x10 or 15x15
• Streambed
o Would like to utilize the existing dry stream bed where possible to avoid impacting mature shrubs
and trees to remain.
o Brian - Stream doesn’t need to be continuous, would hate to lose established trees and willows.
• Bed themes
o Concern that we are trying to do too much, incorporate too many themes.
o Kathy – focus more on montane and foothills, showcase what you can do in Estes Park.
o Brian – help people identify native plants they can use in their garden (local focus) more showy
flowers, wants plants to stay where they’re supposed to, Jim (not presen t) has a better handle on
which species are working well.
o Eli – concerned about herbivory (rabbits, moles, chipmunks, ground squirrels) and maintenance
issues.
• All members agreed that master plan should work around current infrastructure as much as possib le
o Do not want to cut down any trees that are existing throughout the garden
o Concern that we are trying to accomplish too much with initial plan
▪ Would like to see the current draft master plan of the garden simplified
▪ Use current dry riverbed for stream feature throughout the garden
▪ Want to prioritize species that grow in Estes Park and provide education on how to grow
these species to visitors
• Cliff face stability
o Concerned about entire cliff face, not just the areas with current erosion problems.
o What are our plans for stabilizing this area?
• Concerned about pie in the sky budget.
o Are the master plan ideas within the budget?
• Next steps:
o Revise master plan by middle of August.
o Review revised master plan with stakeholders by end of August.
o Final Master Plan by end of September
o Begin 30% design of montane pond in first week of August.
o Complete 30% design of pond by end of September.
August 26, 2020
Stakeholder Meeting #4
In Attendance:
- John Giordanengo
- Sarah Smith
- Lauren Brown
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- Eli Eertl
- Brian Berg
- Kathy Long
- Merle Moore
- Maryann Franke
- Jane
Overall, Stakeholders were pleased with the design revisions and garden features. If there are any additional
questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to Sarah Smith (sarah@aloterraservices.com) or John
Giordanengo (john@aloterraservices.com).
• Meeting Goals
o Confirm placement of themes and garden features
o Address changes made from last design that addressed concerns
o Talk about what the final master plan will look like
• Design changes were made based on comments and concerns from the previous meeting
o Themes have been simplified to include only montane and foothills
o Elevation range of plants has been reduced to 7000 -9500 to include those that grow well in Estes
Park
o The alpine tarn was changed to a reflecting pool/pollinator garden in the patio area.
o Three pollinator gardens around the entrance gate will attract visitors to the garden, and also
showcase species that visitors can grow in their own gardens around Estes Park
▪ Opportunity for education on the importance of pollinators
▪ Ability to really experiment with what grows in these areas on a yearly basis
▪ The northern most pollinator bed will likely not fly
• Eli suggested having moveable planters on the northern part of the sidewalk to
still achieve drawing visitors in by being surrounded by plants
o Stream has been realigned to follow the current dry riverbed as much as possible
o Themes were worked around the existing trees to preserve as many mature trees as possible
o A boardwalk area was added over the existing waterfall to provide connectivity throughout the
garden
o Themes will showcase species that can also grow in Estes Park and be incorporated into personal
gardens, but also be representative of the natural communities
• The west side of the garden is about 6 feet higher than the east side. This will work in our favor when
designing the pump system that will connect the existing eastern water features with the new western
water features
o The pond, stream, and water features can be done in a phased approach
• Mary Ann was concerned about the increased time/cost of maintenance to the garden with the new
infrastructure, and how that would affect Brian’s crews/time.
o Brian commented that it was difficult to calculate the exact costs now, but that there would not
be money in the town budget until 2024 for added expenses related to garden maintenance
o Jim can likely accomplish a lot of the maintenance with resources from other budgets
o Eli suggested recruiting volunteers to help with maintenance. She has experience organizing
volunteer groups.
• The rock wall that borders the southern montane forest theme against the cliffs were added for safety
reasons after the 2013 floods.
o These safety requirements are still being imposed by insurance
• John G addressed how to stabilize the cliff faces
o A geotechnical analysis of the cliff would be expensive
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o Boulders that are currently in the garden could be used for stability, while also revegetating
unstable areas, which would have a dual purpose of creating a cliff garden
o Wind events that cause major swaying of trees cause the roots and boulders to loosen in the
sandy soils, increasing erosion potential
▪ Trees and large boulders within 6 feet of the cliff lip should be removed
• A document should be included with the master plan rationalizing why this
work needs to be done, so Brian can take it to the landowners.
• Tree removal of small aspen, willow, alders, and spruce
o Everyone was okay with removing small willows and aspen
o All were agreed that spruce at the entrance can be cut down, as well as spruce west of the
existing waterfall feature
• Kathy asked if in addition to a garden plan if there would be consideration given to controlling the rodent
population in the garden.
o Brian said that the Town has EnviroPest on a maintenance plan with monthly visits.
o This plan does not include rabbits.
o John recommended adding a 12“wire mesh to keep rabbits out.
• Lauren discussed her conceptual drawing which included changes to the gate(s), fence, and pergola on
the west side of the garden near the patio.
• Kathy asked about how the stream will be engineered.
o There will be a return line from the pond to the water seep lines. The return line may follow the
path or be on the edge of the path.
o Unfortunately, the current irrigation lines in the garden are not ma pped.
o The suggestion was made to add electrical lines to the conduit for future use.
• Pots & containers throughout the garden could showcase rotational plants.
o These would be a good place for cultivars.
o Eli brought up the educational opportunity for showcasing cultivars
• We discussed the two options for the pavilion’s placement and shape. The teardrop shape was accepted.
With seating in the center of the space, one could either look into the stream at the edge of the garden or
towards the xeric garden. It would require fewer trees to be removed.
• John offered to send out a visual preference survey to the committee. This would give us an idea about
the “look” that the group favors for the fence, gate, pathways, pavilion, gazebo, etc.
o Brian/Merle made the point that it may be wise to check with the Lamy family to find out their
preferences as well.
o We will only be stating preferences, not selecting exact products.
• The main gateway can change, as long as it is wide enough to accommodate maintenance machinery
• There is a shuttle stop outside of the current gate
o Brian noted that it can easily be moved and isn’t a deterrent for the pollinator gardens out front
• If the entry court street edge is to remain bumped out, it needs to be developed and reviewed with Town
engineering
• Discussed the stream disappearing underground
o Can easily be done with PVC pipe
o Having it disappear near the xeric garden would be a neat element
• Original pathway was made from leftover materials from other projects
o Stakeholders are open to changing pathway materials throughout to give the feel of entering
different rooms
• The final stakeholder meeting will be held at the end of September.
o John encourages any discussion to be held by email over the next month.
o They will present a draft of the montane pond at that meeting.
o 30% of the pond design will be presented at the September meeting.
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