Page 19 - 2021 SDCA Project

CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN
The Site Plan preserves the existing structure of the
garden landscape and its many uses while enhancing the
connections between them and maximizing the use of
space. The key areas that we considered include a formal
entry plaza, the geodesic dome/classroom, the shading
trellis, clear pathways and wayfinding, the development of
a tiny home village, and the establishment of a food forest.
- Arrival at Our Giving Garden presents an expansive view downhill towards the pond.
The addition of an entry plaza, wide garden path, and multi-functional trellis structure
leads the eye, and then the feet, down towards the dome. The garden planting area
has been expanded into the existing chicken yard by raising the grade along the
garden’s Eastern edge, creating more area for growing food.
- The dome rests on, and is surrounded by, a large deck overlooking the pond. The
steep cut-slope behind it is retained by a terraced wall with built-in seating and
planters. From the dome overlook, a footpath leads down through the perennial
meadow to the pond, with a small floating dock.
- The trellis serves multiple purposes: it is an iconic sculptural element, meant to
enhance the Garden’s unique sense of place. It provides cover from sun and rain
along the primary pathway from the site’s main entrance to the dome. It is equipped
with solar panels to generate power for the dome and restroom facility. It captures
and channels rainwater via gutters and downspouts to rain barrels, which can be
used to irrigate the garden and orchard.
- The plan proposes enhanced and formalized pathways throughout the site. These
paths would be designed to provide ADA-compliant access from the primary site
entrances to the dome area. This would be achieved by surfacing the paths with
compacted decomposed granite for enhanced stability, and ensuring that slopes are
less than 5%. The improved paths would also be sloped to shed water and
incorporate gutters to channel it away from site elements that could be harmed by
erosion.
- Tiny homes and treehouses are proposed for improved garden volunteer housing.
These are located centrally, for easy access to the high-maintenance garden areas.
However, they are buffered from the more public site areas by the hoophouse and
restroom facility.
- A food forest is proposed along the western side of the pond, where there is
currently a thicket of chinese privet. Conversion of this area to a food forest will
entail the removal of invasive plants, while carefully preserving desirable ones
(including mulberries and muscadines, both of which are present in this area). Once
cleared, the area can be re-planted with perennial fruit- and nut-bearing trees,
shrubs, vines, and fungi. Examples include pecan, hazelnut, elderberry, pawpaw,
blueberry, serviceberry, figs, pomegranate, apples, peaches, plums, and wine cap
mushrooms. The pond is recommended as an irrigation source.
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