he Bird Sanctuary at The Pinery is a go! We are currently finalizing plans for the irrigation. This task is somewhat complicated. The most complicated irrigation situation I have ever encountered in my 15 years of Landscape Design. There is no electricity on this 8.5 acre site although electricity is all around on other properties. I know what you’re thinking, “just pull from one of the other properties”. It’s not quite that simple. Not all other properties are owned by The Pinery and the cost for pulling electricity under existing streets will be in the range of $15-20,000. Then there is the additional monthly electricity bill. That also gets us further away from this being a natural site. I am relying on the expertise of the irrigation contractor to complete this challenging task in such a way that it sustains the plant material that is scheduled to be installed in the fall of this year (2010). I have faith (and hope) that it can and will be done.

The next challenge, once we realize how to power the system is that the site has a small residential tap. That means that it will be interesting to see how we can water even a portion of the site without losing too much water pressure. Again, I must rely on the irrigation contractor to design the system in such a way that we can add on the next phases as we progress and still not lose pressure.

I am very excited about this project!  My favorite clients are birds, bees, butterflies and critters. This is about truly giving back. Instead of destroying habitat, we are creating it. We need to start giving back habitat, even if it is within suburbia. They have learned to live with us in their space, the least we can do is make them comfortable. Our roommates. Our friends.

{ 0 comments }

LANDSCAPING FOR THE BIRDS

July 14, 2010

Birdfeeders aren’t the only tools for attracting birds. By choosing the right trees, shrubs and perennials, you can create a habitat that will draw birds and other wildlife.

Read the full article →

Feng Shui in the Garden ~ Good Feng Shui makes good sense

June 6, 2010

Have you ever entered a room and felt the tension in the air but didn’t know why? Have you ever rearranged the furniture in a room over and over until it ‘felt’ right? That is energy! That is what Feng Shui is all about.
Feng Shui literally translates to Wind and Water. Wind represents the unseen, [...]

Read the full article →

Mother’s Day – planting (2010)

May 9, 2010

 
Mother’s Day has long been a calendar guide for us on when to plant annuals and perennials. This year Mother’s Day is a bit early. Also, in the Rocky Mountain region, spring has been a bit tempestuous with alternating warm and cool days, lots of moisture and many nights hovering right around the freezing mark. [...]

Read the full article →

Compost! The ideal way to recycle

May 2, 2010

Composting is the ultimate way to recycle and replenish the earth. Some of the benefits of recycling…

Read the full article →

Xeriscape Beauty

March 19, 2010

Some still think that xeriscape is a style of landscape, dry with lots of rocks and ugly plants. I have done my best to educate the public, along with most others in my industry. Xeriscape truly is just about being water conscious. I can design a landscape to fit any client’s style with xeric plants. [...]

Read the full article →

Spring Snow

March 19, 2010

As the snowflakes fly, my imagination turns to spring. This weather is typical for March in Colorado. Having lived here for about 19 years, it’s no surprise to me that soft, wet snow would cause my mind to drift to daffodils and tulips. Aaahh spring! I say it every year with a satisfied sigh and [...]

Read the full article →

Mirrors – Feng Shui

March 8, 2010

Mirror, mirror on the wall….. why is it bad to have you in my bedroom?
A mirror in the bedroom facing your bed is probably the #2 biggest Feng Shui no-nos. A mirror facing your bed is bad because it depletes your personal energy when you need it the most: at nighttime when your body is [...]

Read the full article →