• Fall 2019:

  Grade the site to meet stormwater management requirements and sculpt the land for the future garden areas. Sow a custom-designed cover crop seed mix that will grow for 30 days as a living compost for the site before being mowed. This cover crop will reduce erosion, build soils, and alleviate soil compaction. Soil infiltration data will be collected at each stage of the process to document the effectiveness of the cover crop growth. Meet with neighbors to develop a shared vision for The Colina.

• Winter 2019:

  Build and install a large table to create a community gathering space.

• Spring 2020:

  Install the garden paths and plant the trees! Sow a second round of cover crop seed mix and continue to collect infiltration data as cover crop grows.

• Summer 2020:

  Before the cover crop goes to seed, it will be mowed down and the biomass will be chopped up and left in place. Into this stubble, an area of warm season Bouteloua gracilis seed will be sown in the south portion of the garden and a blend of cool season grasses will be sown in the north portion of the garden. These seeded grasses are the base for two distinctly different meadows that will be developed over the next coming years. Plant the perennial braid! This planting will be a painterly blend of perennials and grasses that mark the evolution of the seasons with colors, textures, and patterns that change every few weeks. Such plantings represent progressive and innovative planting design and management strategies to create beautiful and ecologically sound spaces that encourage neighbors to visit often.

• Fall 2020:

  Ongoing garden care and neighborhood engagement. As the garden continues to develop we look forward to opportunities to meet neighbors and to engage with the community at The Colina. Please check back often to see what is happening at The Colina - both in the garden and in the community.