Port of Entry Garden

Established in 2018

Located in the southern train station parking lot behind Kings Food Market. We advocated for desirable planting and added containers which we maintain to be enjoyed by commuters.

 

Trees help transform the worst view in Old Greenwich to a welcoming site for commuters and guests.

The mixed border gives us four season interest and appropriate scale while reducing the maintenance required.

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Mixed Border

The garden is a mix of trees, perennials, shrubs, and annuals with several large containers. This is not a cutting edge design - we decided on this more traditional approach for several reasons:

  • People like it. It is pleasant and orderly without being formal. It represents the dominant garden style in Old Greenwich.

  • It is flexible. We can add to it or make significant changes while maintaining the design integrity.

  • Maintenance is relatively straight forward. We will use a limited selection of plants that have good manners.

  • It works with the island’s odd shape. The mix of foliage, height, and texture allow us to optimize the visual impact.

  • Too modern wouldn’t be appropriate. Clean lines and limited planting will emphasize the utility poles, the wall, and the island’s odd shape.

  • Meadow-like would look too messy. Narrow meadows look ridiculous. Also, this area is experienced by hundreds of people each day, and my experience is that non-gardeners do not appreciate them. Their “low maintenance” reputation is completely undeserved.

Trees

We are working with the Town to plant some trees. We love trees and they will be invaluable for screening, shade, and helping to tame the scope of the space. Obviously, our first priority is to plant trees that will survive. This space is potentially the warmest spot in Connecticut, and most of the rain is going to hit the asphalt. Wind and road salt will also be a problem, but the town has successfully planted trees where these issues are much worse. Over the next several months (Spring of 2019), some trees will be planted and some will be moved. The goal is to provide beauty, shade, and habitat. Form, flowers, fall color and winter interest are guiding our selection.

  • The centerpiece will be a Magnolia Grandiflora

  • A large tree will be planted to improve the view descending the stairs.

  • Native-ish flowering trees will be featured

  • Tall, narrow evergreens will round out the design and provide winter interest.

  • Fall color is as important as Spring flowers.

Perennials and Shrubs (too many to show pictures!)

We limited our plant palette to keep the design cohesive and it will make maintenance a lot easier.

These plants, like GCOG members, are:

  • Interesting All Four Seasons

  • Pollinator Friendly

  • Hardy and Long Lived

  • Available for the Plant Sale