CREJ

40 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / December 2021 ELEMENTS Native Landscapes Water Wise: The New Landscape Aesthetic for the West A s the climate warms, drought conditions rise and water re- strictions ensue, we need to rethink the western landscape standard: The use of native landscapes needs to be explored not only as water wise, but as a compelling value for planned developments. Water-wise land- scaping can be beautiful, lush, and colorful. The use of native or designed plant communities can have a measurable positive impact on our environment by cleaning and saving water, creating habi- tats, and cleaning our air. Educat- ing builders, developers, buyers and even cities as to the benefits and return on investment is key to success. Three Western region projects provide great case studies. The first is the new Kinston at Cen- terra in Loveland. To achieve a more sustainable landscape and address the rising cost of water, the developer of Kinston wants to establish a new landscape model for its large-scale projects. Team- ing with the High Plains Environmental Center and DTJ to develop a landscape approach focused on water reduction and ecosystem function, a new approach to the project landscape was de- veloped, focusing on native plants, low-water-use turf and grass mixes, and eliminating the majority of bluegrass. Additionally, mixed shrub and peren- nial beds were designed for self-regeneration and minimal maintenance, along with year-round col- or and texture. Goals for this approach included: reducing water consumption and long-term costs, creating more ecosystem function; reducing long- term maintenance, reducing chemical inputs, and providing habitat for wildlife and pollinators. To achieve these goals, a critical step is to edu- cate buyers/residents to understand the landscape and embrace the appearance and function. Why does it look the way it does? It provides four-sea- son texture vs. short-season color; it fits the con- text and enhances sense of place; water and mon- ey resources are saved; and ecosystem functions are improved. It also was critically important that the developer understood the up-front mainte- nance commitment for the initial plant establishment period, intel- ligent irrigation technology, long- term mulch strategy, and technical installation considerations for suc- cessful landscape longevity and re- turn on investment. n The city of Westminster. The city of Westminster has a vision of “a thriving community of safe neighborhoods and beautiful open space that is sustainable and in- clusive.” When looking at a recent project in the public realm on the U.S 36/Sheridan corridor, the city wanted to enhance its identity, sense of place, and Colorado con- text. DTJ’s landscape approach and Greg White, PLA, ASLA, SITES AP Associate Principal, DTJ Design U.S. 36/Sheridan corridor: a water-wise landscape. Duvall streetscape: native plants adapted to PNW climate.