McKinney Green Gardens

Date ant Time:  August 6, 2011  1:00 PM

Project:  McKinney Green Gardens

              Gabe Nesbitt Park

We have had one of the worst heat spells and severe draught conditions in Dallas/Fort Worth history this summer with temperatures well over 100 degree F for over 35 days in a row.  This one acre demonstration garden, which is a research garden funded by the City of McKinney and the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Urban Solutions Center, gave me the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of draught tolerant species of vegetation that will survive in conditions of extreme temperature and draught.  The garden is an illustration of how good planning and design and proper plant selection can reduce water consumption and be inherently sustainable.

intereactive map (see webpage)

Surprisingly, residential garden design using draught tolerant plants can be very aesthetic.  The park layout of this demonstration garden consists of six small gardens along winding paths which have been planted using different turfgrass areas, ornamental grasses and plants.  The website (http://mckinneygreengardens.tamu.edu/) goes into detail regarding irrigation requirements and systems as well as the different types of plants and grasses that have been planted.  The map that is included in the website is interactive and pointing to each of the bubbles on the map shows the type of plant or irrigation system provided.

shrubs

ornamental grasses

A porous pavement has been included in the walkway.  This captures the stormwater and allows it to seep into the ground to recharge the groundwater.  This eliminates the need for retention ponds, swales and other stormwater management devices.  Decomposed granite also allows water to drain through, is very organic and environmentally safe.  It can be used for walkways or driveways and as a mulch or base for pavers or stones.

Following the a link to the web page:
http://mckinneygreengardens.tamu.edu/