New Mexicans with disabilities can enjoy their backyards with accessible landscaping

Author: Victor Rodriguez; Published: Apr 26, 2011; Category: Residential Landscaping; Tags: Accessibility, Gardens, Residential Landscape; No Comments

With raised beds, gardening can be an accessible and satisfying activity.

Now that the weather is improving, there is nothing better than putting some steaks or burgers on the grill and sitting out the back patio taking in the beauty of our gardens. Nothing beats the taste of a tomato or squash that has been grown, tended and picked by your own hand.

But for some people in New Mexico, their backyard is an obstacle course, and a handpicked tomato, no more than a dream. Many people with disabilities cannot enjoy their backyard, because they are simply not accessible. Things as simple as gardening, barbequing or even playing with their children in their own backyard become insurmountable tasks.

The Hilltop can help disabled veterans and others with disabilities with an accessible low maintenance landscape in which they can enjoy their families and pursue other outdoor activities. These outdoor activities improve quality of life and have intrinsic therapeutic value. Existing landscapes can be renovated to include these areas, but it is much easier to design these areas in the initial development of the project, whether it is commercial or residential.

Some of the things that can be included in an accessible landscape:

Making paths into the garden areas

• Paths must be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs
• Made of concrete or pavers to facilitate movement

Building an accessible barbeque grill area

• A built in BBQ at the correct height will make it easy to grill

Building raised gardening areas

• Raise planting beds allow easy access to garden areas
• Raised provide visual stimulation at eye level
• Can be part of sensory garden

Providing a synthetic turf area where they can play with their children

• Synthetic turf areas are wheelchair-friendly and easy to maneuver
• Synthetic turf areas can be multi-functional, accommodating a putting green, croquet field, or outdoor physical therapy area

Other entertainment areas:

• Accessible fire pit
• Outdoor patio area
• Outdoor kitchens
• Accessible Horseshoe pit
• Sensory Garden
• Fountain area
• Therapeutic hot tub

The purpose of accessible landscape areas for people with disabilities is that they can have the same quality of life that is available to others. Whether it’s playing with their children or barbequing with their friends, accessible landscapes and gardens provide disabled persons with rich therapeutic environments.

At Hilltop’s urging, TransCore gets double xeriscape rebates

Author: Victor Rodriguez; Published: Apr 22, 2011; Category: Xeriscape; Tags: Commercial Landscape, Drainage, Irrigation Systems, Xeriscape; No Comments

Click image for gallery

TransCore’s Amtech Technology & Manufacturing Facility broke ground on a water-saving project that will convert 23,600 square feet of steeply-sloped turf to a xeriscape. The project qualifies for the Water Authority’s X2 Double Rebate Program. It will save an estimated 600,000-750,000 gallons of water a year, as well as reduce the company’s water bills by approximately $36,000 over an estimated three years. Construction is expected to be complete by early May.

Art De La Cruz, chair of the Water Authority Board, congratulated TransCore for being the first business to take advantage of the X2 Double Rebate Program. “In an average year, the Water Authority gives rebates for replacement of more than 400,000 square feet of high-water-use turf. By focusing on slopes, which can use two to three times more water than flatter landscapes, and small areas, which are very hard to water due to overspray, we hope to encourage local businesses to help us save even more water in this very dry year by addressing these challenging areas. The TransCore project alone will save the Water Authority enough water to meet the annual needs of seven to eight homes for an entire year,” De La Cruz explained.

The project was recommended by The Hilltop Landscape Architects & Contractors, which installed the original turf and storm drainage areas in front of TransCore in 1993. “ When we learned about the Water Authority’s double rebate program, we thought it was the perfect time for TransCore to install a water-conserving landscape that would assist the Albuquerque community’s need to conserve water,” said Victor Rodriguez, maintenance division manager of The Hilltop.

The steeply-sloped turf in front of TransCore’s Albuquerque facility requires more water than flat areas to remain healthy and consumes approximately 50 percent of the company’s outdoor water use. Irrigation alone accounts for 83 percent of the facility’s total water use every year.

Joe Viola, director of manufacturing for TransCore explained, “When Hilltop approached us with an attractive xeriscaping plan that would preserve our existing trees, incorporate a more efficient irrigation system, and, with the cost savings, would pay for the upfront investment, we realized now was the time to make the change. We hope other local businesses will make a similar commitment to Albuquerque’s water conservation.”

TransCore will also qualify for entry into the Water Authority’s contest for commercial xeriscape conversions judged on design and water-saving potential. Award prizes include $12,000 in rebates on water bills for first place, $8,000 in rebates for second place, and $5,000 in rebates for third place.

The new xeric landscaping installed will feature low-water use plants and shrubs such as Mountain Mahogany, Sumac, Bear Grass, Buffalo Juniper, Winter Jasmine, Desert Willow, and Apache Plume which, when mature, will cover about 50 percent of the area. Gray gravel and cobblestone will be used as ground cover and will tie the project into existing storm drainage areas at either end.

The landscaping conversion will preserve existing mature trees, including six Sycamores, one Purple Leaf Plum and four others. Rodriguez said the project will be enhanced by Rain Bird Corporation’s donation of a Rain Bird® ESP-SMT Smart Control System. “This system combines simplicity through Extra Simple Programming (ESP) with the ability to control irrigation based on weather conditions as well as pre-determined settings,” he explained,

“The X2 Program is a great example of private businesses working with the Water Authority to conserve our most precious resource. The double rebates and contest go a long way to encourage businesses to make the change now. We are glad to be able to participate,” Rodriguez said.

The X2 Double Rebate Xeriscape program and contest allows eligible commercial Water Authority customers to earn a double rebate (a water bill credit of $1.50 for every square foot) of steeply sloped or small area high-water-use turf converted to low-water-use plantings through October 31, 2011. For more information, visit www.abcwua.org or call The Hilltop at  898-9690.

Landscaping with dogs: it can be done!

Author: Nicolas Carpenter; Published: Apr 21, 2011; Category: Residential Landscaping; Tags: Dogs and Landscaping, Landscape Design, Residential Landscape; No Comments

Are you tired of looking out your back patio door to see holes, flattened plants or brown spots all over your lawn? Many home owners have trouble with pets destroying their landscapes. It can be very frustrating as a home owner constantly repairing irrigation line, cleaning up plants and patio furniture my three dogs have destroyed, but I can’t get rid of my dogs—they are my kids. I have finally beaten them at their own game, although it’s taking a lot of back-breaking effort, not to mention time and money.

I have tried numerous ways to keep them safe while keeping my yard intact while I’m at work. One of the most important things to remember is that “a bored dog is a destructive dog.” Dogs need an area to do dog things such as dig, chase each other, or play with toys.

When I first bought my house the backyard was all dirt, but looking at dirt gets old very quickly. As I began to develop a few design ideas I always had my dogs in the back of my mind. Getting my design right the first time took some very careful planning. Dog runs don’t have to be eyesores. I built a dog run on the east side of the backyard so my dogs would have morning sun and afternoon shade. I originally made the fence out of horse wire and 4′ cedar posts, but one of my dogs kept getting out and touring the neighborhood while I was at work. I decided to build a solid 6′ cedar fence. Since I put up the new fence I have not had to retrieve my dog from the pound.

Inside the dog run I put about 4″ of gray crusher fines to give them a nice soft area for fun and games. It’s also important to give them a bathroom area. I waited about two days to see which area they chose and moved the dog houses and water bowl accordingly. Keep in mind dogs need shade so they don’t get sunburned, and have a cool place to sleep during the summer months.

After I had a place for the dogs while I’m at work, I designed the rest of the yard. I would have loved grass, but I knew grass would never stand a chance with three dogs, so that idea was thrown out. I used a combination of gravels ranging from crusher fines to cobblestone. Dogs do not like to walk on cobblestone or fractured rock, although they will if that’s the only choice. It’s possible to control your dog’s path around your yard. Most dogs will walk on the path with the least resistance.

Using mass plantings and cactus can also be a way to control your dogs traveling paths. Dogs are very curious animals, and will explore any new items in their yards. Some items they find more appealing than others. Landscaping with dogs is really about trial and error, and observation. Observing your dog’s patterns, personality and habits is the best way to take control of the situation.

There are many different dog breeds. If you are considering getting a dog, doing a little research on which breed is best for you and your landscape is a great idea. If you want to improve your backyard, a comprehensive plan from a qualified landscape designer can take your dog’s needs and habits into consideration for a more enjoyable backyard, and a happier dog.

Creating a windbreak with trees

Author: Mary LeBus; Published: Apr 18, 2011; Category: New Mexico Plants and Trees; Tags: New Mexico Landscaping, Windbreak; No Comments

Evergreen windbreak

I live in Rio Rancho just east of large areas of new construction (i.e. bulldozed bare dirt). When the wind blows, as it has been doing with a vengeance recently, the sky is filled with fine blowsand. The wind is damaging enough; who wants the added injury of sand dumped all over everything?

Last week I gained almost two inches of the stuff in my newly planted vegetable garden. Needless to say it didn’t help the spinach sprouts! Eventually, the new subdivisions will be covered with the preferred urban coverings of paving, sod lawn, or gravel, but it will take a good long time especially as growth to the west looks like it will continue ad infinitum.

While we can’t stop the wind or blowing dust we can manipulate our environment to modify the effects. It pays to observe what the wind does and how windbreaks are most effective so that you can create a microclimate that the wind doesn’t affect as badly. The farmlands are a good example of conservation belts where tree rows were planted to conserve soils and crops.

Evergreens are the most effective at absorbing wind energy so that it doesn’t slam into your more sensitive plants and furnishings. It is best to plant them closely enough together to “capture” the aerial onslaught. As this can be less than attractive you might achieve the same idea through staggering the trees and shrubs. Once you have slowed the wind by absorbing much of the energy you will find the sand drops out of it there. That would suggest you consider placing that screen back from the areas you want to protect from the dust.

Realize also that the proper screen will get fairly tall and will create different angles of shading at different times of year. A comprehensive plan would therefore place these evergreen trees in the west and northwest to block wind and shade from the hot summer afternoon sun, but not stop the winter sun from warming the house. Tall deciduous trees to the south will best do the summer shading to keep the areas cooler. Of course, how your house, other structures, and existing pavement are oriented to the elements makes it more complicated.

Yes, I meandered a bit from the subject of windbreaks and blowsand, but once you start realizing how landscape plantings can increase the livability of your home and cut energy costs in other ways it makes sense to look at the overall design to optimize the environmental effects. Consider doing some research and/or talking to a landscape designer who can help plan and install just such an environmental buffer.

Vinnie uses his New Mexico and federal tax refunds for landscaping

Author: Victor Rodriguez; Published: Apr 15, 2011; Category: New Mexico Landscaping; Tags: Gardens, Residential Landscape; No Comments

A while back, I gave my friend Vinnie (not his real name) a price for landscaping his yard and I hadn’t heard back from him. You remember my friend Vinnie, right? I decided to go see what he was up to.

“Yo, Vinnie, what’s going on?” I said.

“Not too much Vic, how-you-doin’?” He comes up to me and gives me a big, beefy hug.

I ventured. “You ready to do the landscaping we talked about a while back?”

“Shua, I’m ready. Let’s get started right away,” he said. “I want you to build me an outdoor fireplace, get rid of the ugly grass in my front yard and grab some of that xeriscape rebate money, put in some low-voltage landscape lighting… you know. Fix up the place a little.”

“That’s great!” I said. “But I thought you were a little short on cash, what with your new situation and everything.” [I think Vinnie is in the witness protection program.]

“Yeah, well this honest living is kinda hard on a mook like me, but it does have its perks,” he said. “S’matter a fact, I got a big fat tax check from the Feds, an’ anudder refund from the State of New Mexico. If I had known about dis befoah, I woulda started filin’ taxes a long time ago. So, I’m gonna use my tax refunds to pay for landscaping. Heah, look at the size of these checks!”

“What?” I was surprised at the amount. “How in the world did you get all this money back?”

“I gotta lotta deductions, what with all my kids an’ all. I got some of the da most bootiful kids.” he said proudly.

“Oh, I didn’t even know you had a family!” I said.

“Yeah, yeah! Look heah at dis picture,” he said, pulling out his wallet. “That’s is my daughter, ain’t she byooty-ful? She lives back east wit’ her mudder.”

“She’s very pretty. Is your wife Asian?” I asked.

“Nah, she’s an Eye-talian gal from da Bronx,” he said with a puzzled look.

“Oh I see. So you guys adopted a little Asian girl,” I said.

“Whassamattr for you!” he exclaimed. “You try’na to bust my chops?”

Vinnie looked at the picture closely. His eyes opened wide in sudden realization, “Ah Madonna mia! I knew I shoulda been keeping an eye on that tennis coach!”

Vinnie rushed into the house. “Wait Vinnie, where are you going?” I asked.

Over his shoulder, he said, “I gotta talk to a guy who owes me a favor!”

“So, do you still want to spend your tax refund on landscaping your yard?” I asked, doubtfully.

“Oh yeah, definitely,” he said, his eyes narrowing. “But also I wanna put in a vegetable garden over there in the corner, and you make shua you dig that area up nice and deep. Yeah… nice and deep.”