Gardens at the Bank of Springfield: WHAT WORKS BEST? WHAT DOESN'T WORK?

Gardens at the Bank of Springfield

In 2004, BOS doubled the size of their flagship facility at 3400 West Wabash Avenue in Springfield, Illinois. Adam Woodruff Landscapes, LLC was engaged to redesign the 3 acre site. The chief consideration of the design process was to boldly impact the streetscape while enhancing the architecture of the building. Woodruff designed naturalistic yet vibrant flower borders scaled to the site to accomplish his goal. The gardens cover 22,000 square feet and include a massive perennial and annual bed running the length of the Wabash Avenue façade. Several auxiliary flower beds dot the property echoing color and texture rhythms found in the main bed. Annuals, which represent 40% of the plant material found in the gardens, are woven between shrubs, roses, grasses and perennials to insure consistent bloom. The annual plantings are redesigned each year.

This blog is a resource tool for individuals interested in information about the plant materials used on site. Research aids include: photo galleries and a comprehensive plant list with links to photos and details. Additionally, the blog allows for interaction with the designer. Your questions and comments are encouraged!

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Adam Woodruff is classically trained as a Botanist and has been practicing landscape design since 1995. He specializes in the design and installation of modern, grand scale gardens for commercial and residential spaces. Taking cues from nature, Adam's gardens are less formal and include masses of flowering shrubs, roses, annuals, perennials & grasses. Designs are thoughtfully conceived and orchestrated to insure a natural and uncontrived look.

Member: Association of Professional Landscape Designers, Landscape & Nurserymen Association of Greater Saint Louis, Grow Native & Perennial Plant Association.

Sponsor: Missouri Botanical Garden: Plants of Merit & Springfield Green

Adam Woodruff Landscapes, LLC serves clients in Illinois and Missouri. PH. (217)744-7119 Illinois or (314)225-7119 Missouri. Email.

Look for Adam at . . . Gardening Gone Wild.

1/27/2008

WHAT WORKS BEST? WHAT DOESN'T WORK?

drobson said...
"Great photos. It's impressive to see the color changes throughout the seasons...and over the last two years. I'd be interested in your thoughts on what worked the best...and what didn't when you have a moment."
January 25, 2008 2:55 PM

Dave, thanks for your comments and question. Because this garden is heavy with annuals I have an opportunity each year to revise the design and correct for deficiencies. I’ve just completed the redesign for 2008. I was influenced by a recent trip to Malaysia and Singapore. Look for hot colors and architectural foliage this season.

What works best? In this application, annuals are essential. They provide the consistent color we need throughout the growing season. However, finding the appropriate balance of annuals to perennials, grasses, roses, and shrubs is necessary so the garden does not appear to be a wasteland in the winter months. Re-seeding annuals have been particularly effective: Nicotiana sylvestris, Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’, and Verbena bonariensis.

Given the size of this garden and its visibility, keeping it “camera-ready” is challenging. The site is exposed. Winds impact the plant materials and irrigation. The gardens are primarily overhead irrigated and we water in the middle of the night when the air is still. Yet, there are always areas that are too wet or too dry. I am working to solve this problem with appropriate plant selection.

What doesn’t work? Roses. Japanese beetles are a nightmare!