Design Drafts for the Parsonage at the Flatbush Reformed Church

This afternoon at 3pm I’ll be presenting to the community drafts of two alternative designs for a new communal garden on the grounds of the Parsonage, a landmarked historic building, on the grounds of the Flatbush Reformed Church.

Neither of these is a final design. They’re intended simply to present key features requested by community members at the Visioning Workshops and show how they might integrate into a cohesive design. The two designs weight these features differently, giving more or less space to different areas, and supporting different activities. I’m hoping this afternoon’s meeting will highlight the most popular features of each design, which can be recombined into a final design for this garden.

Dimensions

Here’s the base plan, drawn to scale at 3/16″ = 1 foot, of the site. Kenmore Terrace is at the bottom of the plan, East 21st Street on the left, the parking lot on the right. North is roughly up.

The Parsonage, Garden Design Base Plan

The front porch is nearly 53′ long! It’s just over 25′ from the fence along Kenmore Terrace to the front of the porch, and 27′ from the East 21st Street fence to the side. It’s nearly 85′ from the parking lot to East 21st. The sidewalk bed along Kenmore Terrace is 3’6″ deep. The bed between the fence and the parking lot is 8’3″ deep.

Existing Conditions

The Parsonage, Existing Vegetation

The space is dominated by large, mature oak trees which provide high shade over the entire property. Three large Taxus, Yew, shrubs exist as foundation plantings in front of the porch. There probably was at one time fourth shrub, at the far left of the porch, to complete the symmetry.

Everything else is lawn. Between the parking lot and the center walk, the lawn is sparse and the ground is compacted. To the left of the center walk, the ground is less compacted, and the grass transitions to a mix of clover and moss closer to East 21st Street.

There are planting beds between the fence along the property line and the sidewalk. Existing plantings of perennials in these beds are scattered and sparse.

Design A: “The Commons”

The Parsonage, Garden Design: The Commons

This design maximizes space to meet, sit and play. A paved patio area is created between the center walk and the parking lot. Benches provide seating for over 20 people. A large expanse of lawn provides space for running around or lawn games, such as badminton, horseshoes, etc.

Raised beds – 4×4 or 2×4 – provide over 200 square feet to grow food, herbs, and medicinal plants.

The existing large Taxus, Yew, shrubs are preserved. A buffer of perennials is created around the trunk of each Quercus, Oak, tree.

Rainwater is collected from the downspout near the western end of the porch (left in this rendering).

Design B: “Sanctuary”

The Parsonage, Garden Design: Sanctuary

This design provides for both shared and intimate experiences in the garden. Three gardens are created here: a common area, a wildlife habitat garden, and a rain garden.

The existing Yews are removed to make more room, especially for the common area between the center walk and the parking lot.

A few raised beds are specified in this design in the common area. More space is available for raised beds to the right of this plan, between the parking lot and the fence along the property line.

The common area has both a paved patio area and a small lawn for picnicking.  A wide entrance and semi-circular bench around the base of one of the Oaks provides a generous invitation to enter and linger. No other seating is specified, but could be added, for example, on the ends of the raised beds.

The wildlife habitat garden is contained with a meandering path. Two small understory trees provide focal points. These would be underplanted with small shrubs, and shade-loving perennials. The path is designed to both cutoff and provide access to this garden. You can’t see everything without walking the path. Two benches provide intimate seating, out of sight of each other and other areas of the garden.

Rainwater is collected from the downspout near the western end of the porch (left in this rendering). Here, a “stream” is designed to direct overflow to the rain garden. This would be planted with native shrubs, ferns, and wildflowers.

[goog.gl]

Related Content

Designing a New Communal Garden, 2010-07-17

Links

Community Garden Potluck August 1st!, Sustainable Flatbush, 2010-07-24

Flatbush Reformed Church
CAMBA
Flatbush Farm Share CSA

Designing a New Communal Garden

2010-07-31: Added base plan, drawn to scale, of the site.
2010-07-26: Added transcribed notes from the workshop materials.


On June 6 and June 16, Sustainable Flatbush and the Flatbush Reformed Church held two Community Visioning Workshops for a new communal garden to be created on the grounds of the Church. On Sunday, August 1, 3pm, we invite community review of proposed designs.

Participants of the second community visioning workshop introduce themselves on the grounds of the future garden.
Church Garden Visioning Workshop #2

We invite design proposals from the community. This post has basic information about the site, including measurements and general conditions, as well as the notes from the workshop sessions, to inform your designs.

Location

The main area available for the new garden is the front lawn of the Parsonage of the Flatbush Reformed Church. This building is at the corner of a dead-end court, Kenmore Terrace, and lightly-traveled through-street, East 21st Street.


View Larger Map

Here’s how the site looks from the corner. Kenmore Terrace is in the foreground, East 21st Street is on the left. The view is looking slightly east of north.
The Parsonage

Dimensions

Here’s the base plan, drawn to scale at 3/16″ = 1 foot, of the site. Kenmore Terrace is at the bottom of the plan, East 21st Street on the left, the parking lot on the right. North is roughly up.
The Parsonage, Garden Design Base Plan

The front porch is nearly 53′ long! It’s just over 25′ from the fence along Kenmore Terrace to the front of the porch, and 27′ from the East 21st Street fence to the side. It’s nearly 85′ from the parking lot to East 21st. The sidewalk bed along Kenmore Terrace is 3’6″ deep. The bed between the fence and the parking lot is 8’3″ deep.

Here is my sketched, unscaled, plan of the site, drawn from the perspective of the front porch of the Parsonage. Kenmore Terrace is at the top of the plan, the parking lot is on the left, East 21st on the right.
Flatbush Reformed Church Parsonage Site Plan

Conditions

The plan notes the approximate locations of three of the large oak trees around the perimeter of site, just inside the fence. They provide high shade over the entire property. The sidewalk beds along Kenmore get some sun during the middle of the day, enough, at least, for some Hemerocallis to bloom there.

Soil tests revealed high levels of metals in the soil, too high to grow food directly in the soil. There are ample opportunities for raised beds across the site. A second area, with full sun next to the parking lot, will be used for raised beds.

Transcription

These notes were transcribed from the Workshop collages.

Church Garden Visioning Workshop #2


EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
produce, herbs and food
– children-run MINI-CSA for neighbors (like a lemonade but w/ produce)
– COOKING CLASSES/demos *** (on nutrition *)
– medicinal HERB WORKSHOPS

art and culture
– ART WORKSHOPS
– art & CULTURE CURRICULUMS

biking
– BIKE riding LESSONS in parking lot
– BIKE MAINTENANCE workshops

youth-oriented programming
– EDUCATION PROGRAMS – interface w/ local charter school & public schools
– summer/ weekend educational for kids
– GARDEN VISITS- kids visiting garden from schools

gardening programming
– GARDENING 101 info sessions/workshops **
– HAITIAN COMMUNITY SHARING of traditional farming knowledge
– HOW-TOs to encourage others to use their BACKYARD
– SUSTAINABILITY EDucation
– SOLAR installation – demo/workshop when it’s installed
– VERMICOMPOST – how to workshops

methods for running these programs:
– programs out of parsonage
– adaquate documentation of each step taken online
– how to guide for those in other communities looking to start their own gardens and/or gardening tips for those who want to start backyard gardens in the area (similar weather and growing conditions)

EVENTS
theater
– Small THEATER performance on the porch – with a garden or food theme (w/ and for kids) ie. Little Red Hen, Peter Rabbit
– showcase edible plants – “PLANT OF THE WEEK” idea, educate community members about plants they can eat, recipes for preparation, fun facts, etc

food and drink
– monthly POTLUCKS ***
– BBQs w/ veggie foods
– TEA PARTIES! (mint & ginger) **
– mint LEMONADE STAND (5 cents)

for the garden
– LEAF COLLECTION in the fall
– PLANT SWAP
– collective SIGN DESIGN

fun
– non-amplified MUSIC (jazz, blue-grass, brazilian, steel drums)
– ACUPUNCTURE
– BOOK CLUB (w/ environmental social justice focus)

trips
– FARM TRIP

seasonal programming
– spring/easter HAT PARADE
– campfire style GHOST STORIES (smores, etc)
– PUMPKIN carving in the fall

– halloween party (compost halloween pumpkins)

getting to know you
– porch party
– MEET my neighbors

methods
– intergenerational gardening
– gatherings

GARDEN AREAS:
by plants
– Fragrant garden
– butterfly garden ***
– kids garden ** (and education programs)
– discovery gardens ** (tactile plants **)
– meditation bench in quiet leafy spot
– cactus/low water garden
– polinator garden in front of parsonage

for programming
– area for potluck/picnics
– long table for potlucks
– benches & tables for gathering **

art
– murals
– sculptures

for garden techniques
– corner of garden for pumpkin patch (also it’s right next to a cemetery so that’s cool!)
– vertical gardening for the fenced in areas **
– maze path lined w/ flowers
– path (curvy, etc) **
– tree beds – protect trees we are working around

GARDEN INFRASTRUCTURE:
garden-based infrastructure and decor
– beehive **
– birdhouse *****
– greenhouse ***
– sundial
– solar lighting/lanterns **
– water fountain *** (solar powered ones *)

gardening method infrastructure
– rain water catchment ***
– composting

for fun
– treehouse*
– swing **
– hammock

for transport
– bike parking **** (bike racks)

for entryway
– beautiful welcoming gate **
– sign on gate w/ info on how to join
– arbor over entrance

etc
– recycling on church grounds
– wind power
– solar power **
– human power
– whimsy

walls
– living wall

– a living structure – like a small yurt from woven willows that are still growing and changing – the kids can play in it
– sound barrier

GARDEN TECHNIQUES:
methods

– lasagna gardening
– 3 sister type planting (corn, beans, root veggies)
– companion planting as a model for small space gardening – how to have a garden grow food for your family in a small space
– permaculture

– heal the soil

– container gardening
– recycled containers as planters (ie. pickle barrel) – drill holes for drainage
– raised beds for food
– cold frames (windows work! “or so i’ve heard”)

fertilizing
– organic fertilizers (garden plenty, liquid kelp spray, sea rich)
– organic **

keep
– seed library – seed saving

THINGS TO GROW:

herbs *

– food herbs ***
– basil *
– medicinal herbs ** (ie. comfrey, hyssop, lavender)
– parsley **
– rosemary **
– cilantro
– thyme

fruits

– grapes*
– berries
– fruit trees **
– avocados
– strawberries
– pink lady apples
– peaches
– cherries
– watermelon
– apples
– grapes
– blueberries

vegetables
– pumpkins
– squash*
– brussel srpouts
– eggplant
– artichoke
– salad greens*
-radishes
– beans
– chickpeas
– root veggies (onions ***, carrots ***, potatoes ***, radishes)
– tomatoes **
– peppers
– garlic
– scallion
_ ginger **
– any green leafed vegetables
– kale
– legumes
– swiss chard
– zuchini
– bell pepers
– leeks
– green beens
– tomatoes
– hot pepers
– lettuce
– cucumbers

– wine harvesting

flowers


[goo.gl]

Related Content

Flickr photo set

June 16: Community Visioning Workshop for a new Communal Garden
Help Envision a New Garden: Sunday, June 6

Links

Garden Visioning Session report, Jeremy Teperman, Sustainable Flatbush, 2010-07-01

Flatbush Reformed Church
CAMBA
Flatbush Farm Share CSA

June 16: Community Visioning Workshop for a new Communal Garden

The Parsonage at the Flatbush Reformed Church is the proposed site for a new communal garden.
Parsonage


This Wednesday, June 16 at 6pm

Are you a gardener, or have you always wanted to get your hands in the dirt?
Sustainable Flatbush is collaborating with the Flatbush Reformed Church to create a new community garden!

Join us in a creative brainstorming session to plan this new neighborhood green space!

WHAT: Community Garden Visioning Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday June 16th at 6pm
WHERE: Flatbush Reformed Church, 890 Flatbush Avenue (at Church Ave.)

Refreshments and childcare will be provided!

What to expect at the meeting:

* see the garden location!
* contribute your ideas for what the garden will be
* what we can grow (flowers? herbs? vegetables?)
* how we can best use the space we have
* how we will build and maintain the garden
* learn how you can get involved!

Sign up here to attend a Visioning Meeting and keep up-to-date on news related to the garden.

For more information: 718-208-0575 / info@sustainableflatbush.org


Sustainable Flatbush brings neighbors together to mobilize, educate, and advocate for sustainable living in our Brooklyn neighborhood and beyond.

The Flatbush Reformed Church is a welcoming, inclusive and ecumenical Church located in the heart of Brooklyn.


A section of the wall filled in by participants in the first Visioning Workshop on June 6.
Church Garden Visioning Workshop

Related Content

Help Envision a New Garden: Sunday, June 6, 2010-06-02

Links

New community garden — not at Brooklyn College, Helen Klein, Flatbush Life, 2010-06-08

Flatbush Reformed Church
Sustainable Flatbush
CAMBA
Flatbush Farm Share CSA

Help Envision a New Garden: Sunday, June 6

Update: June 16: Community Visioning Workshop for a new Communal Garden

Update, 2010.06.04: Added information about the site.
Update, 2010.06.03: Added registration link.


The Parsonage, Flatbush Reformed Church, 2103 Kenmore Terrace, corner of East 21st Street, Flatbush, Brooklyn
Parsonage
Thus Sunday, June 6, from 4-6pm, we’ll be holding the first of two Community Visioning Workshops for a new communal garden on the grounds of the landmarked Flatbush Reformed Church. One site is a small, fenced-off area. The other is the front lawn of the Parsonage. This landmarked historic building was built in 1853 – though portions of it may be even older – and moved to this site in 1913.

Front lawn, looking east from East 21st Street
Parsonage

The main area is the front lawn of the Parsonage. It’s a large area, about 25-feet deep, from the fence along Kenmore Terrace to the porch of the house, and about 85-feet long, from East 21st Street to the Church parking lot. There are opportunities to further develop the buffer plantings, 3-1/2-feet between the fence and the sidewalk, that Church members have already established.

Buffer Plantings, looking from the entrance gate toward East 21st Street
Flatbush Reformed Church

The site is dominated by large, mature Oak trees lining the fence on Kenmore Terrace and East 21st Street. These cast dense shade, and working with this constraint will be one of the challenges for designing the garden and plantings. I have a lot of experience with urban shade gardens, and see the potential in this site.

Parsonage

The most interesting aspects of this project will be the community partnerships. CAMBA, a large community-based service organization, has a young mothers program that meets at the Parsonage. We want the space and gardens to be child-friendly, and provide opportunities for exploration and learning about nature and gardening. The Flatbush Farm Share CSA distributes from the front lawn of the Parsonage. They offer shares for all income levels, and subsidize low-income members. We want to accommodate their needs for space and provide opportunities for education programs.

Soil Sampling for Texture Analysis
Soil Sampling

Press Release

Sustainable Flatbush is partnering with the Flatbush Reformed Church to create a new community garden! The whole community is invited to be involved in the planning and care of this neighborhood green space.

Two Community Garden Visioning Meetings have been scheduled for Sunday June 6th and Wednesday June 16th. At these brainstorming sessions community members will visit the garden area, located on church grounds, and work collaboratively to envision this new public green space: what can be grown, how to best utilize the space, how the garden will be built and maintained, what to name the garden, and how to be a part of it!

The new community garden is a joint project of Sustainable Flatbush’s Urban Gardens & Farms Initiative and the Flatbush Reformed Church.

The Urban Gardening and Farming Initiative works to foster community gardening efforts in Flatbush, promoting healthy local food, sustainable horticulture practices, and community building and beautification.

Sustainable Flatbush brings neighbors together to mobilize, educate, and advocate for sustainable living in our Brooklyn neighborhood and beyond.

Flatbush Reformed Church is a welcoming, inclusive and ecumenical Church in the heart of Brooklyn.

WHAT: Community Garden Visioning Meetings
WHEN: Sunday, June 6th at 4pm and Wednesday, June 16th at 6pm.
WHERE: Flatbush Reformed Church, located at 890 Flatbush Avenue at Church Avenue, just three blocks east of the Q train or three blocks west of the 2 train, Church Avenue stop.

Sign up here to attend a Visioning Meeting.

Refreshments and childcare will be provided.

Parsonage

Related Content

Flickr photo set

Links

New Community Garden at Flatbush Reformed Church!, Sustainable Flatbush, 2010-05-31

Flatbush Reformed Church
CAMBA
Flatbush Farm Share CSA