Utilities Kingston Water Conservation Garden

Original Concept: Anne Maxwell, Master Gardener, 2008
Installation: Stone & Maple 2008
Shade Garden Design|Meadow and Swale additions: Stone & Maple 2009, 2010
Maintenance & Consulting: Stone & Maple 2008 - 2014

This is a garden very near and dear to our hearts. This project began in 2008 with the construction of three distinct garden areas created in and around a drainage swale on the property of Utilities Kingston. The vision includes public demonstration gardens exhibiting the beauty of drought tolerant plants. 

Paul and I spent the first two weeks removing overgrown weeds, invasive species, and garbage from the swale by hand as the steep slope would not allow access by machine. Layers and layers of rock were reordered to allow for the addition of soil and planting. 

The next two months saw the construction of natural stone retainers, two french drains, sitting rocks, two patio areas, and a flagstone pathway.

A "100 year" storm washed away the majority of the new plants in the swale that same summer and replanting began. Mother Nature is a powerful teacher, and the forces of water she unleashed on us have led to a constant redesign and placement of plants best suited for stabilizing the banks. The other two areas are the shade gardens under two magnificent Silver Maples adjacent to the parking lot and "The Meadow " which welcomes visitors to the gardens.

A great deal of attention was paid to the amendment and addition of soil that would support the life of the gardens. Over 18 yards of compost and Gro-Max were added to build depth and tilth. Today, the summer interns use compost created on site to keep the beds amended and well fed.

For more information on the Utilities Kingston Water Conservation Garden  including tour times and plant lists please visit their website.