Master Plan Highlights
Demonstration Gardens: Culturally specific plantings demonstrate the techniques and food production from cultures around the world. There is a large shaded information center. The lowest portion of these gardens, adjacent to the water level, will house the photovoltaic panels which provide power for the pumps that irrigate the gardens.
Community Supported Agriculture Plots: This vegetable and herb garden includes some raised beds and ground level plots, dwarf fruit and nut trees supported by the community. These plantings also provide permaculture education. There is seating and a garden shed for tool storage.
Main Building: The two story structure is designed with an interactive green roof containing both intensive and extensive green roof options for demonstration and education. The top level provides excellent views across the site, and is a rentable venue for small parties, weddings, meetings, etc. It is designed to be independent of the electric grid and to harvest storm water for reuse within the structure to cool mechanicals. The lower level is designed to house the Gardens’ headquarters, offices and meeting rooms for public and private events. Also included are restrooms for the public and storage. Both levels of this building could also house concessions, gift shop or rental opportunities. Outdoor areas for meetings, education and viewing are also provided. There is an area at the adjacent dock for canoe and kayak launching.
Amphitheater: The semi-circular Amphitheater is designed to stage performances as well as public and private educational presentations. Movies can be projected against the building wall. The main level of the circular seating is handicap accessible.
Children’s Garden: Containing a “Pizza Garden” where children can grow vegetables and herbs they can use to make their own pizza. The “Jelly Belly Garden” has brightly colored plantings in jelly bean shaped beds. At the water level there can be interactive demonstrations of various ways to move water uphill; including pedal powered pumps and the Archimedes Screw.
Boardwalk: The Boardwalk consists of two loops, the smaller of which will provide for demonstration of emergent wetland species. This part of the Boardwalk is connected to a larger walk along the north rim of the pond and provides level access to garden paths that continue around the west and south edges of the Gardens. The Boardwalk can contain Braille and text plaques for descriptions of bird species and habitat visible along the walk. There will be several seating areas.
Healing Gardens: In order to provide education for healthy food production and living this garden will contain raised and vertical gardening opportunities to encourage human activity within the natural surroundings of the garden. The pathways will provide easy access and multiple seating options.
Parking Lots: The lots are positioned on the east and west ends of the Boardwalk. The design allows for the entry of emergency vehicles and regular traffic considerations. The lots’ surface will demonstrate the positive effect of harvesting parking lot water via permeable surface design with additional subsurface storage for the harvesting and improvement of storm water quality and quantity on site.
Water Improvement Garden: Located at the inflow point of runoff water from the commercial development east of 1-43, the Water Improvement Garden is comprised of multiple layers of sediment and pollutant harvesting ponds and phytoremediation plantings. All development is noted for education opportunities and water quality improvement.
Signature Garden: To improve the Garden’s visibility, a plan was created to use the beds as a stage for signage composed of solar lighted individual letters. These impressive letters will attract passersby and be an ongoing reinforcement of Congdon Garden’s presence. The design is a continuation of the Linden Garden on the northwest corner of the 1-43 exit ramp and Hwy.50 and enlarges its beauty and impact.
Willow and Associated Pollutant Amelioration Plantings: These plant associations are grouped and planted with appropriate plant species to remove specific pollutants from the water runoff into the site. The intent is for study, documentation and education.
Floating Planted Islands: The islands are positioned to ameliorate the negative impacts of some pollutants from offsite water into the pond.
Quaking Aspen Garden: It is designed to highlight aspen and associated plant species for slope planting and to increase enjoyment along the path.
Pathways and Pavings: All pathways and paving are to be designed for the harvesting, staging, and improvement of storm water on site. This ecologically responsible hardscape presents an educational opportunity for the community. Data loggers, flow meters and a subsurface view may be included in the construction of the site.
Recognition Garden: This garden exists at the terminal point of the axis formed by the path to the Peace Garden and the access path. It is designed to acknowledge significant donors, honored officials, or specific persons of importance to the gardens and to the community at large.
Timeline Walk: This section of walk approaching the existing Gazebo could include elements from the history of Delavan and the Gardens. Historic and sculptural elements, some interactive, along the walk would enhance the experience.
Open Grass Area: Designed for public gatherings, it can accommodate temporary structures for specific uses as well as be used for casual enjoyment.
Japanese Tea House: This one level structure has large, ample decks on all sides offering excellent views of the gardens and pond. It overlooks a koi pond with semipermeable separation from the main pond. There is also a stone-based waterfall and small sailboat launching area. The adjacent beds and plantings showcase the major types of Japanese garden design. The Tea House can also host public or private events.
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