Landscape Design Reflects Zero-Energy House Theme

In sync with the zero-energy theme of the ‘Green House’ going up at 403 N. Park Avenue, landscape architect Stephen Rakestraw has offered a design which features native and edible plants arranged to provide beauty, diversity, character and privacy to the emerging home. Following the energy-conservation lead, water use will also receive detailed attention.

A rainwater catchment system will provide most of the irrigation needs. The natural slope of the lot from west to east (front to back of the house) will be carefully shaped to enhance the flow, pooling and storage of the rainwater. A vegetable garden, along with blueberries and pineapple guava trees will flourish even during dry spells, as a pump and cistern system designed to dispense captured water will stand at the ready.

Volunteering along with Rakestraw are two UGA experts, John Ruter and Joe LaForest. Dr Ruter, a leading UGA ornamental horticulturist, will select and help secure the plants. LaForest, a certified arborist and president of the Tifton Tree Board, will oversee any pruning of the existing trees needed to maximize sun exposure to the energy-producing roof photovoltaics, while protecting the magnificent swamp chestnut oak and sycamore which reign over the property. He will also guide new tree plantings and care.

Green House Project director Tony Grahame – America’s #1 Green Builder – enthusiastically embraced Rakestraw’s plan. Also present were representatives from the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence, which owns the house.

Members of the Foundation’s ‘Green House Committee’ attending were Frankie Mathis, Mike Davis and Bill Jackson. President Marianna Keesee and Executive Director Mike Brumby were also there to receive the landscape plan. Historic Preservation Charter President Charles Styer, who has photo-chronicled every phase of the construction, was on hand to capture the occasion.

Photo by Charles Styer