Albuquerque Rose Garden

Renovation Project Plan

(Phase I)

Prepared by the

Albuquerque Rose Society

November 2007

Albuquerque Rose Garden Renovation Project

A. BACKGROUND.

The Albuquerque Rose Society established the original rose garden in 1961. Thirty years later, the Society determined that the garden needed to be redesigned and replanted. In the spring and early summer of 1995, crews from the City of Albuquerque and members of the Albuquerque Rose Society installed the current Albuquerque Rose Garden at the Wyoming Library using the design prepared by a local landscape architecture firm. Xeric plants were also planted to demonstrate water conservation concepts in a public space. To tie appropriately to the “rose garden theme” most of the xeric plants were selected from the Rosaceae family.

The Rose Garden has been and continues to be maintained by volunteer members of the Albuquerque Rose Society. Members of the Rose Society encompass all levels of experience with roses and are committed to promoting and celebrating our National flower, “The Rose.” Society members are also committed to providing educational opportunities to increase the public’s knowledge of and appreciation of roses.

The Albuquerque Rose Garden is a designated All American Rose Selections (AARS) Public Display Garden. Every AARS winning rose completes an extensive two-year trial program where it is judged on fifteen characteristics – from disease resistance and flower production to color and fragrance. Each year the Rose Society receives several plants of each selected variety that are planted and maintained in the Rose Garden. This program enables visitors to the Rose Garden to observe the characteristics of the best new roses and how they perform in our climate before they are available to the general public. The American Rose Society evaluates the Rose Garden each year to determine whether the AARS roses are properly identified and maintained, if the Rose Garden needs to be upgraded or renovated, and if the Rose Garden is popular with visitors.

B. NEED.

During the past 12 years, this magnificent public rose garden (Photo 1) has become a prized Albuquerque treasure that is enjoyed by local residents, Library and local business employees, and visitors to the Albuquerque area. However, time, nature, and some unfortunate human elements have conspired to create a noticeable decline in the overall appearance of the Rose Garden and the surrounding landscape.

Time has exacted a toll on the irrigation system, especially the drip components, and it is becoming increasingly challenging and expensive to maintain. Also, the mature rose plants in several areas now obstruct effective distribution of water from the above ground spray components.

In the late summer of 2006, unusually excessive rains caused severe flooding throughout the Albuquerque area. Unfortunately, the Rose Garden did not escape the ravages of flooding as precious soil and mulch were swept away, and saturated soil contributed to the demise of several rose plants.

The winter of 2006-2007 was also rather unkind to the Rose Garden. The unexpected heavy snow severely damaged many rose plants and signs. It also damaged several trees in the landscape surrounding the Library.

Drip irrigation was originally installed for the xeric plants. However, shortly after the plants were installed, the water was inadvertently turned off. Without water, several of the xeric plants died. Some plants were replaced, others were not. The result is several barren areas and other areas with overgrown plants that have not been well maintained in recent years and are becoming increasingly unsightly, obstruct the view of the Rose Garden, and provide a harsh visual transition between the perimeter plantings and the roses.

C. OBJECTIVE.

The objective of this effort is to (1) examine all areas of the Albuquerque Rose Garden and other landscaped areas that surround the Wyoming Library and create an approach to renovate, improve, and/or develop each area, (2) consolidate each area approach into a master plan to guide continuing evolutionary development of the Rose Garden, and (3) provide the best possible environment for roses as well as an attractive and inviting place for Rose Society members, local residents, visitors, and Library and local business employees to spend their leisure time.

D. METHODOLOGY.

A project team comprised of members of the Albuquerque Rose Society and the Wyoming Library Manager was formed to review and examine undeveloped and non-rose areas of the Rose Garden and the general landscape. Established rose beds will be examined in the second phase of this overall renovation effort. The team brainstormed several ideas for restoring, improving, and/or developing each area, established a consensus view of what should be done, and formulated an approach to implement those views.

E. PROBLEM AREAS.

1. Library East Entrance Area.

a. Problem.

The recent Library renovation project, completed in June 2007, left unsightly barren areas at the east end of the entrance sidewalk. The tree canopy above the entrance sidewalk and the large raised planter requires thorough thinning and trimming. Because of the shade (Photo 2), the roses in this area are not doing particularly well. The Fernbush that frames the lawn is unattractive and has a noxious odor that is inconsistent with the fragrance roses and lavender.

b. Solution.

Add Lavender at the east end of the bench in bed 40 for balance; add Polyanthus east of that to fill the area next to the sidewalk and perhaps behind the bench. Consider adding a bench on the south side of the sidewalk in bed 39 to face the one already on the north side.

The Valerian in the large raised planter near the door is doing well in the west end. Install Plumbago at the east end of the planter to add summer and fall color. This may require some adjustment to the drip irrigation system. Valerian in the tree circles does well but requires trimming during the summer to encourage bloom.

Remove the Fernbush and juniper under the trees that border the lawn and replace with low maintenance evergreens such as Indian Hawthorne.

Thoroughly thin and trim the trees to remove potentially unsafe and unhealthy conditions such as damaged, dead, and crossing branches.

This area would be a good place for signs; one with a large version of the garden plan showing what is planted where, and one with information on the garden’s history. One sign could be placed in the raised bed and one between the rose bed and the grass lawn.

Develop a handout brochure describing the plantings in the rose garden to be readily available in the Library. Develop an informational plaque about the Rose Society to be placed in the Library entry.

2. Library West Entrance Area.

a. Problem.

This entrance area is somewhat less inviting than the east entrance, largely due to the dark, enclosed feel created by the trees. There are large bare areas where plants have died. Because of the shade and irrigation difficulties, the roses here provide very little color. The small ash tree at the west end of the entrance sidewalk may not be structurally sound and is not likely to grow well as it is confined to a very small root area surrounded almost entirely by concrete paving. The small locust tree in the circular bed is unlikely to grow well because the large ash tree overshadows it, and it is confined to a small root area surrounded by concrete paving (Photo 3). The large ash tree near the Library entrance has not been well maintained and is in danger of structural compromise. Three large lower branches are at near-term risk; two of them extend over the building structure, the other extends over the entrance sidewalk and seating area. Pedestrians have created an informal path from the loading dock driveway to the west entrance alongside the White Wings rose placing both the rose bush and its irrigation system at risk for damage. The upper tier of the planting bed at the west end of the entrance sidewalk is overgrown with weeds and has become unsightly. The roses in the middle and lower tiers (Jeepers Creepers) are struggling to survive. They are in nearly constant shade, and the irrigation system within those beds is marginal. The irrigation system water lines in the rose bed near the entrance door were damaged during the recent library renovation, and the plants were deprived of water for nearly two months.

b. Solution.

Consider removing the small ash tree at the west end of the entrance sidewalk. Alternatively, it could be transformed into a book-oriented sculpture. Consider reducing the three large, lower branches of the large ash tree to enhance the structural integrity of the tree and reduce potential risk to the building and pedestrians. Also, prune and thin the remainder of the tree to remove unsightly, unhealthy, and unwanted branches. Prune the other trees for health and shape and consider removing the Honey Locust tree in the circular bed. These actions would bring substantial light into the area to greatly change the character of this entry courtyard and make the roses in this area more viable.

Near the door, in bed 42, the roses do not perform well in this shaded area (Photo 4). If the roses continue to perform poorly after tree trimming, remove most roses except the Rostock. Underplant trees with Valerian or Plumbago, and add understory trees such as Dogwood or Viburnum. Or, plant native roses that are more likely to do well in this shaded area and that provide attractive foliage and colorful hips in the fall. Add a large seating boulder under the tree at the corner of the bed and other large boulders to anchor the area.

If the locust tree in the circular bed is removed, the Library sign on the building will be immediately visible. The ideal use for this bed may be a water feature to take advantage of the acoustics of the courtyard. However, it would need to be designed to be impervious to vandalism. If this is not a good option, plant a low-growing specimen shrub. The circular bed would also be a good location for a sign that describes the 50-year history of the Wyoming Library.

Extend rose planting along the west edge of the loading dock driveway (bed 60) to include the Rosewood that is failing. North of that, Photinia (rosaceae) or Rosewood could be added for color and to eliminate the pedestrian short cut alongside the White Wings rose. Because one of the original Rosewood plants in this bed has died and the remaining one is marginal, this option will require research on water and soil conditions since it is unlikely that the soil was appropriately prepared when this area was originally planted.

Consider tall evergreen or woodland shrubs for height in the upper tier of bed 41 at the west end of the entrance sidewalk to lessen the stark impact of the large expanse of wall. Excavate, evaluate, and rebuild the irrigation system in all three tiers of bed 41. Repeat boulders in front of bed 41.

Verify that the construction contractor properly repaired water lines, and restore individual irrigation lines to the affected plantings.

3. West Parking Lot and West Garden Area.

a. Problem.

This has been the most neglected area of the garden and general landscape. It is not very attractive and will require considerable effort and time to elevate its appearance to that of the North and East gardens. The areas on either side of the sidewalk that enters the Library property from the south are barren, devoid of any landscaping, and unattractive. The border areas along the sidewalks at both the north and south ends of the parking lot are essentially barren except for the trees (Photo 5). The xeric plants originally installed in these areas died many years ago. The Cotoneasters at both the southwest and northwest corners of the property have not been adequately maintained and are overgrown leaf and litter traps (Photo 6). The Rosemary and Sage near the southwest corner were severely damaged by the heavy winter snow, are not likely to recover, and are not consistent with the intended rose theme for this area. The heavy winter snow also damaged the Desert Willow trees along the west end of the property. The Lady Banks and Fernbush around the dumpster area are overgrown, unsightly, and sprawl into the parking lot. There are no signs in this west garden area, similar to those in the east garden that identify the Albuquerque Rose Garden or the Wyoming Library.

b. Solution.

Plant roses on both sides of the sidewalk that enters the property from the south (beds 59 and 60). Extend the existing rose bed along the sidewalk and driveway, and plant a small area of roses to the west of the sidewalk to complement those to the east.

Rugosa roses in the south parking lot island are vigorous and healthy. Plant Rugosas in the north island to add balance and to eliminate pedestrian traffic through the bed. Remove the Fortuniana roses from the north island and relocate them to the Daylily bed (bed 63) at the east parking lot. Remove the Cotoneasters at both the southwest and northwest corners. Place signs at both the southwest and northwest corners to facilitate easy recognition of the Rose Garden and the Wyoming Library. Use large boulders for these signs to act as anchors for the design, if this option is cost effective. Place smaller boulders between the sidewalk and the signs to protect them from errant motor vehicles and minimize the type of damage sustained at the southeast corner a few years ago.

Curb cuts should be considered between the parking lot and the planting beds at the southwest and northwest corners to facilitate water harvesting. Currently, rainwater is channeled off the property through a drain at the west end of the parking lot.

Remove the Lady Banks from the west side of the dumpster area. Remove the Fernbush on the south side of the dumpster area and replace with upright rose varieties such as Golden Showers or America to minimize sprawl into the parking lot and to tie the area into the rose garden. Repair and repaint the wall around the dumpster.

Select and plant roses, such as Carefree Delight or “wild” roses, to fill in along the north parking lot border (bed 72). Where the border curves to the south near the northwest corner, change the planting to roses similar to those in place in the northwest corner bed (bed 46N), especially along the east side of the bed where they receive morning sun. Repeat this treatment on the south end, with xeric plants or species roses along the straight portion of the border (bed 75), switching to roses at the curve near the southwest corner that are similar to those in place in the southwest corner bed (bed 45).

Remove the damaged Rosemary and Sage near the southwest corner.

Remove all damaged branches from the Desert Willow trees at the west end of the Library property. Many of those trees have suffered extensive damage over the years and may need to be removed. The Albuquerque City Forester should be consulted for a determination.

4. Picnic Area.

a. Problem.

Seating in this area is somewhat limited. The exterior courtyard wall is chipped and needs repair. The Rosemary and small tree in the area between the climbers and the sidewalk to the north are encroaching upon and obstructing views of the climbing roses (Photo 7). The overgrown Rosemary also obstructs access to multiple irrigation control boxes.

b. Solution.

On the top tier of bed 48 outside the northwest courtyard, add one more of the shrub that is planted there (probably Burkwood Viburnum). Add mini floras in lower tiers and another mini climber such as Hurdy Gurdy in bed 50 along the courtyard wall. Repair and repaint the exterior courtyard wall. Work with the Library maintenance staff to keep the courtyard ivy from encroaching on the miniature climbing roses.

Install a bench in the picnic area next to the two that are in front of bed 51 along the north courtyard wall. Add a seating boulder under the trees in the bed between the dumpster and the picnic area.

Add miniature roses just under the front of the bulletin board (bed 54), leaving space for people who need access to the board to work there.

On the north side, behind the climbers in bed 47, remove the little tree and the last rosemary on the east. Plant single roses north of the climbers.

5. North Garden Area.

a. Problem.

The Apache Plume along the sidewalk has not been adequately maintained. Consequently, it is overgrown, unsightly, and creates a visual barrier between the rose garden and the area beyond the sidewalk and street. The climbing roses along the east portion of the rose arbor have deteriorated significantly during recent years. They are failing and are not likely to again cover the arbor as they once did (Photo 8). The Rosemary at the northeast corner sustained fatal damage from the heavy winter snow. There is no sign in this general area to identify the library. Workers in the rose garden are frequently asked, “Where is the Library?”

b. Solution.

Remove most Apache Plume along the sidewalk and replace with something smaller and more colorful, planted in clusters for effect. Team members will research possibilities. Apache plume could be moved to the northeast courtyard or given away.

Install a new fragrance rose bed with a seating area in the barren area east of the sculpture (beds 61 and 62).

Remove prostrate Rosemary north of bed 1 and prune upright Rosemary. Use pavers or other hard surface to make a pedestrian path next to the drainage channel near bed 1.

Remove the existing climbing roses from beds 11 and 16 along both sides of the east portion of the rose arbor. Select and install the most aggressive growing, cold hardy, and disease resistant climbing roses, suitable for our growing conditions, in a color that appropriately complements the roses in the west portion of the rose arbor.

Remove Rosemary and Apache Plume at the northeast corner. Use this area as a utility area for construction of the new fragrance garden. After construction, plant roses in this area, to be chosen for growth habit and irrigation and soil requirements. Consider Meideland roses or “wild” roses such as Austrian Copper and Persian Yellow, which are not well represented in the garden. Add a few perennials such as Salvia and Giant Allium to attract beneficial insects. Add an anchor boulder north of the existing garden sign. Also, install an additional hanging sign that reads “Wyoming Library” under the garden sign.

6. East Parking Lot and East Garden Area.

a. Problem.

The pear trees in bed 33 (east of the parking lot and north of the sidewalk) and beds 36 and 37 (south of the sidewalk) shade this area too much for the roses to be viable. Although much work has been done on the trees, they still need more thinning than is practical if roses are to remain here. There is concern among some arborists that these pear trees tend to become unstable as they age and approach the end of their expected lifespan. The Dr. Huey rootstock rose in the Daylily bed is overgrown and unattractive. The Desert Willow in the island west of the south driveway has suffered considerable damage and may not be salvageable. The Dr. Huey east of the south driveway blocks motorist’s view of traffic on Apache Avenue (Photo 9). Apache Plume between the northeast courtyard wall and the parking lot is overgrown, unsightly, and obstructs access to the utility boxes (bed 53).

b. Solution.

In the Daylily bed (bed 63), keep the Daylilies and other small bulb varieties. Be careful of small plants when moving rose soil from this area. Remove the volunteer Pyracantha. Keep the Dr. Huey and relocate Fortuniana rootstock roses from the west parking lot to this area. Add an educational sign describing the role of Dr. Huey and Fortuniana in rootstock, grafting, etc. Add one or two other large roses depending on space available. Keep the tree, which dates from the original library.

Continue efforts to thin the pear trees in beds 33, 36, and 37 to allow more light to penetrate to the rose beds underneath the trees. While the one-time bloomers appear to be doing well, they would also benefit from tree thinning. Removal of any tree would ruin the balance of the overall design. Consider developing a succession plan to replace the pear trees with higher canopy trees that will permit filtered light to penetrate to the roses beneath them.

Add a bench in bed 36 south of the sidewalk facing west in the bare shaded spot.

Remove the Apache Plume from bed 53 (between the northeast courtyard and parking lot) and replace with Butterfly bushes, leaving clearance for the doors of the utility boxes. Remove the volunteer Rosemary at the base of the oak tree. Trim the oak trees to provide adequate pedestrian access, especially over and near the sidewalk. Clean up the Lavender and prune the Rosemary next to it. Add more Potentilla to fill spaces. Create a raised bed for the roses. Add seating boulders. Install a screen, similar to those in the courtyard, in front of the utility boxes.

Consider removing the damaged Desert Willow in the area west of the south driveway (bed 65). It could be replaced with a Live Oak similar to those in the two small islands. The Desert Willow in the area east of the driveway (bed 64) requires more limb removal because of snow damage. The one in the rose bed (bed 38) should remain. Together, these two trees make one good tree! They balance the one in the Daylily bed. Remove the Dr. Huey near the driveway. Plant pink Knockout roses in the beds on both sides of the south driveway and at the southeast corner of the lawn border to continue the color from the southeast rose beds along this area. These roses would stay low enough to enable drivers exiting the parking lot to view oncoming traffic on Apache Avenue.

7. Northeast Courtyard Area.

a. Problem.

The Pomegranate and Lilac have not been adequately maintained and are overgrown and grown together. Also, a volunteer elm tree is growing up through the Pomegranate. Landscape irrigation was turned off several years ago to prevent further water damage to the building and courtyard walls. Consequently, weeds and Bermuda grass have overtaken the courtyard, and the Pomegranate and Lilac suffer from lack of adequate water (Photo 10). The storage sheds exhibit significant indications of weather damage, and one shed is leaning as though it might be nearing collapse (Photo 11). It provides limited protection of its contents from wind and rain. Together the two sheds do not provide adequate space for the tools and materials required to maintain the Rose Garden.

b. Solution.

Several options for storage in the courtyard have been considered, including constructing a larger storage building (1) at the northeast corner of the courtyard, (2) in the location of the current sheds, or (3) along the north wall of the courtyard. The location at the northeast corner would be screened from view from within the Library. However, construction in this area could adversely impact the Pomegranate and Lilac, which currently provide the only interest in the courtyard. The location on the north wall is attractive because of ease of construction and accessibility and because the roof slope could be made to mirror that of the Library. However, this location is the most visible from inside the Library. The current location is most restricted in terms of space but is also the least visible from the Library and is reasonably accessible.

Whatever specific location is chosen for the storage building, it should be an attractive structure with a permanent appearance. The Rose Society also needs a working area adjacent to or near the storage building. Large-scale plantings such as species roses, xeric plants, or additional Pomegranate could be used to screen the view of the storage building and work area from inside the Library. The existing courtyard irrigation system will require modification to accommodate any new landscape and should include the capability to support watering new roses in pots before they are planted in the garden.

Consider installing a system to harvest rainwater from the Library roof similar to the capability at the east entrance.

The existing shade tree should be thinned of dead wood. A cooperative effort between the Rose Society and the Library maintenance staff will be needed to maintain the courtyard, restore irrigation to the Pomegranate and Lilac, and control weeds until a permanent landscape solution can be achieved.

8. Irrigation System.

a. Problem.

The irrigation system in the Rose Garden employs a multi-zone configuration that uses a combination of pop-up spray heads and multi-outlet emission devices for drip irrigation. Low volume, single emitter drip outlets were originally installed for the xeric plantings. Unfortunately, the configuration is not consistent among rose beds and other planting areas. Some rose beds have pop-up spray heads; others do not. Some spray heads are obstructed by mature rose plants and are not efficient. Some spray heads have built-in check valves; others do not. While some drip emission devices were installed below ground level, others were not (Photo 12). Some of those installed below ground level were encased in protective covered sleeves; others were not and are difficult to access, if they can even be located. Several of those installed above ground level have been damaged from pedestrian traffic and weather. The 18 individual irrigation zones employ different flow rates based upon the original garden and landscape design and intended plantings. Flow rates in some zones may not be sufficient to adequately sustain existing and future plantings.

b. Solution.

Re-evaluate the overall irrigation system to determine its adequacy and efficiency and identify any areas that need to be redesigned and/or reconfigured. Specifically, consider suitable alternatives to pop-up spray heads. In the interim, install spray heads with built-in check valves to prevent low head drainage and damaging soil saturation in low elevation planting areas. Replace damaged drip emission devices. Locate and excavate drip emission devices that are below ground and unprotected and reinstall them on higher risers, if necessary. Install protective covered sleeves around all drip emission devices.

9. Signs.

a. Problem.

Individual rose varieties are identified with signs that provide the name, class (hybrid tea, floribunda, hybrid musk, etc.), and color of the rose. Other signs provide a more detailed description of specific classes of roses represented in the garden. These signs are an integral element of the overall educational approach to increasing the public’s knowledge and appreciation of roses. Unfortunately, the individual rose signs are somewhat fragile and highly susceptible to damage from pedestrian traffic and deterioration from our climate. Also, the local company that made the sign support structure is no longer in business, so replacement parts are not available. Approximately 75 individual rose and xeric plant signs are missing, damaged, or unreadable (Photo 13). Also, 15 of the large descriptive signs are required to identify specific rose and xeric plant classes in the garden, as well as to provide information such as irrigation and fertilization requirements.

b. Solution.

Identify and evaluate suitable alternatives to the fragile signs to identify individual rose varieties. Research the capability at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden to manufacture individual plant identification signs. Replace all missing, damaged, and unreadable signs. Develop and install descriptive signs for those rose classes that need them.

F. IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH.

1. Planning and Preparation.

Several wide-ranging activities will be accomplished as part of the planning and preparation phase of the overall implementation approach.

a. Remove and dispose of all damaged, diseased, and undesirable rose and xeric plants. Figure 1 provides a color-coded depiction of the Rose Garden and Library landscape in its current configuration. The color codes indicate rose and xeric plants in good condition (green) that will remain unchanged and plants in relatively acceptable condition (yellow) that will remain but require substantial maintenance to improve their performance and attractiveness. Plants designated for removal are indicated in red. Removing all the plants designated for removal will provide a clean slate for repairing/modifying irrigation and preparing the beds for new plant installation. As indicated earlier, many of the original xeric plants have not survived while others have not been properly maintained and have become overgrown and unsightly. While many of those plants will be removed, several of each surviving type of xeric plant will be retained to continue the intent of the original garden design. If practical, some plants may be relocated to other areas of the garden; others may be made available for use at other libraries or to members of local garden clubs.

b. Solicit, obtain, and evaluate detailed proposals (with complete cost estimates) for soil excavation, irrigation system assessment and repair/modification, xeric plant removal, tree trimming and removal, and rose soil installation.

c. Perform a complete irrigation system audit. Determine the adequacy of existing irrigation circuits and valve schedules to support existing and planned rose and xeric planting beds. Identify areas that require repair, modification, or replacement of components. Repair and or modify the irrigation system to support existing and new planting areas.

d. Coordinate with the Albuquerque City Forester to assess the health and structural integrity of all trees on the grounds surrounding the Library. Determine specific requirements for limb removal, thinning, and potential tree removal. Obtain a letter of concurrence from the Albuquerque Urban Forester before removing any trees. Prepare and submit a letter to the Inez Neighborhood Association to inform them of any requirement to remove trees and explain reasons for removing them and expected benefits.

e. Obtain detailed soil analyses, as necessary, within each designated new planting area. Determine whether to excavate and refill each area with an appropriate soil mix or merely amend the existing soil as new plants are installed. For those areas to be excavated, mark and excavate the areas to a depth of 18”, repair or reconfigure the irrigation system, and install the appropriate soil mix.

f. Research and select specific rose and xeric plants to be installed in the new planting areas. Consideration will be given to selecting plants that link color, texture, fragrance, etc. throughout the garden to help tie the whole garden together. Consider duplicating classes or varieties of roses that were planted near the Library entrances under the trees in better locations in the garden. Identify sources for selected rose and xeric plants, and obtain cost estimates.

g. Research and select a style or theme for the hardscape to ensure a cohesive look throughout the garden. Identify specific elements that will be installed, identify sources, and obtain cost estimates.

h. Research, identify, and evaluate alternative options for individual rose and xeric plant signs, rose class signs, and educational and general information signs to establish a standardized signage system throughout the garden. A consistent signage system will provide a professional look throughout the garden and ensure appropriate information is provided to visitors. Assess the existing inventory of individual rose sign materials, determine the expected usage rate, and estimate the approximate time horizon for transition to an alternative replacement sign concept. Develop text and graphics for display on rose class, educational, and general information signs. Identify sources for signs and obtain cost estimates.

i. Document various options under consideration for a new storage facility with site plan to include size, location, orientation, significant architectural features, and preliminary cost estimates. Consideration will be given to optimizing the available space consistent with satisfying storage requirements and ensuring the finished structure blends architecturally with the existing Library structure. Review each option with Library management, and select the mutually preferred option. Prepare and submit specifications for the storage facility to the Cultural Services Department purchasing agent to solicit bids. Evaluate received bids and provide input to the purchasing agent. Depending on the specific storage facility option that is selected, it may be necessary to remove and/or prune existing plants before construction can begin.

j. Develop a landscape design for the northeast courtyard that preserves the existing Pomegranate and Lilac and provides optimal screening of the storage facility and work area from view from within the Library. Assess the integrity and adequacy of the existing courtyard irrigation system to support the landscape design. Reconfigure or reconstruct the irrigation system, as necessary, to support the landscape design.

k. Assess the feasibility and practicality of installing curb cuts at the west end of the west parking lot to harvest and channel rain water from the parking lot to the rose beds.

l. Evaluate all received cost estimates and develop an implementation prioritization approach to achieve optimum benefit of available funds.

2. Implementation.

Implementation of the proposed garden renovation solutions identified in paragraph E above can begin as appropriate elements of the planning and preparation phase are completed. While final priorities for implementation will be a function of cost and availability of funds, the following general priorities will be a significant factor in final implementation planning.

a. High-priority, near-term activities include tree trimming and removal, if necessary, assessment and repair of the irrigation system, selection and construction of a new storage facility, removal of all unwanted plantings, excavation and preparation of new planting beds, and replacement of missing and damaged rose identification signs.

b. Both of the Library entrance areas need early attention to maintain an attractive and inviting presence. However, rose-specific renovation initiatives outlined above should be postponed for at least one growing season until the effects of trimming the trees can be adequately assessed. The west parking lot and west garden area as well as the east parking lot and east garden area renovation initiatives should also receive early attention.

c. The final group of area-specific renovation activities will include the picnic area, the north garden area, both Library entrance areas, and the northeast courtyard.

3. Schedule.

An initial list of specific activities/tasks required to accomplish the initiatives described in paragraph F.1.a through F.1.l above is provided in Figure 2, with the preliminary schedule for each activity’s completion, and identification of the responsible organization.

a. The planning and preparation activities as well as the high-priority, near-term activities described in paragraph 2.a. above and identified as ‘1^st Things’ in Figure 2, should be completed not later than the end of the 2008 growing season. The activities identified as 1^st Things on page 18 are higher priority than the activities identified on page 19.

b. The first group of area-specific activities described in paragraph 2.b. above should be completed by the end of the 2009 growing season.

c. The final group of area-specific activities identified in paragraph 2.c. above should be completed during 2010.