shelburne falls residential master plan

kristin Thomasfall 2009

conway school of landscape design332 deerfield road

conway, ma

Samoriski Property9 Main Street

Shelburne Falls, MA

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Kristin Thomas Fall 2009

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Conway School of Landscape Design332 S. Deerfield Road

Conway • MA 01341 www.csld.edu


Shelburne Falls, MAIndex

Context

Introduction 1

Regional Context 2

Historical Context 3

Existing Conditions 4

Analysis

Views 5

Sun & Shadows 6

Drainage & Soils 7

Legal and Utilities 8

Access & Circulation 9

Summary Analysis 10

Alternatives & Design

Alternative 1 11

Alternatives 2 & 3 12

Final Design 13

Design Details 14

Planting Plan 15

Plant Palette 1 16

Plant Palette 2 17

Materials 18

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Shelburne Falls, MAIntroduction

Clients and Desired OutcomesHank and Sue Samoriski’s historic property has quite a story to tell. Originally built in 1850, the Shelburne Falls home and adjoining property have been in Sue’s family since the early 1920s and Sue herself grew up here.

Fingerprints of her family history can be found throughout the property, from the rear mudroom that used to house her uncle’s art studio to the three large Norway spruces planted by her grandfather nearly ninety years ago. History plays a large role in the Samoriskis’ lives right now. Sue is the founder of the Mary Lyons Historical Society and is currently living in the historic Mary Lyons home in Buckland, Massachusetts. She also is the unofficial town historian for the village of Shelburne Falls. The Samoriskis are presently renting out this Shelburne Falls home as two apartments but plan on moving back here and returning it to a single family home upon Sue’s retirement, within the next ten years.

While the property is rich in historical context and charm, the Samoriskis would like to make some improvements in time for their return to Shelburne Falls.

Desired Outcomes1. Increase Privacy Create an environment of peace, tranquility and privacy through strong visual and sound buffers to surrounding neighbors, specifically in the backyard. 2. Preserve, Improve and Increase Vegetation Explore ways to restore and highlight the historical aspects of the site, as well as increase vegetation around the home 3. Consider Alternatives Increasing Outdoor Living Spaces• Determine a location for an addition of a three-season living space • Create a defined zone outdoors for dining, parties, and family gatherings in the backyard4. Improve Access and Circulation, and Drainage• Resolve drainage issues occurring along the driveway• Create clear links from the driveway into the home and consider ways to link the garage to the home. • Create a welcoming and clear transition from the public front yard to the private back yard• Establish links between the indoor and outdoor spaces

Samoriski property viewed from Main Street, fall 2009

South face of home along side yard

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Shelburne Falls, MA

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The Samoriski property is located in western Massachusetts in the town of Shelburne Falls, located in the northern Pioneer Valley. The Connecticut River runs north to south through the valley with many tributaries running into it, creating fertile ground for agriculture and mill industries.

Small in Size, Rich in CultureShelburne Falls is a small but bustling village nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire mountains and along the Deerfield River. Settled in 1775, the town has a rich past of agriculture, fishing, mills, and manufacturing industries due to its location along the river. In the 20th century as manufacturing industries declined, tourist-related businesses were established in Shelburne Falls. Bed and breakfast lodging, retail shops, restaurants, and a rich arts community have developed to create a vibrant New England town.

Close to It AllThe proximity of the Samoriski home to Bridge Street offers easy access to numerous town amenities. Outdoor recreation opportunities, cafes, the library, and various retail shops are all within a five-minute walk.

Nearby Glacial AttractionsGlacial potholes, left after glacial Lake Hitchcock receded, provide a unique and interesting tourist attraction, just steps from the center of town and the Samoriski porperty.

On the EdgeThe Samoriski property, shown here in red and yellow, is roughly one block north of the commercial shops of Shelburne Falls, depicted in blue, with more residences to the north.

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regional Context

Aerial view of Shelburne Falls, located along the Deerfield River, with the Samoriski property in yellow

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Shelburne Falls, MAHistorical context

Originally built as the town doctor’s home, a street formerly ran along the south of the home, which is why there is a front entry on what is now the south side of the house. Eventually that side street was eliminated and the house became oriented toward Main Street.

Sue’s family has owned the property for nearly ninety years and she has many fond memories of spending much time inside the home and in the yard as well as the surrounding neighborhood. The Samoriskis would like to preserve and highlight the historical aspects of the property in any future development .

c. 1850 Samoriski home with a smaller front entry porch on the right and no upper porch on the left

2009 with a wraparound porch to meet the new orientation towards Main Street

Three large Norway spruces

Large stone slab in front of garage could be integrated into the landscape

Sun-deprived lilacs planted by Sue’s grandfather

Large, stone rear entry steps could be re-purposed

Front entry with distinct fanlightwindow and Annabelle hydrangeas

A large Norway maple shades the driveway

c. 1920 View of home from Main Street with street trees 2009 View of home from Main Street with no street trees

The Samoriski property has a rich history, with many architectural details throughout the property indicating the home’s age.

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Shelburne Falls, MA

N0’ 10’ 20’

Main Entry

GarageDriveway

Neighbor’s Garage

Neighbor’s Shed

Mai

n St

reet

Neighbor

Senior CenterBank

ParkingLot

Porch

Common Purple Lilac

Annabelle HydrangeasRed Maple

Maple

Climbing Rose

NorwaySpruces

Norway Maple

Empty Concrete

Pad

Turf

Kitchen

Funeral Door

Rear Entry

Bulkhead toBasement

Side

wal

k

The Samoriskis’ 1/4-acre property features an 1850s brick and clapboard home, numerous historical plants, and many open views into and out of the property. Problem drainage along the driveway and a lack a privacy in the backyard are existing conditions that are of concern.

uDriveway and Parking• A gravel drive, shaded by a large Norway maple, begins at

Main Street and leads to a two-car garage, currently used for storage.

• Although the site is relatively flat, there is a gentle slope towards the north foundation, which may be contributing to problems of a wet basement.

ventry area• A concrete path leads from the sidewalk to the front

porch; this is the only established path on the property.• Once on the porch, guests may be confused about finding

the front entrance. On the west is a seldom-used historical funeral door which guests see first; the main entry is on the south side of the porch.

wSoutheast corner of Home• A bulkhead provides the only direct exterior access to the

basement.• A climbing red rose planted by Sue’s grandfather carries

nostalgic meaning but is struggling to survive in its current location.

• Two doors along the south of the home provide access from the kitchen to the side yard, which is predominately turf.

xopen side yard• Lilacs, hydrangeas, and spruces planted by Sue’s

grandfather are the highlights of the side yard.• The frequently used Senior Center lies to the south of

the property and has entrances on both the east and west sides.

• A busy bank parking lot also lies to the south, with open views into and out of the yard.

yexposed back yard• The backyard looks directly into the eastern neighbor’s

yard, where a garage, shed, and an empty concrete pad are all visible.

• Three large Norway spruces provide shade and some screening. Neighbor’s brush piles are visible underneath the spruces.

• A rear entry into the home has large historical stone steps that are difficult to navigate.

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y

Existing Conditions

ConcretePath

Front Entrance to Senior Center

Rear Entrance to Senior Center

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Shelburne Falls, MA

House

Garage

Neighbor’sGarage

Neighbor’s Shed

Neighbor

Senior Center Bank ParkingLot

Mai

n St

reet

Driveway uPositive Views out to Main Street• Broad views out to the street and into the porch maintain a

positive connection to the neighborhood.• To the southwest is the commerical zone of Shelburne Falls with

a busy parking lot visible from the front yard.• Due west and northwest are neighboring residences, many of

whom the homeowners enjoy visiting with.

vviews into and out of side and back yards• Broad views into and out of the side yard leave it feeling open

and exposed.• Privacy is particularly lacking in the backyard where views

look south into a bank parking lot and into the yard from the parking lot.

xviews of north neighbor• Looking out from the north side of the home, there is a broad

view of the neighboring home and Norway maple, with nothing indicating the transition from the Samoriskis’ property to the neighbors’.

Commercial Zone

Neighbor’s Cement

Pad

NorwayMaple

NorwaySpruces

Porch

uw

x

v

View from Main Street to front porch Commercial zone to the south Eastern neighbor’s cement pad Bank parking lot to the southSide yard view to Main Street

wNegative Views of East Neighbor An empty cement pad on the eastern neighbor’s property is visible from the back yard, as well as brush and garbage piles under the Norway spruces.

Views In

Views Out

views

Many views into and out of the property create challenges in establishing privacy, particularly in the side and back yards, where existing vegetation is very limited.

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Shelburne Falls, MA

Garage

Senior Center

Neighbor

Neighbor’s Garage

Neighbor’sShed

Mai

n St

reet

Driveway

PMWinter

Sun

6+ Hours of Summer Sun

All-Day Winter Shade

AMWinter

Sun

House

xShady Spruces• Deep shade is cast in winter from both the Senior

Center and the three Norway spruces. • This greatly reduces the amount of solar gain

available, particularly in the winter.• Replacing the spruces with a deciduous tree would

provide summer shade and allow for greater winter solar gain into the property.

vSouth Yard• An envelope of nearly full summer sun along the

southern portion of the yard creates a prime area for increased gardens and entertaining.

• Some shade may be needed to create comfortable outdoor spaces.

• The southern property boundary along the Senior Center experiences nearly full shade all year and heavy snow falling from the Senior Center’s roof.

• Any plants here must be shade tolerant, herbaceous species that can be cut to the ground each fall so as not to be crushed by snow.

wNorthern Driveway• This area experiences nearly full shade in winter

and partial shade in summer, which creates a potentially icy driveway and a cold, wet microclimate.

• Choosing a permeable driveway material to quickly drain away melting snow may help alleviate the icy conditions.

uWestern Front Yard• This is a particularly hot dry area, calling for

increased shade and heat-tolerant vegetation.• Previously, there were street trees along Main

Street, casting deep shade on the front porch. After being removed during recent sidewalk renovations, the trees were not replaced, leaving the area exposed to full afternoon sun.

Bank Parking Lot

Sun & Shadows

u

v

w

x

The Samoriski property has a sunny south yard and a shady north drive. A large Norway maple on the driveway and the looming Senior Center to the south create pockets of deep shade.

N0’ 10’ 20’

Neighbor’sCement

Pad

Norway Spruces

Norway Maple

Full Shade

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Shelburne Falls, MADrainage & Soils

House

Neighbor

Garage

Mai

n St

reet

Neighbor’s Garage

Neighbor’sShed

Senior Center Bank ParkingLot

Driveway

12” wide French Drain

Neighbor’s Gutter& Downspout

Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters & Downspouts

The Samoriski property is relatively flat with a gentle slope towards the southeast corner of backyard. There is a problematic slope along the driveway that currently funnels water towards the northern foundation. Some of the property’s soil has high lead levels.

uProblem drainage• The gentle slope along the driveway causes water to run

directly towards the northern foundation.• Some of that water is coming from the northern neighbors’

gutter which drains out directly north of the driveway.• The Samoriskis are also experiencing wet basement issues

which may be partially caused by this drainage pattern.• Water also collects around the rear steps where the soil

along the foundation has been eroded.• Positive slopes will have to be established along the

foundation to effectively deal with drainage and the northern neighbors’ gutter run-off will need to be mitigated.

vgutters and drains• Gutters wrap around the roof of the front porch and

effectively drain into a recently constructed 12” wide French drain.

wsoils high in lead• The soil was discovered to be a sandy, well-drained loam

that drains quickly but allows water to move off site very quickly, particularly due to the lack of vegetation to mitigate that runoff.

• Soil samples taken around the entire perimeter of the home were found to have high lead levels. This is a common characteristic for buildings constructed prior to 1980 due to lead-based paints used up until that time.

• Specific amendments or removal of the soil will be necessary to create healthy soil and any edible plants should be containerized or planted in raised beds established with clean soil.

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N0’ 10’ 20’

Problem Drainage Drainage Direction Lead Soil

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Shelburne Falls, MALegal & Utilities

House

Senior Center

Neighbor

Neighbor’s Garage

Neighbor’s Shed

Garage

Driveway

Mai

n St

reet

Bank ParkingLot

Oil fill pipesElectrical meterWater

line

Establishing the lot setbacks creates a clear central envelope where any new building construction can occur. Utilities are concentrated to the northwest corner of the property.

uZoning Setbacks• According to Shelburne Falls zoning by-laws, the Samoriski

property lies just inside the edge of the village commercial zone.• Lot setbacks for the village commercial district are 20’ for front

and back yards and 10’ for side yards.• The front porch and the garage, which lie within those setback

zones, create non-conforming areas but have been grand-fathered in due to their 1850s construction. Any changes to these structures would require a variance.

• If the Samoriskis want to construct a new outdoor living space, such as a porch or pergola, it would need to be constructed outside of the setback areas.

vaccess to utilities• Most of the utilities enter the house along the northern portion

of the driveway.• Overhead wires run from the street to the northwest corner of

the home.• The oil fill pipes along the northern drive are easily accessible

because there are no foundation plantings.• The property hooks up to city sewer and water along the front

of the home and out to Main Street.• Any future site development in this area should maintain easy

access to utilities and the location of existing underground lines should be noted before beginning construction.

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oh ElectricalWires

Zoning Setback

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Shelburne Falls, MAAccess & Circulation

Garage

Neighbor

Mai

n St

reet

Senior Center

Neighbor’sGarage

Neighbor’s Shed

Bank ParkingLot

Driveway

Kitchen

MainEntry

Funeral Door

Bulkhead to Basement

Curb

Sidewalk

Rear Entry

ConcretePath

Circulation routes throughout the property are confusing for guests. Access to the home and outdoor spaces is complicated by an unclear front entry and narrow steps leading to the yard.

udisconnected driveway• Once parked in the driveway, there is no visible

path leading to an entrance for guests.• There are no pathways to offer secure footing

for the Samoriskis in inclement weather.

vConfusing Front Entry• The property currently has only one clear

concrete path linking the sidewalk to the front porch, where a guest is confronted with two options for entrances.

• A historical, seldom-used funeral door is found on the west and the main entry, not immediately visible, is found on the south side of the home.

wlimited access to outdoors• Access from indoors to the sideyard is through

two doors on the south side of the home.• Narrow landings off these two doors make

accessing the kitchen difficult, particularly when entertaining outdoors with larger groups and carrying items up and down the small steps.

xdifficult rear entry• Large stone steps to the rear entry are difficult

to navigate.• There is no clear pathway from the driveway and

garage to the rear entry and the homeowners are exposed to the elements when they transition from the garage to the rear entry.

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N0’ 10’ 20’Frequent Vehicle Traffic

Frequent Foot Traffic of Homeowners and Guests

Less Frequent Vehicle Traffic

Less Frequent Foot Traffic of Homeowners

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Shelburne Falls, MA

Summary analysis

Kitchen

Garage

Senior Center

Neighbor’s Garage

Neighbor’s Shed

Neighbor

Mai

n St

reet

Bank ParkingLot

Driveway

PM Summer Sun

PMWinter

Sun

vSide and Back Yards• Nearly full summer creates a prime space for

entertaining and increased vegetation.• Many open views in and out make privacy

difficult.• Historical plants are spread throughout the side

yard, some of which may need to be transplanted for better sun exposure.

• A small set of stairs from the kitchen out to the side yard makes access challenging.

Design Directives: Increase privacy buffers, create a dedicated entertaining zone, increase gardens and create a smooth transition from the kitchen to outdoors.

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v

w

wNorthern Driveway• Full winter shade covers the driveway.• Puddling of water is occurring along the northern

foundation, which may be contributing to a wet basement.

• Open views to the northern neighbor and little vegetation make privacy difficult.

• A large stone slab in front of the garage and the older Norway maple are historical elements that could be integrated into a final design.

• A lack of clear pathways between the driveway and the home leave this area feeling disconnected from the rest of the property and the large rear entry steps are difficult to navigate.

Design Directives: Resolve drainage issues, establish circulation paths and improve the rear entry.

The Samoriski property is characterized by a sunny side yard and shady driveway, unclear entrances, many open views and numerous historical elements.

Walk

Stone slabNorway Maple

Rear entry

Main Entry

Funeral Door

Norway Spruces

Historic Plants

N0’ 10’ 20’

uFront Yard: • Summer sun and a lack of shade create a hot

microclimate.• Views from the front porch out to the

street maintain a positive connection to the neighborhood.

• A concrete walk links the sidewalk to the front porch, leaving the driveway and side yards feeling disconnected.

• The main entry on the south side and the funeral door of the west side of the house confuse guests as they arrive at the home.

Design Directives: Increase shade, maintain open views, improve access to driveway and yards, and establish a clear main entry.

ProblemDrainage

Historical Elements

Views In & Out

Full Winter ShadeUnclear Entry

6+ Hrs Summer Sun

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Shelburne Falls, MA

Alternative 1: Secret Garden

Notable Features• Layers of formal plantings and a clearly defined path lead guests through a public side yard.• An arbored gateway leads into the private backyard.• A fully covered porch links the patio to the kitchen.• The garage has been relocated to the north side of the home and reduced to accommodate one car.• A secret garden has replaced the former garage, surrounded with walls of lush vegetation and seating.Pros• Large increases in vegetation and entertaining space• The relocated garage now provides a completely covered transition to inside home• The bulkhead has remained in place, reducing renovation costsCons• High construction costs due to relocating and reconstructing the garage• Pedestrians may be able to see directly through the trellised gateway to the back yard, reducing privacy

Design Concepts Common to All Three Alternatives

Fence Buffer• A 6’ fence surrounds the backyard in all three design alternatives, providing a strong visual and

sound buffer for the most private parts of the property.

Key Transitions• In each design alternative there is a key transition from the public front yard to the more private

backyard. Each transition is announced via a gateway or arbor and occurs near the main entry of the house.

Entertaining space• A dedicated entertaining space is in each design alternative, including a patio and a covered or

trellised porch for regular gatherings of family and friends.

DRiveway Drainage swale and vegetation• To address drainage issues, the driveway, the northern foundation, garage, and northern property

boundary have all been regraded to create positive drainage away from the home.• A drainage swale has also been installed along the northern property boundary to intercept

runoff coming from the northern neighbor’s gutter. This area is planted with moisture-tolerant species that can withstand occasional flooding.

Improved Access to front entrance• Porch steps along the driveway have been constructed to create an improved transition from the

driveway to the main entry.• Porch steps have also been added directly in front of the main entry to meet the pathway

through the public sideyard.

N0’ 10’ 20’

Kitchen

Funeral Door

MainEntry

RelocatedGarage

Neighbor’s Garage

Neighbor’sShed

Neighbor

Senior CenterBank

ParkingLot

Covered Porch

Driveway

EmtpyConcrete

Pad

New Patio

TurfMai

n St

reet Rear

Entry

Shed

Alternative 1

Arboredgate

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Shelburne Falls, MAalternatives 2 & 3

Notable Features• Guests are greeted with a stone wall and layers of vegetation as they move from the sidewalk to the front porch.• Meandering paths lead through the public side yard where vegetation provides buffering from the senior center.• A stone patio steps up to a pergola-covered porch and links to the kitchen.• The three Norway spruces have been replaced by deciduous trees and increased vegetation in the back yard.• A new small porch off the rear of the home improves the entry experience.

pros• Large increases in vegetation• Spruces removed for greater solar gain• Trellised porch links the kitchen to the outdoors

Cons• There is not a full covered transition zone between the garage and the home.• Snowfall from the roof may collect on the trellis-covered porch and block doorways.• Plants along the southern property boundary are subject to snowfall off of Senior Center roof.

Notable Features• A pergola-covered porch extends off the entry porch and provides the private back yard with a strong buffer

from the public front yard.• A stone patio is enveloped by ornamental plantings.

pros• Provides maximum privacy due to the placement of the new pergola porch• A rear-entry porch and ramp provides a fully covered transition from the garage to the home• Multiple entertaining areas are throughout the back yard for small or large gatherings

Cons• Spruces remain and decrease winter solar gain• The narrow steps remain as the only link between the kitchen to outdoors.

N0’ 10’ 20’ N0’ 10’ 20’

Kitchen

Funeral Door

MainEntry

GarageNeighbor’s

Garage

Neighbor’sShed

Neighbor

Senior Center BankParking

Lot

New Pergola Porch

Driveway

EmtpyConcrete

Pad

New Patio

Turf

RearEntry

New

Ent

ry

Porc

h

Mai

n St

reet Kitchen

Funeral Door

MainEntry

Garage Neighbor’s Garage

Neighbor’sShed

Neighbor


Lot

New Pergola Porch

Driveway

EmtpyConcrete

Pad

New Patio

Turf

RearEntry

New Entry Ramp

Mai

n St

reet

Gate

Gate

Bench

Bench

Alternative 2: Meandering paths Alternative 3: Pergola Privacy

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Shelburne Falls, MAFinal Design

With the proposed final design, the property now has clearly defined public and private zones. A large increase in vegetation and dedicated entertaining areas create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

uA Welcoming Front Garden• A picket fence and boxwood hedges wrap around the public front yard. • Serviceberry trees provide spring flowering interest, summer shade and

bright red fall foliage, as well as strategic buffering of views into the backyard.

• Flowering shrubs line the front porch and a stone walk leads to the front porch, where ornamental potted plants on either side of the front door clearly indicate the main entry for guests.

vWalk of flowers• Layers of flowering perennials and shrubs border a turf path that leads

through the semi public side yard. • A trellised gateway indicates the transition from public to private space and

panels of trellis extend on either side of the arbor to maintain privacy for the backyard. A stone walk aligns with the arbor gateway to provide access to the main entry.

wPerennials that buffer• Since the first ten feet out from the north side of the senior center is a zone

of heavy snow fall off the roof and deep shade vegetation must be tolerant of shade and heavy snow piles.

• Tall, shade-tolerant ornamental grasses and flowering perennials provide buffering from the adjacent senior center and can be cut back each fall to tolerate heavy snow piles. Flowering vines climb up panels of lattice that are placed between the senior center windows.

xtiers of entertaining space• A stone patio is enveloped by low stone sitting walls and a cutting

garden. The patio steps up to a covered porch where deep shade creates a comfortable space to relax and the kitchen is easily accessible.

• The bulkhead has been moved to the south face of the home to provide ample room for the porch addition.

yA shady Retreat• To maintain summer shade and increase winter solar gain, the three Norway

spruces have been replaced with a red maple that was transplanted from the front yard. Smaller flowering trees and ornamental shrubs surround a private sitting area under the red maple canopy, accessible by a short stepping stone path.

za place to play• The only turf on the property— a small lawn provides a space for outdoor

games and activities. It is bordered to the west by a 6 foot wooden privacy fence and layers of vegetation that surround the entire back yard.

78

the secret garden• A new private garden is surrounded with large shrubs and flowering perennials. Continuity is achieved by repeating

the trellised-gateway at the entrance to the garden room and two benches and a water fountain create a space for small gatherings.

• Large flowering shrubs buffer the garden room from a new entry porch and ramp joining the rear of the home to the garage and improving the entry experience.

Improved Driveway Drainage• The driveway has been regraded to create positive drainage away from the house (see Design Details Sheet 14). A vegetative

groundcover has been introduced to the driveway with two tracks of permeable pavers providing a route for cars. The permeable pavers continue into an open area in front of the garage with ample parking space.

• A new vegetated drainage swale along the northern property boundary catches runoff from the neighbor’s gutter.• New steps have been added off the north side of the front porch to provide a direct connection between the driveway and

the main entry.

Kitchen

Funeral Door

MainEntry

Garage

Neighbor’s Garage

Neighbor’sShed

Neighbor


Lot

New Covered Porch

Pervious Pavers on Driveway

EmtpyConcrete

Pad

New Patio

Turf

RearEntry

New Entry Porch & Ramp

Picket fence

6’Fence

w

u

v y

z

8

7

x

Mai

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Bulkhead

Gate

Gate

Mowed Path

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Shelburne Falls, MADesign Details

Grading and Drainage

uThe driveway has been regraded to create positive drainage away from the northern foundation to alleviate the water issues occuring in the basement.

vA new drainage swale along the northern edge of the driveway receives runoff from the northern neighbor’s gutter and is planted with species tolerant of occasional flooding.

wHigh points in the driveway direct water toward the vegetated swale along the northern edge of the driveway.

xWindow wells have been added along all basement windows along the driveway to accommodate the increase in grade and additional soil to create positive drainage away from the home.

ySoil has also been added along the foundation near the rear entry and a small berm 2’ wide by 4” high has been added directly in front of the garage to create positive drainage away from the buildings.

House

Garage

Neighbor

Rear Entry

Indicates direction of water flow

Swale

Swale

y

u

v

x

w

y

Section through entertaining area• The private side yard has is now buffered by a 6’-high wooden fence and layers of

ornamental shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. • A perennial and annual cutting garden borders the low stone walls which envelope the

stone patio providing ample entertaining space. • The patio then steps up to a covered porch that offers deep, cooling shade from

summer sun and further space for entertaining family and friends. • The kitchen can now be easily accessed from the porch, creating an improved

connection between inside the home and a joining outdoor spaces. • The driveway has been regraded to create positive drainage away from the house and

a vegetated drainage swale has been added along the northern property boundary to catch runoff from the northern neighbors’ gutter.

0’ 10’ 20’

98.0

98.5

98.5

97.5

98.0

97.5

97.5

96.5

96.5

97.0

New patio with low stone walls New porch House

New window wells &vegetation

Driveway

Drainage swale

Perennials

PathBuffering shrubs

Senior Center

Section through side and backyard showing the vegetation, porch and patio

Stairs

N0’ 10’ 20’

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Shelburne Falls, MAPlanting plan

IV IVJES

IV

IV

ESES

AC

AC

AC

VM

VM

VM

VM

BMV

BMV

BMV

BMV

BMV

CA

CA

CA

CA

CARCAR

DG

DG

IG

IG IG

IG

BM

BM

NF

NF

NF

NF

NF

NF

DG

DGDG

DG

DG

HMR

HMR

HMR

HMR

JC DG

SV

SV

TM

TM

TM

TM

HM

HM

HM

HM

HM

HM

ASAS

PF

ADDS

DSBM

PFPF

PF

PF

MSMS

MS

FG

FG

BM

HA

HA

PC

CL

HHBMES

ESES

ES

VC

VC

VC

AA

AGAG

AGAG

HA

P

AR

AP

HQ

HQ

HQ

RP

RP

ASS

BM

BM

BM

JC

RS

RSRD

KA KAVB

VB

IGCIGC

RB

HQ

HM

HM

R

BM

Broadleaf evergreens are used to mark transition points while trellised-gateways announce the arrival to a semi private or private area. Stone is used in the patio and walkways near entrances and panels of lattice as well as fence work with vegetation to create privacy. See the Plant Palette page for the plant key descriptions.

House

GarageNeighbor’s

Garage

Neighbor’sShed

Neighbor

New Covered Porch

EmtpyConcrete

Pad

New Patio

Mai

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reet

Senior CenterBank

ParkingLot

Pervious Pavers on Driveway

New Entry Porch & Ramp

To create a cohesive space, certain plants and materials are carried throughout the design.

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Plant Key Botanical Common Name Height x Spread Exposure Notes

AA Annual Cutting Garden

Annual cutting garden

12”- 36” x spreading

full sun Mix of annual cutting flowers

AC Amelanchier canadensis

‘Rainbow Pillar’

Rainbow Pillar Serviceberry

15-20’ x 8-10’ full sun-part shade White spring flowers, red fall

color

AD Aruncus diocius Goatsbeard 3’-5’ x 3’-5’ part shade to shade Green foliage feathery white

flowersAG Aristolochia

gigantea Dutchmans’s Pipe 8’-10’ x 6’-8’ shade Large heart shaped

leaves

AM Alchemilla mollis Lady’s Mantle 18” - 24” x 18” full sun to part shade

Chartruse foliage with yellow flowers

AP Acer platanoides Norway Maple 30’-50’ x 25’-30’ full sun Yellow fall colorAR Acer rubrum Red Maple 50’-60’ x 40’-60’ full sun Bright red fall colorAS Actaea simplex

‘Hillside Black Beauty’

Hillside Black Beauty Bugbane

5’-6’ x 3’ part shade to shade Burgundy foliage with spikes of white

flowers

ASS Astilbe spp. False Spirea 15”-24” x 18” - 30” sun to shade Plume like flowers with serrated foliage

BM Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jackfrost’

Jackfrost Bugloss 18” x 18” part shade to shade Silvery white variegated foliage,

blue flowers

BMV Buxus microphylla ‘Green Velvet’

Green Velvet Boxwood

3’ x 3’ full sun to part shade

Broadleaf evergreen,rounded

CA Cornus alba ‘Ivory Halo’

Ivory Halo Dogwood 4’ x 4’ full sun Red twigs, variegated leaves

CAR Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’

Ruby Spice Clethra 4’ x 4’ full sun Fragrant pink flowers

CL Chasmanthium Northern Sea Oats 2’-3’ x 2’-3’ sun to shade Bamboo like green

DG Deutzia gracilis ‘Nikko’

Nikko Deutzia 2’ x 4’ full sun White flowers in early summer

DS Dicentra spectabilis

Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart

3’ x 3’ part shade to shade Green folaige with delicate heart like

flowers

ES Epimedium spp. Barrenwort 12” x 15” part shade to shade Low groundcover with delicate

nodding flowers

FG Fothergilla gardenii ‘Blue

Mist’

Blue Mist Fothergilla 2’-3’ x 2’-3’ full sun to part shade

White spring flowers, red fall

colorHA Hydrangea

arborescens ‘Annabelle’

Annabelle Hydrangea 3’-5’ x 3’-5’ part shade to shade Transplant existing

HAP Hydrangea anomala subsp.

Petiolaris

Climbing Hydrangea 50’ x 30’-40’ part shade to shade White lacecap flowers, prune to

maintain size

HG Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow

Queen’

Oakleaf Hydrangea 5’-6’ x 5’-6’ part shade Oak like leaves that turn bright red in

fall with large showy flowers

HH Hosta ‘Halcyon’ Halcyon Plantain Lily 16” x 40” shade Narrow, grey green leaves

HM Hydrangea macrophylla

‘Blushing Bride

Blushing Bride Hydrangea

3’-5’ x 3’-5’ full sun to part shade

Large white pom pom flowers in

summer

HMR Heuchera ‘Midnight Rose’

Midnight Rose Coral Bells

10” x 12” sun to shade Burgundy foliage with white spikes of

flowersIG Ilex glabra

‘Shamrock’Shamrock Inkberry 3-5’ x 3-5’ full sun to part

shadeBroadleaf evergreen

IGC Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’

Compact Inkberry 4’-6’ x 4’-6’ full sun to part shade

Broadleaf evergreen

IV Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’

Winter Red Winterberry


Bright red winter berries, moisture

tolerant

IVJ Ilex verticillata ‘Jim Dandy ‘

Jim Dandy Winterberry


Male pollinator for winter red winterberry

JC Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’

Spartan Juniper 15’-20’ x 3’-5’ full sun Fast growing columnar evergreen

KA Kolkwitzia amabilis ‘Pink

Cloud’

Pink Cloud Beauty Bush

8’-10’ x 8’-10’ full sun Veils of pink flowers in spring

LM Lamium maculatum

‘Beacon Silver’

Beacon Silver Dead Neattle

6”-12” x 9”-12” shade Delicate pink flowers over silver

foliage

MP Malus ‘Prariefire’ Prariefire Crabapple 15’-20’ x 15’-20’ full sun Pink-red spring flowers, burgundy

bark, red fruits

MS Matteuccia struthiopteris

Ostrich Fern 4’-6’ x 3’ part shade to shade Deep green leaves

NF Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s

Low’

Walker’s Low Catmint

10-15” x 18” full sun Ever-blooming small purple flowers above

grey-green foliage

PF Polygonatum falcatum

‘Variegatum’

Fragrant Solomon’s Seal

2’-3’ x 2’-3’ part shade to shade White-edged leaves and bell like flowers

in spring


Plant Palette 1

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PS Polemonium caeruleum ‘Snow

Saphires’

Jacob’s Ladder 2’-4’ x 18”-24” part shade Purple spring flowers

RD Rosa ‘Double Knockout’

Double Knockout Rose

4’-5’ x 2’-3’ full sun Double pink flowers

RP Rhododendron ‘P.J.M.’

P.J.M. Rhododendron 3’-6’ x 4’-6’ part shade Burgundy fall foliage with bright pink spring flowers

RP Rosa ‘Blaze’ Blaze Climbing Rose 10’-12’ full sun Red flowers, vigorous climber, long blooming

RS Rosa ‘Sunny Knockout’

Sunny Knockout Rose

3’-4’ x 2’-3’ full sun Yellow flowers, long blooming

SC Sambucus canadensis

Common Elderberry 5’-8’ x 5’ full sun to part shade

Dark purple fruits in summer

SJ Syringa ‘Josee’ Josee Lilac 4’-5’ x 4’-5’ full sun Pink spring flowers that rebloom

through summer

SV Syringa vulgaris Common Purple Lilac


Transplant existing

TM Taxus media ‘Hicksi’

Hick’s Yew 10’-12’ x 4’-5’ full sun to part shade

Fast growing evergreen

VB Viburnam burkwoodii

Burkwood Viburnam 6’-12’ x 4’-5’ full sun Clusters of pink-white fragrant

flowers in spring

VC Vaccinium corymbosum var.

Highbush Blueberry var.


Plant mutiple varieties that fruit at

same timeVM Vinca minor Periwinkle 4”-6” x 24” full shade to

partshadeBroadleaf evergreen,

purple spring flowers


Plant Palette 2

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A repetition of materials in key parts of the final design will create continuity throughout the Samoriski property, as well provide cues of the rich historical aspects of the property. Materials, such as the examples shown here, could play a large role in creating a unified landscape.

Patio, Stonewalls and WalkwaysUsing local stone for the patio and stonewalls reduces overall environmental impacts and supports local commerce. Both Goshen stone and Ashfield stone are locally quarried and produce beautiful patios, stonewalls and walkways. The existing large stone slab in front of the garage could also be incorporated into the patio and the large rear entry stone steps could potentially be repurposed into a stone bench for the shady retreat.

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White picket fencing and trellis fencing will help establish different levels of privacy throughout the property. Vinyl fencing or painted cedar are options for fencing, with vinyl being most maintenance-free option. The arbored gateway could support flowering vines or the climbing red rose planted by Sue’s grandfather. The panels of trellis would be placed inbetween the windows of the senior center and planted with shade tolerant vines. A low picket fence would contribute to a welcoming front entry.

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Permeable Pavers on DrivewayPermeable pavers are solid surface pavers that allow water through the gaps between the pavers. By allowing the water to infiltrate, they reduce storm water runoff and non-point source pollution. For the Samoriskis, permeable pavers would infiltrate some of the runoff coming from their north neighbor’s gutter. Sources for permeable pavers include Uni Eco-Stone, whose patented interlocking pavers can withstand freezing and thawing and snow plowing. For every square foot of these pavers installed, 12.18% of the area is permeable, with an infiltration rate of 1,872 inches of water per hour.

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Ashfield stone Goshen stone

Goshen stone walkway

Uni Eco-Stone permeable paversDriveway with permeable pavers

Panels of trellis can provide screening in shady or narrow spaces.

A picket fence can create a welcoming entrance.

A trellised gateway can give privacy and support a flowering vine.

shelburne falls residential master plan

Documents

single family home

village of shelburne

historical context

historic mary lyons

south face of home

adjoining property

family history

deerfield roadconway