Planting Design for the LIbrary Terrace in
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Library Terrace, SF Botanical Garden
The library terrace is located in the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. Sitting by the main entrance outside the Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture, this area was originally planned and planted back in 1999 and had changed quite significantly through the years. This project was to provide a more up-to-date planting design in the hope to accommodate and promote more use of this place.
Many stakeholders had keen interests on this area. As a public space, this area serves both recreational and educational purpose. Concerns for aesthetic touch, visitor education, multiple function, as well as children friendly were all expressed during the interview. In addition, all hardscape were to keep.
Final Design, Plan View
Several principles were adopted during the design process to meet the requirements.
Most agreed that due to the lack of event space, this area was best served as main point for event gathering. Hence the center zone was kept empty to maximize the space and flexibility. Since the memorial benches were required to stay, they were moved to the side for visitors to enjoy a fantastic view to the great meadow.
The planting (detail below) was to showcase plants adapting well in our climate, with diverse structures, colors, and forms. In addition, some children friendly selections were included for their interesting sensory characters.
The masonry stones travelled afar from Europe told good stories. To emphasize their features, the planting had blended in a mediterranean courtyard feeling.
Plant Highlights
As shown in the final design, the planting utilized diverse forms, colors, and structures of plants yet achieved a harmonic and elegant feeling.
The entrance area showcased local favorites such as rosemary, rock rose, flowering plum, and California lilac.
A sensory garden with plants soft to touch was designed to encourage children's interests in plants.
The longer side of terrace was lined up with lush and striking woodland shrubs that worked best in mass. All were drought tolerant and easy to grow.
Last but not least, the shade-area adjacent the library wall was filled in with aromatic climbers to complete the design.
