MODERN IS MODERN IS MODERN

Originally Posted from Land + Artscapes on 11/13/17

Architects, landscape architects and designers are control freaks. It is what we do: create, manipulate instill order or propose ideas, some nonsensical and often unrealistic, that may result in tangible objects, changes and outcomes. Our modern sensibilities draw us towards simplicity, clean lines and minimalism and this is reflected in our choices in materials, airy spaces and planting palettes. When we design we expect construction and installation to be as close as possible to what we envision on paper. 

Lee Weintraub Architecture designed plantings of ornamental grasses en mass throughout the grounds surrounding the City College student dormitory and near the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture. One cannot miss the elevated bed of Panicum virgatum encased in corten steel as it rises alongside the stairs the main entrance to the Spitzer School of Architecture building. Now in its seventh year, the mass of grass is being invaded, primarily by a mob of resilient weeds. 

The need to control is also exhibited in the early cutback of the grasses in Fall, a practice much frowned upon in contemporary garden circles. Panicum, Miscanhthus, Molinia and other ornamental grasses are eye-catching in fall; they add movement and interest during grey winter days; they look great popping through sculpted mounds of snow. They also feed birds and provide habitat for insects and other creatures. The uncut layers of grass help insulate perennial grass roots against extreme winter freezes and heaving, thus adding to more robust plants in the following season, plants that are less likely to succumb to weed invasion.

These reasons do not seem compelling enough to the maintenance company who practice untimely chopping of the grasses each Fall, leaving a neat, bare and unattractive entrance to the Spitzer School of Architecture until Spring.

A bit of wildness is in order. Modern is practical, diverse, inclusive and adaptive. The New Modern is wild as well as beautiful. I propose a re-design that includes some weedy plants that seem determined to stake their claim in this piece of prized real estate. Rather than a monoculture, this mass of grass can be interplanted with butterfly weed, goldenrod, rudbeckia, mountain mint and echinacea, to create a planting that is attractive, ecologically mindful and one that will require less obvious maintenance.

 

A similar planting scheme can be implemented to cover the sloping area on the south side of the entrance. Rustic railroad tie and gravel steps can take the place of the desire path that is a favored short-cut for students.

Panicum virgatum near the dormitory south of the Spitzer School of Architecture in January.

The new proposed meadow can be cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins as is the garden maintenance recommendation by experts like Piet Oudolf, Tracy DiSabato-Aust and the maintenance practice of the HighLine.