The shrub and flower beds in the common areas exist in a harsh environment. The center islands and beds close to the busy perimeter streets are exposed to the spray of winter deiceing chemicals. Many trees and shrubs are killed or damaged by automobiles. The original irrigation system for the shrub beds is a drip system which has become damaged and less effective for watering the plant material.

An ongoing effort has been made to identify several beds for renovation each year. The beds are renovated with an updated choice of plant materials such as Russian Sage and ornamental grasses. The renovated beds have more color due to fewer evergreens and the use of more colorful shrubs and perennials. Gold ore is no longer available and is being replaced with river rock and cobble. Repairs and modifications are made to the irrigation system ensure full functionality.

Renovation of shrub beds at Crestline and Buckley

This project renovated the beds along the Buckley Road side of the wing walls.

On the South side, the bed was expanded to include the area around the RTD bench which was difficult to maintain as a turf area.

The new plant material includes Blue Muffin Viburnum, Kathryn Dyke Pontentilla, Limemound Spirea, Berries Magic Holly, Wiltoni Juniper, and Harry Lauder's Walking Stick.

Gold ore was removed and replaced with river rock, large cobble, and six granite boulders.

North side before renovation

North side after renovation

South side before renovation

South side after renovation

South side before renovation

South side after renovation

This project replaced dead plant material and debris filled rock in the wing wall beds on both sides of the intersection.

Russian Sage was added for color and new junipers were planted. Gold ore was removed and replaced with river rock and large cobble.

Before renovation

After renovation

This island was renovated to replace a poor quality tree, remove poorly performing evergreens and match the plants and rock in the center island on the opposite side of Crestline at the Meadows entrance.

The replacement plant material included perennials (Day Lily, Black-eyed Susan, and Purple Cone flower) for color, a new tree, and ornamental grass. A cobble border was installed.

Terrace entrance after renovation

Meadows entrance previously renovated