martinhouseclr

145 3 // EXISTING CONDITIONS extremely compacted and lack sufficient organic matter to support more extensive and healthy vegetation systems. Though not part of the CLR survey of the historic core, the parking lot on the north side of the Barton House does include a narrow landscape strip along the northern boundary. Reports from the MHRC horticulturist note that potential historic vegetative materials exist within this planting area that were removed from the historic core and transplanted to this location. Field observation verifies that the area does include the living vestiges of what appear to be particularly mature wisteria vine ( Wisteria floribunda ) and lilac (var. of Syringa vulgaris ), as well as purportedly transplanted bridal wreath spirea ( Spiraea prunifolia ), mock orange ( Philadelphus ), and fragrant honeysuckle ( Lonicera fragrantissima ). The Jewett Frontage contains two trees and a large expanse of turfgrass meeting all paved surfaces. The trees include a large (+38” dbh) copper beech ( Fagus sylvatica var. atropurpurea ) on the west side of the driveway, set back approximately 25 feet from the public sidewalk (20 feet from the property line). The canopy of the beech extends well beyond the paved edge of the driveway and is a considerable presence. The other tree within the Jewett Frontage is a 6” dbh purple-leaved cultivar of Norway maple ( Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’). Other vegetation includes a mass of ornamental fine-leafed grasses ( Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’) within the Front Raised Planter. The Floricycle and Corner takes on a similar appearance, with a large expanse of turf grass covering the entire area. No woody shrub plant material exists within the Floricycle and Corner, however there are two black walnut ( Juglans nigra ) trees (28” and 24” dbh) in the northeast corner of the Floricycle, a small patch of daylily (Hemerocallis spp .) totaling approximately 60 square feet around base of the walnut closest to the house, and a 12” dbh Norway maple ( Acer platanoides ) street tree located within the tree- lawn opposite the verandah. Though sizable at this time, it is believed that the walnuts are natural transplants and were not intentionally planted. Both trees are exhibiting signs of pronounced stress, with “staghorn” type branch tip dieback, and are clearly in decline. Urns and planters associated with the verandah contain seasonal interpretive plantings, which at the time of survey, consisted of a white variety of geranium ( Pelargonium ) and variegated vinca ( Vinca major ‘variegata’). The Summit Lawn contains no herbaceous or woody shrub plant materials and the only tree is a 12” dbh Norway maple (Acer platanoides) street tree located in the tree-lawn at the northern limits of the landscape unit. The entirety of the remaining landscape is covered in turf grass and appears to mildly suffer from poor drainage. Located between the lawn and the house’s pergola, the Summit Terrace consists of a panel of turf grass, except for the raised planter at the southern end, adjacent to the houses “Unit Room” and the verandah, which includes interpretive seasonal plantings such as foxglove (Digitalis spp.). Fig. 142, bottom Two black walnut trees within the Floricycle area, showing signs of stress and dieback. Fig. 141, top Miscanthus within the front raised planter (June photo).