martinhouseclr

221 5 // TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS planters through the Martin tenure. In most cases this plant material seems to have been changed seasonally or otherwise modified several times throughout the Period of Significance. Therefore, it is recommended that new compatible designs are developed for all urns and planters, including potential rotating or seasonal arrangements. Some general characteristics should be achieved in these rehabilitation treatments. As with all planting treatments, these include a conscious effort to design new plantings that reflect the characteristics that are distinguishable in the historic documentation. [Fig. 206] These include the use of trailing vines in both planters and urns and flowering perennials (or potentially annuals) within urns. Another important consideration should be the consistency of form, texture, habit, and color, as possible, in planting arrangements within various urns throughout the property. While some urns may have vastly different growing conditions due to shade or light, and may require different plants, an effort should be made to achieve some level of uniformity in planting characteristics. Second floor planters (window boxes) architecturally integrated into buildings should have plant material replaced which restores the visual character documented. This generally means in-kind or suitable substitute replacement with vigorous trailing vines that drape downward towards the ground floor. One of the clearest characteristics that should be achieved in replacement of these features is the establishment of the thick curtain-like effect presented by trailing plant material, rather than dispersed singular strands of individual trailing vine lengths. Window box treatments should also consider visual scenes from second floor windows, where views of plastic pots or other non-historic material should be subordinate. Appropriate plantings for architecturally integrated planters that exist around the ground floor of the house should include documented plant selections from the Period of Significance – as this documentation is much more complete than second floor planters or urns. These plant selections should include a variety of bulbs, perennials, and rambling climbers in an effort to restore the historic character of the feature, rather than present what is currently considered “attractive” or fashionable in planting design. It is appropriate to develop rotating arrangements with these considerations in mind. Plant Health, Sourcing & Preservation Prior to implementing any planting treatments, soils should be comprehensively tested for appropriateness for plant growth and other needs. In most cases it is likely that soil will need to be removed and replaced or heavily amended due to high pH, lack of organics, and severe compaction due to prior construction. The most critical factor in determining the long-term viability of plantings and future plant health is the establishment of a healthy soil base. This is a critical resource and should be a high priority at early implementation phases. The specification, sourcing and individual physical selection of plant material is another critical factor in implementing planting treatments. Both plant health and visual characteristics vary widely among individuals of the same genus and species. Minimally, all plant material should meet or exceed ANSI/ ANLA American Standard for Nursery Sock and ideally be approved, selected, and flagged by a qualified design consultant at the grow site or nursery from a range of individual plants in a highly controlled process. This is particularly important when locating plant specimens with particular characteristics while attempting to restore historic character or achieve management goals, and should generally be performed for all trees or shrubs. Due to the lack of extant historic vegetation there is little vegetative material to preserve on the current site. However, the select material that does exist (the European beech, Fagus sylvatica atropurpurea group) and the off-site transplanted material (wisteria, lilac) must be protected and preserved. Both the Beech tree and any newly established trees should be routinely assessed by a qualified arborist. In consultation with a qualified historic landscape architect, the arborist’s assessment should include recommendations on pruning, crown reductions, and general health of trees on an annual basis. It is particularly important to evaluate the existing beech tree for signs