martinhouseclr

222 DARWIN D. MARTIN HOUSE // CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT of Phytophthora (Bleeding Canker), a disease potential which may be exacerbated by the introduction of irrigation for the visitor center landscape. [Fig. 207] Interpretation Specific interpretive programming should be developed based on goals of the MHRC, though a few key recommendations for interpretation with respect to the treatment of the historic landscape are suggested. These include: 1. Interpretive efforts must recognize that the overall treatment implementations are not true restorations, but rather rehabilitations that accommodate the new use and were based on several factors, including prior loss of nearly all landscape materials. This distinction should be communicated where possible. New plantings should only be described as restorations if they meet the standards for restoration. 2. Incorporate new information about the history of the site and landscape, as it becomes available, into the overall interpretive plan for the site. This should include incorporating information about the expanded Significance of the property with respect to Wright’s efforts to connect architecture and landscape, the role and importance of Walter Burley Griffin in both the architecture and landscape, and the links between the landscape and the life of Darwin Martin and his family. Circulation & Accessibility The overarching standard for all new compatible designs of circulation systems should be to minimize the visual impacts of any new additions and design them in a way they are subordinate to the historic landscape. Any new circulation additions must be limited to pedestrian circulation and meet a specific necessary program need that cannot be accommodated outside the historic core. A more thorough assessment of future program needs, particularly potential tour routes through garden spaces, should be conducted during the early design phase of rehabilitation tasks. If it is determined that tour routes through gardens are a necessary part of the MHRC program then two likely courses of action may be appropriate to meet these needs: (1) The design of new paved circulation systems that are distinct from the existing chip-seal reconstructions and subordinate to the landscape, or (2) the design of reinforced or specialty turf profile [Fig. 208] that can accommodate a predetermined level of pedestrian traffic without negatively influencing the character of the landscape. The first option may be appropriate for routes required to be fully accessible or routes that will see very high levels of traffic and no alternative Fig. 207, top Bleeding Canker is a potentially lethal disease in European Beech trees, often identifiable by wet, sappy material on “wounds” in the trunk. (Photo is not from historic property). Fig. 208, bottom A specialized turf design may be appropriate for areas that will receive tour traffic. Photo of left shows example reinforced geo-grid. Map indicates suggested areas for reinforcement.