Landscape Development’s Design Studio is currently working on a great project creating a 5-acre bee conservancy garden. This project is one that we are focusing on as a way to help the bee population because of its recent decline over the past few years. Here at LDI, we enjoy being involved in projects that help our community’s environment and beautify our surroundings as well. Ryan Freeborn, Senior Designer and Director of Business Development shared his knowledge on this important design project that will also be a design/build effort for LDI.
What is the Bee Garden Project?
Design Studios is currently working on the design and development of a five-acre pollinator and bee conservancy garden.
How do you bring Peace of Mind to our clients?
Peace of mind to the client is provided by our enthusiasm for their project, treating it as not just one of many but as a passion project just as it is to them. Also, we are providing peace of mind by being sensitive to the budget needs and interests of the client from the beginning to the end of the process.
When did you first get approached to work on the Bee Garden Project?
Our client is one of the nation’s largest producers of almonds with a focus on organic farming and produces, with the headquarter offices being located in the heart of their orchards. We were approached in early 2020 by the client.
How does this project contribute to the community and local orchards?
In recent years there has been a decline in the population of pollinating bees, and sadly some have pointed a finger at farmers. Our client thought rather than just state that they are doing what they can to promote the health of their bees, they would also show it by developing a pollinator conservancy garden at their headquarters that could be used to provide year-round health benefits to the bees. This garden will serve as a place to study the habits and nature of the bees, as well as a test site for possible smaller pollinator gardens throughout the orchards that surround. The garden is also being designed and developed as a teaching space where stakeholders, as well as educational groups, can interact with the garden and learn firsthand about the pollinators.
Can you tell us about the size and scope of this project?
As mentioned the garden is five acres in size, to put that in perspective it is just shy of five football fields! So we are designing and building a massive garden that will be developed with seasonal plants that provide bloom cycles that extend throughout the entire year. Our design creates an opportunity for touchpoints and interaction by a central plaza, and outdoor spaces to be enjoyed when nice weather permits. In coordination with the client, we are designing this garden taking in the habits of the bees, while also introducing plants that are low water use being mindful of how important that is in California. We are also working with our client to introduce and use irrigation methods that take advantage of the technology now available through manufacturers that are both in the agriculture and ornamental landscape industry.
The bee garden is to be a design-build for LDI, how can clients most benefit from this process?
The client is appreciative of the expertise and experiences the LDI brings to the table both in design as well as construction. As we have been designing and developing the scope of this project, we have been able to rely on real costs and gauge the areas of importance as well as phasing needs the client was concerned with.
