GSM Principal Gretchen McCann leads Cal Poly Landscape Architecture studio in San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden Design and Construction Project
This spring, Gretchen McCann (founder of GSM landscape architects, inc.) returned to her alma mater where she led 34 Cal Poly Landscape Architecture students through the process of designing and installing a new entry garden for the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden.
This project allowed landscape architectural students the hands on ability to learn about California native plants, study site physical constraints and opportunities, measure and map spaces, create accurate base maps, site analysis plans and planting designs for a small viewing area at the SLO Botanical Garden. The project created a platform for students to work cooperatively in groups and gain an understanding of what it is like to have a client that reviews design, provides critique and selects a plan based upon need and preference.
Village Nurseries generously donated plant material for the project. The students’selection of species occurred far enough into the quarter in order for them to have a good understanding of plant properties with respect to mature growth habit, sun and shade preferences, ability to provide color, texture and seasonal interest, and whether plants could be used in groups or as an individual accent.
Although a majority of students had never worked in a construction setting, they enthusiastically completed the project, as their lab final, by hand tilling, laying out plants in concert with the selected design plan, making field adjustments due to unforeseen constraints, finishing grades to allow storm drainage to sink into planting areas and carefully mulching all areas with re-purposed leaves, compost and twigs.