State Street

The goal of this project is to improve and rejuvenate the streetscape planters on State Street with landscape practices that are environmentally sound and resource efficient. The challenges include extremes in light conditions, aggressive roots from established street trees, and pollution. Natives provide unusual shapes, textures, and colors, and once established are durable choices. They connect people to the surrounding natural environment and educate them on sound landscape practices in a time of limited resources. Native plants will add distinction to an already vibrant downtown and enliven the pedestrian and vehicular experience. The planting should help unify not only the planters but the streetscape as a whole. While there are many benefits to planting natives, careful planning must happen in order for plants to be successful and attain optimal health in a heavily used, public environment.