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Xeriscape Demonstration Garden

Proposal for the Marshall Tract

What is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is the art of creating water-conserving landscapes by efficient watering techniques and selecting plants that are appropriate to the natural environment. The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word Xeros which means dry. Xeriscapes are not dry and dull! "ell-designed xeriscapes are beautiful and functional. The best xeriscapes use a fraction of the water needed by traditional lawn-dominated landscapes. #ome xeric plants require little or no supplemental watering once they are established and xeriscapes require far less ongoing maintenance. $n today%s world of concerns about depreciating water resources xeriscape is an ideal way to &live green.& 'ore than fifty percent of residential water used in the western (nited #tates is used to keep landscapes and lawns green. Xeriscape can reduce this by )*+ or more. "ith water demands and usage increasing rapidly we need to find ways to use water more efficiently. ,fficient water use means finding ways to have attractive landscapes without excessive water use. Xeriscaping will help beautify your home and increase its value - as much as 1-+! (sing plants and landscaping that is native to the area in which you live can conserve water time money and the landscape will retain its beauty during times of drought.

Why Do We Need Xeriscaping?

"ater is a precious limited resource. $t is essential not .ust maintaining our quality of life but life itself. There are a number forces putting pressure on our water resources.
Agricultural Needs

"ater is fundamentally important for food and agriculture and is the basic ingredient of life/ one can survive for eight to ten days without food but without water for not more than two days. 0espite the fact that our body is made up of 123 of water the food we eat consumes even more water than we do. "ater for irrigation and food production constitutes one of the greatest pressures on freshwater resources. 4lthough the earth has 1.5 billion cubic kilometers of water less than 1 percent is accessible for human consumption and 6* percent of that is used for agricultural purposes.
Our Water Supplies Are Dangerously Low

4s of 'arch 1 1*15 the water supply as measured by 7akes Travis and 8uchanan are at 39+ a condition described by 7:;4 as <#evere=. "e are .ust one step from <,mergency=. >aul #chumann paschumann1**?@gmail.com -11.)31.)-9)

$n addition even the most optimistic predictions fall short of solving our water supply problems.

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Paroxysmal Weather Patterns

"e are in a persistent long term weather pattern of drought. This present drought has been going on for at least ten years and appears to be deepening. There is no indication that this drought will leave us any time soon.

Texas 0rought 'aps and >hotos1

lo!al "limate "hange

,ven if the drought in our area subsides long term prospects for water are diminishing. Aur weather is the result of a complex system. 4s a result our ability to forecast future weather is limited. 4nd while different models forecast differently all agree on two things/ 1. $t%s getting warmer. 1. ,xtremes are becoming more frequent. <...based on pro.ections made by the $ntergovernmental >anel on :limate :hange and results from the (nited Bingdom Cadley :entreDs climate model ECad:'1F a model that accounts for both greenhouse gases and aerosols by 11** temperatures in Texas could increase by about 3 GH EI1.6 G:F in spring Ewith a range of 1-)GHF and about 5 GH EI1.1 G:F in other seasons Ewith a range of 1-?GHF. >recipitation is estimated to decrease by --3*+ in winter and increase by about 1*+ in the other seasons. $ncreases in summer could be slightly larger Eup to 3*+F than in spring and fall. Ather climate models may show different results. The amount of precipitation on extreme wet or snowy days in winter is likely to decrease and the amount of precipitation on extreme wet days in summer is likely to increase. The frequency of extreme hot days in summer would increase because of the general warming trend. $t is not clear how severe storms such as hurricanes would change.=1 <The pro.ections indicate an increase of 1JH for the 1***-1*1? period 1JH for the 1*1*-1*13? period and close to 5JH for the 1*5*-1*-? period. "ith the first eight years of the 1***-1*1? period being the warmest such period on record the pro.ection is well on its way to reflecting reality.= 3 These pro.ections fall well outside the range of normal variability while they appear small will have a profound effect on our climate.

1 0ried Aut/ :onfronting the Texas 0rought K>; #tate $mpact 1 :limate :hange in Texas "ikipedia 3 <The :hanging :limate of Texas= Lohn ". Kielsen-Gammon The Impact Of Global Warming On Texas Lurgen #chmandt Ludith :larkson and Gerald Korth (niversity Af Texas >ress

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Population #ncrease

The population of :entral Texas will increase by 1.3 million by 1*3*. ,very person who moves into our area increases the demand for water. :4'>A5 has accepted the following forecasts of population in :entral Texas/

:ounty Travis "illiamson Cays Athers E3F

1*1* 1 *15 *** 513 *** 1-6 *** 1-- ***

1*5* 1 633 *** 1 5*6 *** )19 *** 331 *** 5 1** ***

Total E) countyF 1 6-? ***

Traditional Landscaping $ses Too Much Water

$n a typical day in 4ugust of a dry year E1**6F 4ustin used about 1** million gallons of water per day for landscape watering a 1**+ increase from base usage in the winter. $t makes no sense in today%s environment to use water in this manner.

5 :apital 4rea 'etropolitan >lanning ArganiMation :ommunity $mpact Lune 11 1*13

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What Is a Xeriscape Demonstration Garden?

4 Xeriscape 0emonstration Garden is established primarily to demonstrate the efficient use of water in landscaping while at the same time providing an interesting and attractive area for strolling and relaxing in an urban setting. >lants are chosen based on their water needs. #hade2sun requirements height color and blooming season also influence plant selection. 4 Xeriscape 0emonstration Garden provides information and inspiration for gardeners intent on limiting water usage and having beautiful productive yards and gardens. 7ike any successful landscape xeriscaping requires careful planning and a good design. Xeriscaping relies on native plants and plants from similar climates that are drought-tolerant. ;esidents learn more about the many perennials annuals vines shrubs and trees can be used used by visiting the Xeriscape 0emonstration Garden. $t can include education and promotional functions. Xeriscape 0emonstration Gardens are funded through a variety of means. Grants and loans are available through utilities city state federal corporate individuals and non-profit organiMations. Nolunteers usually provide their time in the development and operation of the Garden. Xeriscape has come to mean &water conservation through creative landscaping&. 4 xeriscape landscape provides many benefits/ ;educes outdoor watering requirements during the summer 7ooks better than the common turf landscape >rovides tremendous color variety and beauty even in winter Gives homeowners more time to en.oy their yards because they needs less watering mowing fertiliMing and weeding ;educes the cost of lawn maintenance

What Are Some Examples?

7eora 8roydo- summariMes examples/ <Today more than 5* states have xeriscape pro.ects and because xeriscapes are based on climate there is great variation/ 4n upstate Kew Oork yard teeming with bee balms sunflowers tulips daffodils grape hyacinths snowdrops and daylilies for example contrasts sharply with the irises cornflowers yarrows :alifornia poppies and catchflies that thrive in ;eno Kevada. Abviously a place doesn%t have to be parched to benefit from xeriscaping. &'ost Korth 4merican landscapes are a disaster ecologically & says #ally "asowski a landscape designer and co-author of Requiem for a Lawnmower). &The whole public has been trained to overwater and overfertiliMe.& Hinding what grows well in your yard is key to an effective xeriscape. Ane rule of the green thumb/ :hoose plants that are native to within a -*-mile radius of your home. Kative plant societies water districts and university extension departments often keep such lists. 'any cities also have xeriscape
- 'other Lones 'ay2Lune 1??6 ) ;equiem for a 7awnmower/ Gardening in a "armer 0rier "orld by #ally and 4ndy "asowski

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) demonstration gardens. 4nother trick to a successful xeriscape is grouping together plants with similar water needs. Hor instance you wouldn%t put thirsty roses next to cacti -- the water required for one would be wasted on the other Enot to mention they%d have nothing to talk aboutF. Xeriscaping also allows for an &oasis Mone & where gardeners grow a few priMed water-guMMling plants. The oasis Mone is often located in the front of a home where these plants can be easily watered and admired.= There are many examples Eperhaps hundredsF of Xeriscape 0emonstration Gardens in the (nited #tates. 'ost are found in the states of :olorado 4riMona and :alifornia. 8ut even Texas6 lists 3<#mart#cape= demonstration gardens. Kone are in :entral Texas. #mart#cape is another name for xeriscape chosen perhaps to demonstration innovativeness but more likely because the term xeriscape is not accepted in some cultures.

Glendale Xeriscape Garden9 These Xeriscape 0emonstration Gardens have the following characteristics/ Hree to public 5 to 6.- acres

6 Texas #mart#cape txsmartscape.com 9 https/22www.facebook.com2Glendale4MGarden

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6 "ide variety of plants and trees #eminars and workshops >ublications of guides to plants shrubs and trees how to guides resources for help and design examples Garden art $nterpretive signage and self guided audio tours :onnection with local schools

The following is an example of Xeriscape 0emonstration Garden for the :ity of Hargo.

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What Are the Benefits of Xeriscaping?

The :ity of #an 0iego has an extensive list of the benefits of xeriscaping in their discussion of their Xeriscape 0emonstration Garden in connection with their ;idgehaven office building/
%n&ironmental 'enefits Water Conser ation

0rought tolerant and native plants efficient irrigation and minimiMation of high-water use landscape areas conserve approximately -* percent of landscaping water.
!oll"tion !re ention

Cearty native plants require less water and fertiliMer reducing the risk of polluted runoff entering local waterways and the ocean.
Energy Sa ings

,nergy efficient outdoor lighting uses ?* percent less electricity than traditional lights. #trategically planted shade trees reduce the &heat island& effect caused by large asphalt parking areas and minimiMe cooling requirements of the building and sun damage to parked vehicles.
#ed"ced Waste

;eplacing lawn areas with plants that require less pruning reduces green waste and the use of recycled products such as mulch recycled plastic lumber and rubberiMed asphalt enhances markets for recycled materials.
%conomic 'enefits $o%er Energy Bills

,nergy-efficient lighting and reduced demand on building cooling systems can save thousands of dollars in annual electric bills.
#ed"ced &"el Costs

,nergy-hungry lawn mowers and noisy leaf blowers have been exchanged for simple pruning shears and hand rakes thereby reducing fuel costs. This will help to conserve our limited supply of fossil fuels and improve air quality.
#ed"ced Waste Disposal Costs

7andscaped areas that produce less green waste reduce waste hauling and disposal fees trips to the landfill and the many associated costs of landfill operations and maintenance. >aul #chumann paschumann1**?@gmail.com -11.)31.)-9)

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Social 'enefits Impro ed Wor' En ironment

Hlowering plants pathways fountains and other natural and architectural features greatly improve the building aesthetics providing a beautiful setting for employees and visitors to en.oy.
Ed"cational (pport"nities

,ducational signage offers information on environmentally friendly landscape design water conservation plant varieties and waste reduction. #eating for educational workshops is provided in several areas around the building.
Stress #ed"ction Areas

The sound of running water has long been considered a stress reliever. ;ecirculating fountains and landscaping at the outdoor seating areas provide employees and visitors with a relaxing place to unwind.

What Is the )arshall *ract?

The 'arshall Tract is 39 acres bounded on the west and south by 7ost :reek on the north by 7as :imas Affice >ark and the east by 7oop 3)* and Nista ;idge office buildings. $t has access to 7ost :reek 8lvd. and 7oop 3)*. $t is Moned residential. There is a walking trail P 8oulder Trail P across it%s >aul #chumann paschumann1**?@gmail.com -11.)31.)-9)

1* north boundary. $ understand that it also has an old burial on the grounds. $f it were to be developed residential 4ustin%s ordinance on >arkland 0edication would require the developer to dedicate between 1 and 5.1 acres of land for a park EAr provide between Q5?5B and Q1.1' for a park?. 4 sale of the land is proposed if the Moning can be changed from residential to office. $f it were to be fully developed as an office it would be the largest office development in the area.

Why Does $ost Cree' Need a !ar' %ith a Garden?

There are six reasons 7ost :reek needs a park/ $f 7ost :reek had been developed under the 4ustin >arkland 0edication ordinance approximately 1* acres would have been set aside for parks1*. 7ost :reek has nowhere near that amount. $t has a small 7ost :reek Keighborhood >ark Eprobably a half acreF dedicated to children but nothing for education or seniors. 4nd it has 8oulder Trail >ark Eabout 1 acresF but it is for walking only and part of the trail crossing the 'arshall Tract. "hile it has access to the 8arton :reek "ilderness >ark the closest real park is Rilker >ark. There is no park serving the whole "est 8ank region. $f the 'arshall tract was to be developed into residences an additional 1 to 5 acres would be added as park land. 7ost :reek uses a large percentage of its water for landscaping. 4 Xeriscape 0emonstration Garden would allow 7ost :reek to learn about xeriscaping and educate others. $t could become the model for how to transform a neighborhood and maintain or probably increase is value as a place to live. $f 7ost :reek doesn%t xeriscape with the continuing drought it will lose all the lawns. >eople who want to drill their own wells for landscape watering should be prevented from doing so.

Why Sho"ld the )arshall *ract not +e De eloped (ther than into a !ar'?
As an Office De&elopment

There is already two schools and 1 *** *** square feet of office space whose occupants and visitors must come and or leave through the intersection of 7ost :reek 8lvd. and 7oop 3)*. 7oop 3)* is already classified as a congested roadway by the 'obility $nvestment >riorities >ro.ect11. <The rapid growth of 4ustin over the last several decades has exacerbated traffic congestion on 7oop 3)* as the city has nearly doubled in siMe every twenty years. Geography and environmental constraints contribute to limiting the right of way complicating expansion plans because this particular segment of 3)*
? 0epending on the number of residences and the density of residences. The estimates could be higher if the number of houses and density were higher. 1* This has to be verified by a more precise measures of the number of dwelling units and the number of dwelling units per acre. 11 Texas 4S' Transportation $nstitute

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11 crosses over the 8arton :reek Greenbelt an environmentally sensitive area.= :ontinued development of office space in the area will increase traffic congestion all over the city as people have to commute to the area. ;apid transit systems have to play a role in solving 4ustin traffic congestion problems and it it is not likely that a rapid transportation system would reach this area of office development.
As a (esidential De&elopment

;esidential development of this tract will increase traffic congestion place large burdens on an already strained water supply and sewage disposal systems and increase demand for public schools already with financial challenges.
As %ither

The tract should not be developed as a new residential or office area until 7oop 3)* is improved. 7oop 3)* is listed as number 1- of TexasD Top 1** Transportation :hallenges and $mprovements Keeded to 4ddress Them by T;$>11. <7oop 3)* from (# 1?* to ;' 1155 is the only "estern bypass loop in the area as well as a ma.or commuter route that experiences significant congestion. The construction of grade separations at ma.or intersecting roadways is needed to relieve traffic congestion on this corridor.=

11 Hounded in 1?61 T;$> T of "ashington 0: is a nonprofit organiMation that researches evaluates and distributes economic and technical data on surface transportation issues.

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7ost :reek >ark 4reas in Green >aul #chumann paschumann1**?@gmail.com -11.)31.)-9)

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>ark 4reas in 4ustin "est >aul #chumann paschumann1**?@gmail.com -11.)31.)-9)