A Proposed Schematic Master Plan for the Crowne Plaza Englewood, NJ Prepared by Camberly Gardens 343 West ClintonAve Tenafly, NJ 07670 (201) 569-9291 Phone (201) 567-9291 Fax
This schematic master plan will at this time, consist of general recommendations for the improvement and revegetation of the property in question. Following is a brief explanation of problem areas that exist and generalized remedies for those situations. 1. Entrance area and accompanying signage: Here the objective is to revive turf areas and re-edge beds to define them clearly. Remove overgrown yews and other evergreens and add flowering evergreens such as hybrid rhododendron and a deciduous accent such as japanese spirea, shirobana is a showy specimen, just be observant as to its self seeding tendencies. This area should help announce entrance but also serve as a graceful transition from the proposed hedgerow to entrance area. The signage, as shown below, should be incorporated into one seamless bed which transitions from hedgerow to sign plantings.
2. Landscape islands throughout parking lot: As we discussed earlier, the landscaped islands are acceptable for this year and are not in dire need of attention at this point with the exception of the entrance islands like the one shown above. Here the juniper groundcover should be cut back around the edges to make room for a border of showy perennials or annual plantings. Annuals would be better at this point because of longer color duration and their removal prior to the winter season when damage and death of the plants is likely to result. A plant selection such as annual vinca or begonia would be sufficient. If, upon inspection, the tree needs to be replaced, plant the replacement in the middle of the bed to prevent mechanical damage from buses. Remove evergreen in the middle of the bed and add supplemental juniper to end to amend the hole left by the old tree.
3. Front landscape beds along building facade: The idea of a hedgerow behind the existing trees is acceptable. The small evergreens need to be removed and a row of larger flowering evergreens need to be added. Prunus laurocerasus otto luyken would be preferable. In front of this hedge to add spatial definition, a small grouping of barberry, Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea in the areas receiving more sunlight and azaleas in the shade, as noted below. The deep purple of the barberry will complement the dark green nicely and the azaleas will add some spring color. The finishing color touch can be achieved with the use of a small daylily, hemerocallis stella d oro.
4. Flag pole area: It is suggested that this area be cleaned out and replanted One possible solution would be to introduce a grass theme exclusive to the flag pole area with large upright grasses accenting the pole bases such as an upright Miscanthus sinensis morning light with intermittent boulders and a lower pennisetum alopecuroides hamlen (dwarf fountaingrass) interspersed. A flower such as aster or daisy could punctuate with additional color and a grass-like perennial such as liriope muscari big blue could serve as the border accent.
5. Centerpiece or focal point of porte cochere area: This area requires special attention as it s the focal point of all arrivals. Initially, the thought was to provide a large quantity of annuals but I think the more appropriate approach may be to develop a perennial vocabulary. This has several advantages, most notably are seasonsal change and yearly interest. A grouping of three boulders added to one side would anchor the planting scheme while a mix of dwarf fountain grass and black-eyed susan would act as the main plant palette. A mixture of accent plants could be added as well consisting of plants like catnip and sedum. This would provide a more maintenance free focal piece as well as an attractive winter display. Additional pages will be added as necessary and the whole document can be refined as a greater understanding of the site is achieved in the coming season.