Clubhouse Landscaping

by Alice Salmans

With the exception of the meeting room addition, our Clubhouse has looked more or less the same as long as I can remember (close to 60 some odd years!). It has had fences, had entrances added, been painted, and been maintained to the best that this community can afford. And now we are addressing the ‘green’ element.

As chairman of the landscape committee, I put together a plan that was designed to address the visual and functional elements of the clubhouse with landscaping. Through the generosity of our YLPA members, funds, plants, and time, were donated in 2009 to add aesthetic value as well as addressing water run-off concerns. We have received many positive comments regarding these initial plans and are encouraged to proceed as donations allow.

I thought you might be interested in the entire plan to not only continue to fund it, but to provide me with your own thoughts and ideas. The objectives of the plan include a landscape that, once established, does not require major care; consistent with native plants, resistant to deer, while meeting the functional requirements intended for activities held at the clubhouse.

The Yankee Lake Road side of the club- house is basically completed with ter-racing, plantings of Moonglow Junipers, rhododendron, Bluechip Junipers, Ruby Barberry, and Mountain Laurel, along with different ground covers. European White Birch seedlings and Japanese Maple are also included although still too small to make a showing.

The perimeter of the playroom has also been lined with rhododendrons and spirea which go a long way to hide an unattractive foundation and storage area. A pair of Pyramidal Boxwood adorns the information bulletin board in front of the clubhouse.

Highlights of the site plan evolve as requirements change or new input is received, but my current plan of record is summarized as follows:

Patio / Walkways: This is the site where we set up for our annual BBQ. It is uneven and a challenge to get equipment into position and ready for use. A level walk from storage to set up as well as a level area upon which to place equipment and serving tables would make it easier for our volunteers who run the BBQ and other social events.

Terraced Edge: This area along North Shore Drive washes out during heavy rains as well as being unsightly. The roadside nearer the clubhouse is also damaged by cars parking on the property and tearing up the turf. The terracing would be set off by either, large rocks, or railroad ties, rock being preferred. Plantings would consist of grasses, herbs and possibly crabapple trees.

Memory Lane: This area borders the rear of the site as you view it from North Shore Drive. Not seen in the photo is the shear drop off ending the level grassy area. A border of evergreens would keep the edge from eroding, provide a wind break for events on the field, as well as providing a ‘green fence’ for safety. Trees may be planted in memory of a loved one that you would like remembered.

A plan to complete the site plantings will be furnished as these problem areas are addressed. I hope that you will continue to support these efforts through your generous donations. Comments and suggestions are always helpful and of course, strong backs and shovels are always welcome! Please feel free to email me by clicking this link.