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Future Opportunities for Pollinator Habitat
Future Opportunities for Pollinator Habitat
Our analysis suggests a “stepping stone” approach where pollinator habitat is planted in different sections of the park in sufficient proximity to promote connectivity while still considering resource constraints.
Section Views of Existing & Future Pollinator Opportunities:
Section Views of Existing & Future Pollinator Opportunities:
Our future pollinator planting sites were chosen to provide a trail through the park and to eventually connect to 34th Ave. The stepping stones (as seen in pink) are interventions that complement the existing landscaping and the Master Plan.
When visiting the site, it is clear that along the ramp down to the creek are a lot of visible pollinators. But, when standing at the top entrance of the creek or near the creek from its south entrance, pollinators are not in sight. We are proposing pollinators be in those areas to reinforce the network and provide educational programming.
The edge of the periphery of the park has sparse shrubbery and plantings with underutilized space. To reinforce the plantings on the edge of the site and establish more productive pollinator habitats, we propose adding plantings.
Near the Coolridge and 34th Avenue entrance of the park, we propose a pollinator habitat that include plants that attract pollinators that are more people friendly. This habitat allows for educational programming and serves as a entrance stepping stone.
The slope of the park creates varying environments that can accommodate different species at different times of the year. This reinforces the stepping stone narrative, and allows the incorporation of different plantings that can accommodate different pollinators.
The 2021 PHHP Master Plan highlights elements to be added to the park for Future Phases. This includes three priority gardens, including a butterfly garden, and future priorities for Native California Gardens and Ecological Interpretations of the Creek Area. Future opportunities in our analysis compliment the goals of the Master Plan as well as enhance year-round pollinator habitats.
From Stepping Stones to Pollinator Path
From Stepping Stones to Pollinator Path
A pollinator path running from the southeast to the northwest park entrances contributes to visitor awareness of pollinator habitat while adding to existing plantings. This pathway will enhance the existing plants at the southeast entrance and along the steps to 34th Avenue. More pollinator habitat can be added along the grassy patches under the pear trees leading from 34th Avenue to the northwest entrance.
Strengthening the Native California Garden
Strengthening the Native California Garden
The urban edge of PHHP contains a sparse Native Californian garden. To reinforce and strengthen the garden, the area can be a great opportunity for native plants that prefer direct sun with the area being partial to no shade. The irrigation system that is present for the existing garden will also support the establishment of future native plantings.
Butterfly Garden
Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly garden is located at one of the entrances to the creek. Currently in need of renovation, this site can become an opportunity to build a resilient and educational garden while also adding to the overall pollinator habitat.
Source: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park Facebook Page
Creekside Garden
Creekside Garden
Currently, the creek provides a useful shaded area that can accommodate native plantings. There are one or two species that bloom, and by adding more plants and programming, the area can produce more food resources for pollinators. We suggest utilizing wildflower seeds to take along the creek, with future intervention occurring with the Master Plan's proposed creekside garden and ecological interpretation programming that can offer an outdoor 'lab' for PHHP's WaterKeepers youth program.
Selecting Plants for Pollinators in California:
Selecting Plants for Pollinators in California:
In selecting plants for pollinator habitat, we need to consider the amount of sun or shade, type of soil, and amount of water needed compared to the existing irrigation system. This guide from Pollinator Partnership outlines planting options and their characteristics.
Bloom Calendars of the Peralta House's Adjacent Garden and the Park
Bloom Calendars of the Peralta House's Adjacent Garden and the Park
Pulling from information provided in the ecological analysis, the following bloom calendars are utilized to understand the current plantings of the site.
The Garden of the Peralta House has a noticeably more cultivated set of plants when compared to the rest of the park. The Garden Bloom Calendar showcases the seasons in which the pollinator friendly plants bloom and are most visited by pollinators. This bloom calendar can be used as a guide for planting opportunities, and how future plantings can complement and further improve the pollinator habitats of the park and its surrounding area.
This Park Bloom Calendar showcases the seasons in which the plants at PHHP bloom and are most visited by pollinators. The entire park has spontaneous urban vegetation when compared to the garden at the Peralta House. Utilizing this bloom calendar, future plantings can further improve the pollinator habitats that are distributed across the park. For more detail, visit the Site Historical Ecology Section.
Potentilla glandulosa
Potentilla glandulosa
Sticky cinquefoil
Perennial
Blooming times: April-August
Prefers partial sun to partial shade
Visited by bees, beetles, flies, butterflies
Lithophragma heterophyllum
Lithophragma heterophyllum
Mission Woodland-star
Perennial
Blooming times: March-May Prefers shade
Visited by bees
Astragalus Trichopodus
Astragalus Trichopodus
Santa Barbara Milkvetch. Perennial
Blooming times: Feb-June
Prefers full sun
Visited by butterflies and most bees
Continue to read more about our analysis of the 34th Ave connection to PHHP and the immediate neighborhood by accessing the button below.
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