Welcome!

In fall of 2007, the landscape architecture firm of April Philips Design Works, Inc. and the landscape construction company of Cagwin & Dorward, in conjunction with Dixie Elementary School and numerous donors and volunteers, completed a Rain Garden in the drop off loop at Dixie Elementary School in San Rafael, California. The beautification project is a demonstration garden that educates the students and community about ecology, sustainability, as well as being a case study garden to advance sustainable landscaping industry practices beyond the current status quo. We especially wish to thank the Dixie Home and School Club and the Dixie School District for their generosity and support.

Located in a 3,800 sq foot median within the school’s main entry and vehicular drop-off, the derelict looking landscape had never been developed or planted due to insufficient school funding and water conservation requirements. The design team chose to design a garden that would reflect its Mediterranean, coastal bioregion and meet the following goals: 100% zero waste, pesticide free, rely on predominantly native vegetation, use only organic soil amendments to increase permeability and water retention of the local soils. In addition, to use only local recycled and salvaged materials, total reliance on seasonal rain water instead of irrigation and to be designed and built by 100% volunteer effort in order to be economically viable.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

COMMUNITY PLANTING WEEKEND

Within about 6 hours, many volunteers, both children and parents, helped plant 900 plants and spread bark among the new plants. Next day, clean up and final touches finished this successful weekend.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE WEEKEND #2

The following weekend, the drain rock was covered and the ground was shaped to allow for the planting area to surround the path. The path leads to the lowpoint of the loop.
The beginning of the path was paved with donated and recycled pavers. Compost was applied and boulders were placed.