Research

Introduction

            The task at hand is to design a viable and appealing landscape for a new “green marina”. This marina would be located in the area that the Fort Hancock Chapel currently resides, on Sandy Hook. The landscaping must only include plants which are indigenous to Sandy Hook. Lastly, the overall design must include measures taken to minimize storm water runoff as well as soil erosion.

Green Marina Landscaping

            One of the more common forms of “green” landscaping is a rain garden. A rain garden is a planted depression designed to take as much of the excess rain water as possible from an associated landscape. (Dunnett and Clayden 13) Rain gardens promote wildlife and biodiversity by providing shelter and habitats for a variety of organisms. They also reduce the need for maintenance as well as inputs of water, fertilizer and energy (Dunnett and Clayden 15). And contrary to popular belief, a temporary body of water in a rain garden will not harbor mosquitoes. The water is absorbed into the earth in less time than it takes for them to thrive (Dunnett and Clayden 28).

Climate and Environment of Sandy Hook

            Sandy Hook receives approximately 3.63 inches of rain every month. Its average daily minimum temperature is 46.58˚ F and the maximum is 61.13˚F (World Climate 2008). It is a 2044 acre barrier beach peninsula and contains 7 miles of saltwater marsh, beach and holly forest (Solutions 2009).

Indigenous Species

            Only species of currently indigenous plants may be planted on Sandy Hook. Plants are more apt to thrive in certain areas because these plants serve different functions.

Roadside

Bladder Campion

Broom Grass

Cactus

Chicory

Dandelion

Milkweed

Mullein

Ox-eye Daisy

Plantain
Poison Ivy

Queen Anne's Lace

Rabbit Foot Clover
Red Cedar

Soapwort
Sweet Clover

Switch Grass

                                                                                               

Holly Forest

Green Briar
Holly
Poison Ivy

Red Cedar

Solomon's Seal

Virginia Creeper

Thickets

Bayberry

Beach Plum

Blueberry

Cherry

Green Briar

Groundsel Tree

Hackberry

Holly

Pearly Everlasting
Poison Ivy
Red Cedar

Rose
Shad Bush

Solomon's Seal
Sumac

Virginia CreeperEnd User

            There are multiple ways to gather information about the users of a certain product, in this instance the marina. The more effective methods in this case would include focus groups, stakeholder analysis, user profiling and direct observation. Focus groups are mainly large interview of about 5-11 people and enable the interviewer to amass a variety of views from different users. Stakeholder analysis is a method of determining how much a person, group or institution can influence the consummation of the project. In user profiling, demographics, backgrounds and experiences are used to create a profile of users and what they want or need. Direct observation, or shadowing, involves observing the actual users and making observations and forming conclusions.

            The users of the marina want different things to be a part of the overall landscape design. People who dock their boats want an aesthetic environment. Families that are there for recreation may want a picnic area and a playground for their children. Investors and workers want an area that is easy and inexpensive to maintain. Visitors to Sandy Hook may want a historic aspect or scientific view of the area. Others may want an area that attracts certain insects or wildlife, or possible a recreational area for playing.