BOTANICAL GARDENS

One of my most successful projects has been the design and implementation of the Gainesville Regional Utilities wastewater treatment project located at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, Florida.

This project demonstrates the creative re-use of tertiary effluent. It is intended to be an educational display which demonstrates the importance of conserving water, demonstrates phyto-remediation techniques, and serves as an aesthetic asset for the Botanical Gardens.

I provided conceptual design for the site, layout, and the implementation of the massive stonework and aquatic ecosystem. The four primary waterfalls, streams, pools, and rapids are over one quarter of a mile long, and contain over 300 tons of enormous boulders, thus making it one of the largest sculptural projects to have been undertaken in recent years.

The site is a haven for wildlife within the City limits. Numerous fish, turtles, birds, and alligators call it home. We are even honored to have eagles and ospreys as regular guests. This project has been very well received by the community, and the site is frequently utilized for weddings, memorial services, garden parties, fund raising events, and art festivals.

In all of my projects I strive to use a broad plant palette worthy of a botanical garden.

< Kanapaha Botanical Gardens,

Gainesville, FL

A springtime view of the main falls. The entire system is 1/4 mile long, including streams, rapids, and pools. This project demonstrates the creative re-use of tertiary effluent from the City of Gainesville wastewater treatment plant. The site is extensively utilized for weddings, funerals, and other events.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens >

Gainesville, FL

A detail of the stream showing how water can be sculpted with the placement of stone to resemble a natural erosional feature.

< Kanapaha Botanical Gardens,

Gainesville, FL

An autumn view of the falls with bamboo and giant Victoria amazonica water lilies.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens >

Gainesville, FL

A view across the pool to the lower falls

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