Hurt Park Native Plant Garden
Originally conceived in 2007 by Cathy Byrd and Pandra Williams, the Hurt Park Native Plant Garden was part of “Reconstructing Atlanta”: an art continuum, a collection of art interventions and installations. The garden site consists of a 60 degree slope, measuring approximately 200’x 25,’ extending along the southern edge of the park, which adjoins Gilmer street.
This garden does not seek to be an ecological restoration, but rather to restore species of plants that were once common in Georgia, to the public landscape, and to provide support for pollinators as well as birds. Although the plants were installed during a two-year drought, planting sessions were scheduled during the cooler winter months, to keep watering and evaporation to a minimum while the plants became established. During the subsequent hot, dry months very few plants were lost despite watering bans throughout the Atlanta area.
The Hurt Park Native Plant Garden has become an ongoing project, with additional plantings added in early spring of 2008 and 2009. The garden is now well into its second year, and has expanded up the slope, tying down eroded soil with jute stabilization cloth, compost and mulch. In spring of 2009, as the garden expanded, native understory trees and shrubs have been installed near the top of the slope to further aid in soil retention.
Each plant species selected for the garden fit several criteria:
Non invasive plant, native to the region.
Seed grown plant material will be used whenever possible.
Plant material must be tough enough to survive an urban park environment.
Plant material selected must be appropriate to the naturally available light and moisture of the site.
Plants must demonstrate drought tolerance.
Plants must add to the esthetic appeal of the urban park environment.
No safety or security issues may be created by either the plants or the installation.
Plants should support beneficial insect populations and birds whenever possible.
