Our first 2013 GCMGA field trip was a held on January 23rd with a visit to the Johns Creek Environmental Campus (JCEC) located on the borders of Gwinnett, DeKalb and Fulton Counties adjacent to the Chattahoochee River. The field trip included members from all three county Master Gardener Associations.
Over 1,000 new trees and shrubs, featuring plants native to our area, blend the facility into the public open areas. The JCEC is unique in that it combines aesthetic beauty with state-of-the-art technology to create a facility that performs a vital role while being a good neighbor. The landscape includes a series of walking trails, a pond and stream system complete with a covered bridge, and specially designed storm water bio retention facilities that help clean storm water runoff.
Steve Sanchez, Landscape Architect, provided a presentation on “Using More Natives in the Landscape – the Challenges and Benefits.” We enjoyed a discussion of the issues, solutions, and plant materials for this project. Following his talk, Steve led us on a tour of the grounds to see how the project has development from a field to a public garden. He answered questions regarding specific plants and how we can use them in our own landscapes.