The Wilmington morning star., 1946-01-15
Beautifying Greenfield
Planned By Landscaper
BY PHIL WRIGHT

~so1E1A HilCA, ely Pe1AA>S
tendent, said last night that land
scaping and drainage plans al
fecting widespread area in
Greenfield park are being whip
ped into shape as rapidly as time
and equipment will permit.
In making the announcement
Smell disclosed that Robert Sturte-
want, landscape architect of Nash
vile. Tenn, and the New England
ststes has been employed by the
atty to help with the extensive
plans which he has for Greenfield.
In not too many years, Smell be-
lieves the motorist will be able to
feast his eyes on a lake-circllng
scene of grandeur such as that
which now enhances the north and
west approaches to the lake.
Smell also disclosed that a new
and elaborate spillway will be
built at Greenfield creek, at a
point where the water now over
flows at will when the rainy sea-
son is on. This step is necessar-
lily imminent, accold ding to the
superintendent, in order that an
other calamity such as befell the
plants at the lake last spring will
not be repeated.
Plans for the spillway or dam
include tearing out all present
abutments and revamping the out
let with an entirely new struc-
ture. Channel walls will be made
of concrete and the bridge Of
masonry construction. Native
rocks will be appropriately placed
to add to the scenic and rustic
beauty Of the spillway.
The new dam will have ample
flood gates which will permit con-
trolled overflows and cause the
regular water mark to be main
tanned at most seasons throughout
the year.
This, Smell said will tend to
eliminate the possibility of over
flooded areas, and during the dry
seasons will help to retain enough
water to furnish suitable moisture
for plants in the immediate envi-
rons of the lake.
Swimming in the lake, which
has not been encouraged at length
during the past will also benefit
by the new dam, it was learned.
The park superintendent said
that the late summer which
caused excessively high tempera-
lures in the area until the Christ
mas season this year delayed
plans for planting dogwoods. aza-
leas, and camellias. 'These plants
will naturally be next on our sched-
ule," he said
Water oaks which strangely
enough will be planted away from
the low water areas are also
next on the planned program OF
the parks commission. Mimosa,
a small native tree, will also be
planted this year.
Vining roses will also be planted
extensively this year in addition
to the few the park now has. The
Cherokee rose, of which there are
few in the park will find well
come also, according to Smell. The
Cherokee is single Towering
plant.
He said that the plan does not
include planting hybrid roses be-
cause of their timidity to the
climate in this area. Various 9TH
err shrubs for screening and to
serve as background for smaller
Towering plants are also included
in the present plans.
Extensive drainage plans are
also scheduled for the year. Super
intendent Smell said plans include
clearing and grubbing new areas
to be further beautified with
azaleas and camellias and other
shrubs, as well as to preserve ex-
listing native plants throughout the
areas to be cultivated.
This will take a long time, it was
explained as maintenance sched-
ules are now behind because of
the shortage of help and facilities
the park has experienced during
recent months.
Regarding future planting the
superintendent said plans will not
include any planting that may not
be maintained properly. 'eWe are
going slow on our program, trying
to project ourselves into the future,
so we can have a good estimate
Of what can be properly cared for
before making additional plans,'
ne said.