the Neighborhood Design Center

Green Infrastructure

Seasons Neighborhood Landscape Plan

The Four Seasons Neighborhood is nestled in a sloped, wooded area with no adequate drainage.
The Four Seasons Neighborhood is nestled in a sloped, wooded area with no adequate drainage.

The Challenge

The Four Seasons HOA board in Lanham, MD reached out to the Neighborhood Design Center to receive guidance on their flooding issues. Residents described damaged property and areas that became uninviting and unsafe after rainfall. We collaborated with volunteer designers from VIKA to support the Four Seasons neighborhood with a community-led landscape plan project.

Community Engagement

Engagement including a site walk and survey where residents shared their experiences with flooding and their vision to improve existing site conditions. A design solutions workshop was another opportunity for feedback on analysis findings and initial ideas.

A few visual examples of interventions that we included in our report.
A few visual examples of interventions that we included in our report.

The Solutions

MECHANICAL WORK

    • Use non-vegetative techniques to capture and/or convey storm water.

AESTHETIC WORK

    • Use native plant material to provide multiple seasons of interest.

SOIL BIOENGINEERING + EARTHWORK

    • Use plant material and soil amendments to reduce soil compaction and slow water runoff.

This stormwater plan includes many affordable solutions: rain barrels, curb stops, french drains, rain gardens, swales, berms, soil amendment, and woodland planting or reseeding.

A beautiful and promising future

The final landscape plan has a range of solutions for both short and long term periods. We provided extensive information for each solution, including cost, needed permits, timeline of implementation, general pros and cons, plus funding resources and next steps.

Through the suggested recommendations, the Four Seasons community will one day experience a beautifully planted and inviting landscape in their neighborhood!

Similar Projects

Community ForestryGreen Infrastructure

Village of 12 Trees

We created a comprehensive neighborhood plan rooted in conservation practices.

Community Landscape DesignGreen Infrastructure

East Baltimore Greenway

We partnered with the community to increase tree canopy and green space via environmental education walks, tree planting events, and the designs that transform neighborhood vacant lots into vibrant, accessible gathering areas that filter stormwater.

Schoolyards and Learning Environments

Duval High Greening and Student Education

NDC supported DuVal High in twelve projects over the course of five years, involving students in the design and installation processes, transferring knowledge about native plants, stormwater issues, and green infrastructure solutions.

Work with us
Case Studies