The landscape for Ballston’s Fairfax Drive median is envisioned as a bold statement of the new Ballston. Signature trees, ribbons of shrubs, and geometric plantings of perennials all work together to create a striking, unique experience for both drivers and pedestrians. Each plant has been carefully selected to provide an overall sculptural effect in support the new Ballston identity- everyone who walks or drives along Fairfax Drive will know when they get to Ballston!
Rather than working around the existing, irregularly spaced trees and sparse, mixed landscape which was heading into decline, we wiped the slate clean and installed a lush new landscape that will not only look beautiful but also achieve more for the environment as well. Twenty-seven new Bald Cypress trees were planted to replace the seventeen trees that were removed. These stately trees, rarely used but well suited for the urban environment, have a pyramidal shape that will provide shade while not obstructing the vehicular traffic. Each tree will be encircled with perennials and annuals that provide color and seasonal interest in the Ballston orange and complementary color. Between each tree will be arcing bands of shrubs selected to provide both color and structure, while remaining within a safe height that won’t block driver visibility. Evergreen shrubs are combined with Red Twig Dogwoods, a deciduous shrub with branches that turn bright orange-red in the winter time. The medians will be edged with an evergreen groundcover to provide a clean, crisp border.
Hardscape work of the medians was completed in 2017. This includes a bold, circular pattern of colored concrete to add further character to our medians. Repairs and maintenance to pavers and median curbs will be ongoing.
