In the center of Tel Aviv, overlooking the Mediterranean and abutting the Hilton Hotel, there exists a piece of land made up of well thought out pathways, plant choices and combinations, and vistas that is a perfect template for a simple, easy to maintain and a stunning sustainable urban park.
Independence Park – Original Stone Walkway from 1952
The Independence Park in Tel Aviv
In any major city that is up to date on ecological landscape design, The Independence Park might be one sustainable public area among several. But in Tel Aviv, where planting rows of multi-colored annuals each season is considered to be the height of horticulture, to my eye, this park is a perfect example of how Tel Aviv’s public spaces could be dramatically improved – both aesthetically and sustainably.
I have always been a stickler about the importance of pathways in a garden. Paths are the arteries of a garden park. Without a good flow, no matter how beautiful the plantings are, the overall design will fizzle.
The pathways of this park have been thoughtfully and impeccably laid out with a continuous flow from one end of the park (which is multi-level) to another. Much like a traffic grid in a city, the ‘roads’ of this park are perpendicular, vertical, winding, and with some roundabouts. There are no dead ends. Each one leads to another. It is a walker’s paradise.
The first picture above shows an original walkway from 1952 leading from the lower entry level of the park up towards the Hilton Hotel.
Well thought out urban pathway in The Independence Park
Tamarix sp. On Either Side of Path
Dirt Secondary walkway
Major Wide Concrete Walkway overlooking Mediterranean
Major Pathway -View Towards Hilton Hotel – dotted with yellow aloes
So – when it comes to paths, this park gets 5***** from me.
Next up is plant material.
Independence Park is filled with plantings unlike any other public space in Tel Aviv.
The palette consists solely of drought resistant plants – with a minimial variety of specimens planted in large numbers – aloes, agaves, pennisetum, Plectranthus neochilus and Lotus creticus make up the majority of the plantings along with Tamarix and Olive trees.
The designer – which appears to be Nachum Kulka- has shown a great deal of restraint and discipline- which is a testament to his expertise and artistry.
Plectranthus neochilus
Plectranthus neochilus is a perennial, aromatic, succulent herb from South Africa. When in bloom, it’s stunning. And when not, it is an attractive evergreen groundcover. It looks stunning draping over edges or juxtapositioned with perennial grasses, aloes, or agaves. For more information, click on San Marco Growers.
Yellow Aloes planted in drifts
Aloes planted in drifts
Agaves, yellow groundcover Lotus creticus, Tamarix trees
Agaves ready to bloom
Masses of Pennisetum planted throughout the park
Pennisetum planted in drifts
Edge of Independence park overlooking Mediterranean Sea
The third element that has helped make this park so successful is that it has a simple drip irrigation system laid above ground.
I was a bit surprised that the hoses were still coiled around mature plantings. I was unable to tell if they’re still being used or if they’ve been left there because it would cause a lot of disturbance to the plantings trying to pick them up. I’ll be keeping an eye out on the watering situation as the warmer weather settles in.
You might also be interested in checking out my other articles on pathways-
Why Pathways Are Such A Compelling Element In The Garden
Pathways In The Garden ….At Chanticleer
Now it’s your turn! What urban park is a favorite of yours?
Fran is the author of the highly-acclaimed book, Digging Deep: Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening, which Andrew Weil, M.D., recommends as "a profound and inspiring book."
A graduate of the University of Chicago with Honors in Psychology, she is also a gardening and creativity expert, coach, inspirational speaker, CBS radio news gardening correspondent, and Huffington Post Contributor.
Learn more about Fran and get free resources that will help you improve your life at www.fransorin.com.
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