Tree Theme Districts

What, you may ask, are tree theme districts? I did, anyway, after reading this article in the AZ Republic today:

The landscape plan also ties into Gilbert's tree theme districts, which feature specific plants in specific parts of town that give those areas character, said Deputy Town Manager Tami Ryall.

I'll explain the article in a moment, but when I got to this phrase of tree theme districts, I had to look to the Mister for an explanation. He told me that Gilbert has overlaid the entire town with a series of zones, each one having a unique combination of trees and plants to be used along the arterial roads. He then told me that, after being involved in the process, the town adopted Morrison Ranch's landscape plan as the tree theme district for the entire area of Morrison Ranch. Our theme is not hard to pick out: pecans and turf.

But back to the article in the Republic. We have spoken very highly of Tami Ryall before, and of the great work she has done concerning the San Tan Freeway. This article is discussing the landscaping of the freeway, and the desire to hearken to the past.

Design teams and town officials have begun meeting about the Loop 202's landscape concept plan, which is touted as the "Heritage Harvest."
It features low-water usage plants along the freeway and its interchanges. Town
officials say that the trees, shrubs and other plants are interpretations of the cotton, alfalfa, hay, wheat and pecans of yesteryear. The town's plan features more than 60 types of vegetation. Stepping in for alfalfa blooms and pecan groves are sage shrubs and Chinese pistache trees.

We like the way she thinks - just like us, as it turns out. Remember the past and symbolize our heritage while at the same time stepping into the future; rather than fighting change, mold it.

"We're recognizing our history," Ryall said. "We're going to celebrate the past with the future."

Well done.