Public Landscapes · Providence, RI
195 District Park
Lotus Landscape serves as horticultural advisor to 195 District Park, guiding the care and growth of Providence's waterfront park as it matures into a resilient, living public space.
- Client
- I-195 Redevelopment District
- Our role
- Horticultural advisor
- Site
- Waterfront park on the Providence River
- Engagement
- 2026 – ongoing
The park
A civic gathering place that is also a working ecosystem
195 District Park opened in 2019 on land freed up by the relocation of Interstate 195. Today it is one of Providence's busiest public spaces, with meadows, rain gardens, lawns, planted beds and a pavilion along the river.
Seven years in, the landscape has reached a critical stage. Wind off the water, variable urban soils and heavy daily use all affect how plants perform. Invasive species such as Tree of Heaven, Japanese knotweed and mugwort compete for ground, and the park is moving to organic management. The District selected Lotus through a public RFP to help guide what comes next.
Our role
Strategy in the office, observation in the field
We work alongside District staff and the park's maintenance crew. Our job is to make sure everyday care lines up with the long-term vision for the landscape.
Site observation
Weekly walkthroughs in the growing season to track plant health, soil and water conditions, and catch problems early.
Invasive species plan
Mapping and a phased plan for Tree of Heaven, Japanese knotweed and mugwort, using targeted treatment and hand removal.
Planting design
New planting plans for beds and entrance planters that fill gaps, add seasonal interest and stand up to waterfront conditions.
Organic soil care
Compost worked in at tree bases and soil-building practices that support the park's move to organic management.
Crew collaboration
On-site guidance and written care standards so the maintenance crew can carry the plan through every visit.
Seasonal reporting
Clear notes, photos and priorities after each meeting, so the District always knows what is planned and why.
How we care for the park
Practices that let the landscape mature
- Grasses stand through winterOrnamental grasses stay up until spring to shelter insects and birds and give the park winter structure.
- Leaves stay in the bedsA light layer of fallen leaves protects roots and feeds the soil over winter.
- Light-touch pruningWe thin only 5–10% of branches to let in light and keep each tree's natural form. No shearing shrubs into balls.
- Deep watering for new plantsYoung trees and new plantings get a slow, deep soak to build strong roots.
- Targeted invasive controlProblem plants are treated or dug out one by one, never with blanket spraying.
- Engineer-approved compostSoil amendments are reviewed with the park's engineers before use, because the park sits on built infrastructure.
Our process
Three phases, one long-term plan
Assess and align
- Kickoff with District staff
- Review of existing plans and maintenance
- Full-site walkthrough
- First invasive species survey
Build the framework
- Planting priorities
- Key areas for intervention
- Invasive management plan
- Coordination with the maintenance crew
Support the work
- Weekly on-site walkthroughs
- A steady seasonal monitoring rhythm
- New plantings and bed designs
- Ideas for public engagement
In the field
Before and after
The team
Who's on the ground
Jaclyn Brannon
Jaclyn grew up in her family's greenhouse and landscape business and later studied architecture. She leads Lotus's advisory work at 195 District Park, joining plant knowledge with design thinking.
Kevin Brannon
Kevin co-founded Lotus and has more than four decades of experience in Providence and Rhode Island landscapes. He trained at Roger Williams Park Botanical Gardens while studying horticulture at URI.
Caring for a public or commercial landscape?
Parks, campuses, healthcare and senior living. Talk with us about an advisory plan built for your site.