By Michelle Ryan, regional editor

Chuck Taylor, a landscape architect at Georgia Southern University was honored by the Georgia Chapter of the ASLA for the work he donated to Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Ga. He designed a fountain for the project made from a late 1800?EUR??,,????'???s antique syrup kettle with water that bubbles up through the concrete pedestal before circulating back to the basin. Knockout roses surround the area, which is made from brick matching the exterior of the hospice

Chuck Taylor, has been a landscape architect at Georgia Southern University for 10 years, and recently received awards from the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for projects in two separate categories.

He received an award of merit in the Parks and Public Works category for “Creating a Pedestrian-friendly Campus,” a project that was implemented at Georgia Southern. He also received an award in the Pro Bono category for design work he donated to Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Ga.

Over time, the jasmine vines planted within the ruin garden will begin to creep up the metal fencing that shelters the decorative stamped concrete patio adorned with potted yellow mums.

The purpose of the pro bono work was a landscape and site design that would preserve existing significant trees, reflect the heritage of the community, create private and public spaces and project an overall residential feel. Most importantly, the design would need to serve as a communication tool to inspire donations. There was no funding set aside for landscaping.

Statesboro is a rural community in southeast Georgia, population under 40,000. The new hospice facility is constructed near the center of town on the old hospital site. The hospital was unsuitable for renovation was demolished by the city. However, several significant trees, including several live oaks were preserved and sections of old doric columns were saved under the guidance of landscape architect Chuck Taylor.

The conceptual plan for the project illustrates the circular turn-around at the front of the building and the two separate wings of the Hospice, which are separated by an enclosed courtyard planted with centipede turf. Several large shade trees were incorporated into the design including a large laurel oak, crape myrtles and Japanese maples.

As the principal of the project Taylor not only provided the lead in the design of the site hardscape, landscape and irrigation, but also coordinated bidding efforts and provided construction observations services, all pro bono. In addition, Taylor donated an antique kettle to aid in the implementation of the fountain design. He prepared rendered concepts, budget proposals and construction documents and worked with the contractor, Pope Construction Inc., to determine the most cost effective ways to implement the design. Most significantly, Taylor met with a potential donor and secured full funding for the project.