CTLA Fall 2020

The Connecticut FALL2020
Landscape Architect

Landscape Architecture
Practice in the COVID-19 Era

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10 The Connecticut
Landscape Architect

FALL 2020

20 Editor’s Message
25
4
28
30 From the Trustee

5

From the President

7

In Memoriam

8

Panel Discussion: Landscape Architecture Practice in the COVID-19 Era

10

The Natural Remedy

20

Finding the Right Path

25

Living Outdoors in the Time of COVID-19

28

Pioneers of Connecticut Landscape Architecture: James Block

30

FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG 3

This year would have been From the Editor
hard to imagine even 12
months ago. The pandemic, In this issue of The Connecticut Landscape Architect our
racial injustice protests, and an members discuss what this time has meant to them and
uncivil national discourse has pro- how they are coping. We have a diversity of opinions
foundly altered our world. In my and outlooks, which I hope will be of interest.
spring column I made a wish that Hopefully the new normal will be a BETTER normal.
our world would be better in the fall. Postscript: I had intended to focus this issue on the contri-
Our world is decidedly not better. butions of Black landscape architects to Connecticut’s land-
Yet, most of us will get through this, just as we did the scape, but I was stymied when searching for material. We
Great Recession, 9/11, and other traumas, but it IS have a long way to go in creating a diverse, equitable, and
NOT going to be business as usual. We are adapting fair profession.
to the new normal. The construction industry is down
6% for the year with new construction down 14%. The W. Phillips Barlow, asla, aicp, leed ap
next six months to a year are going to be like nothing
any of us have ever experienced. It doesn’t help to stick
our heads in the sand. We must address these challenges
straight on.
So, what is the new normal? Certainly, it is working
remotely. We have been working from home since March
13 and I am pleasantly surprised that it is working so well.
My guess is that even after COVID, we and many others
will continue to work remotely at least for a portion of
our time, coming together to collaborate, and working at
home for focused work. Surveys show that 54% of design
industry CEOs plan to make remote work permanent.
The new normal also includes less travel, not only the jet
flights to conferences and vacations but also driving to
meetings, networking events, etc. We have learned that
with Zoom and other platforms there is really no need to
spend hours a week driving to and from meetings.

The Connecticut Landscape Architect is published by the Connecticut TO CONTACT CTASLA
Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. MAIL P.O. Box 209197, New Haven, CT 06520
EMAIL [email protected]
EDITOR WEB www.ctasla.org
W. Phillips Barlow
To Design, LLC, 114 West Main Street, Ste. 202, New Britain, CT 06051 ON THE COVER
TEL (860) 612-1700 On-site communication is just a little more difficult when dealing with
EMAIL [email protected] COVID-19 protocols, making complete, detailed, and accurate construction
documents all the more important. Image: Yale Center for the Humanities
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (courtesy Towers |Golde, LLC).
Jeffrey H. Mills
J.M. Communications, 35 Talcottville Road, Ste. 318, Vernon, CT 06066
TEL (860) 454-8922
EMAIL [email protected]

ADDRESS CHANGES & ADVERTISING
[email protected] or (860) 454-8922

4 FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG

From the Trustee

Lots of things (some good and some not so good) are tion with a rich history and significant role to play leading
happening at National. By now I am guessing most of this work, both in the design world and beyond it. I’m hon-
you know the big ones: the annual meeting has been ored, humbled, and incredibly excited to help the Society
canceled and we have a new CEO. and the landscape architecture profession forge a new path
ASLA depends to a huge degree on income from the forward to effectively address the growing challenges of the
annual meeting for its operating budget. While the loss climate crisis, the urgent need for racial and social justice,
of income from the conference is going to be a challenge and the stark realities and disruption of social norms caused
in the short term, the long-term outlook is better, as we by a global pandemic.”
expect to be compensated through our insurance. Kudos In other news from ASLA, long-time Landscape Archi-
to CFO Michael O’Brien, Hon. ASLA for having the tecture Magazine editor-in-chief Bradford McKee has
foresight to add a “pandemic” clause to our policy, as resigned after a ten-year run. Brad left his mark on the
pandemics are not covered under most policies. magazine and he will be missed. Senior Editor Jennifer
On a brighter note we have a new CEO! On August 31 Reut will at least temporarily fill the editor-in-chief slot.
Torey Carter-Conneen assumed the role of chief execu- And in the “for what it’s worth” category, Robert Kuper,
tive officer after an extensive nationwide search. Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, Temple
According to ASLA President Wendy Miller, FASLA, University, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, has
“Torey brings to ASLA a wealth of experience in organiza- notified ASLA of a study that he has completed which
tional management and strategic planning, a fresh outlook, challenges the premise that ASLA is a leader in Climate
tremendous energy, and a lifetime of committed advocacy Change mitigation. Specifically, Mr. Kuper takes excep-
for a more just society. From the climate crisis, to racial tion to the annual meeting, when thousands of landscape
injustice, to diversity and inclusion — Torey has the stra- architects fly across the country, leaving a huge carbon
tegic vision necessary to tackle the tough issues facing the footprint in their wake.
Society, the profession, and the entire design industry. Torey Worth thinking about.
is, without a doubt, the creative, innovative, committed
leader we need at this moment to move the Society and the
profession forward.”

Torey has nearly 25 years of experience and expertise in W. Phillips Barlow, asla, aicp, leed ap
strategic organizational development, tactical implemen-
tation, financial stewardship, and administrative leader-
ship. He has a proven track record as an innovator and
thought leader in the association world, with an aptitude
for pioneering strategies to shape organizational prior-
ities, ensure financial stability, and invigorate member
recruitment and retention programs.

As our new leader Carter-Conneen offered these words
to the society, “At this very important moment in our coun-
try and our world, it is essential that we work together to
solve our biggest problems — bridging deep, tribal divi-
sions, creating new opportunities, and rebuilding a sense
of community at a time of fear and isolation. It is going to
take innovative and thoughtful solutions to tightly weave
the fabric of our society back together. ASLA is an organiza-

FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG 5

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From the President
One of the first concepts
introduced to a landscape In deciphering when, where, and how to
architect is the concept of implement a change is where I have really
scale. As a drawing and measuring come to appreciate scale. I find that frequent
aid, the scale allows us to visualize use of the scroll wheel when analyzing a
and sketch at non-life-size propor- problem and acknowledging the many
tions. More philosophically, scale different scales and layers helps me visualize
allows us to see and analyze differ- the intricacies of the matter at hand.

ent perspectives of the less tangible issues, and identifying actionable, corrective mechanisms.
elements we come across.
In our design work, we use various scales to view Over the next year, I look forward to leading
and communicate different pieces of our project. With CTASLA through changes as we advocate for increased
the scroll of the wheel on our computer mouse we can diversity and social justice awareness and action within
view a quarter-acre-sized site, the surrounding commu- our profession, continue to adapt and react to condi-
nity it lies in, and even the entire globe if we so please. tions caused by the pandemic, and improve and stream-
A few more scrolls and some clicks, and we can rotate a line committee functions to best suit our members and
three-dimensional model of a bolt that will hold together volunteers.
a piece of our design. Each view is different, but is part
of our design.
In other aspects of our lives, we experience, interpret,
and react to things around us, whether in our home,
community, state, or beyond. Our reactions are some- Matthew Verry, ASLA
times those of joy, satisfaction, and
concurrence. However much of the
time there is often some degree of
concern, disagreement, or displea-
sure. In these situations, we almost
instinctively begin to fantasize
what could possibly change to cor-
rect our ill feelings. Depending on
the matter at hand, our actions to
affect change may look very differ-
ent, but are always powered by the
same driving force — our will and
desire to implement change for the
better. Parking, Roadway & Area
In deciphering when, where, Category Winner!
and how to implement a change is Solar Energy Tubes

where I have really come to appre-
ciate scale. I find that frequent use Unleash lighting
of the scroll wheel when analyzing from the grid
a problem and acknowledging the
many different scales and layers
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IN MEMORIAM His family says that among his
CTASLA has lost several past and present members over the last many awards, his designation as a Fel-
year, including a past president and one of our Fellows (see our low by ASLA in 2000 was the proud-
Pioneers column also). They will all be missed. — Phil Barlow est moment of his professional life.
Jack will be remembered for his
Genevra Goodwin, of West Hart- environment. During his career, he dignity, warm smile, generous spirit,
ford died February 3, 2020. It is a designed landscapes for corporate and humble nature.
rarity these days for one to live and headquarters, government buildings, Bill Coyne, landscape architect,
work all their life within an area of city plazas, university campuses, pri- sculptor, builder/craftsman died in
20 miles, but Gene Goodwin did. vate schools, event facilities, and Maine on June 27, 2020 from 
She is a descendant of Ozias Good- residences. Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD),
win who came to Connecticut with Jack’s talent was obvious when a rare, progressive neurodegenerative
Thomas Hooker to found Hartford. he passed the licensing exam (all four disease. He was 70 years old.
Gene always loved the outdoors sections) on his first pass. Later in his Studying philosophy at the Uni-
and studied Horticulture and Land- career he would be appointed to the versity of Maine enriched Bill’s mind
scape Architecture at the University of State Board of Landscape Architects. but didn’t contribute to life skills
Connecticut, completing a fifth year Jack had a national reputation and he needed to make a living. With a
at the University of Massachusetts. worked with renowned architecture mechanical mind, the patience for
After college, she worked at Scott’s firms including Kevin Roche, John fine artisanship, and a growing inter-
Nursery to learn about native plant Dinkeloo + Associates, and Edward L. est in sculpture, he became Maine
materials. She then worked designing Barnes. He was also well known for his sculptor Bernard (Blackie) Langlais’s
landscapes and gardens for schools, work in Columbus, Indiana, (known as assistant from 1974 to 1977. The
housing projects, and public parks. the Midwest’s architectural mecca). Late two would hash out ideas that Bill
in his career he worked with the Miller would fabricate and Blackie would
CTASLA lost one of its giants to family to restore Dan Kiley’s seminal embellish. Subsequently, Bill studied
COVID-19 this past summer. John garden design, the Miller Garden. Jack art at the New York Studio School
E. Curtis, of Easton, CT, a quint- also designed the grounds of the Cum- and the Skowhegan School of Paint-
essential self-made man, started mins Engine Headquarters (for which ing and Sculpture,
his 50-year career with A.E. Bye he won an ASLA design award). Bill’s interest in sculpture
Associates. Known for his humility, Other notable works include evolved into a career as a landscape
creativity, and love of his profession, General Foods World Headquar- architect. At the age of 41, he earned
Jack formed Landplan Partnership ters, NY, Knights of Columbus, CT, a Master’s Degree in Landscape
in Southport, CT in the 1970s, with UNICEF Plaza, NYC, Thurgood Architecture at Harvard University’s
Arthur Selbert and Stanley Hunts Marshall Federal Judiciary Build- Graduate School of Design. After
as partners. In 1984 he moved on ing, Washington, D.C, Connecticut graduation the family moved to New
to form, Jack Curtis + Associates, in Tennis Center at Yale, Metropolitan Haven, Connecticut where Bill prac-
Monroe, CT, working as a sole pro- Museum of Art, NYC, and Timex ticed landscape architecture at several
prietor for over three decades before World Headquarters, CT. firms until 2016, when he returned
retiring in 2015. to his beloved Maine.
Born in 1943 in Bill had a unique way of express-
Alexandria, VA, Jack grew ing himself through metaphors,
up in Springfield, PA, which could be enchanting and exas-
outside Philadelphia and perating. His approach to a task was
attended Penn State Uni- razor-focused and planned down to
versity, graduating with a the tiniest detail. He was quirky and
BS in Landscape Archi- brilliant. He will be missed by all who
tecture in 1966. had the good fortune to know him.
Jack’s life revolved Much of the preceding information was
around landscape archi- borrowed from The Hartford Courant
tecture — his love of obituary section.
design and the natural Corporate headquarters of the Cummins Engine Company in Columbus,
IN, designed by Jack Curtis in the 1980s. (Photo: Jae Choi, Flickr)

8 FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG

A “Hole” Lot of Giving

Suspending this year’s ASLA Connecticut Golf Outing was critical to
protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our members and
friends. But without the proceeds for this important event, our student
scholarships may need to be reduced at a time when they are needed
most. Can you help us make up the difference?

Please save the date for January 14th! In lieu of our traditional
holiday party, we will be offering an online 2021 Professional, Student,
and Chapter Awards ceremony. Registration is free, but we hope you
will consider making an optional donation to our scholarship when you
sign up. Please visit www.ctasla.org for more information.

Since 2003, ASLA Connecticut has provided over $75,000 to 31
deserving recipients. Your contribution will enable the chapter to
motivate and reward academic achievement, seed careers in
landscape architecture, and strengthen affiliations with ASLA.

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FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG 9

PANEL DISCUSSION

Landscape Architecture Practice in the COVID-19 Era

(...and other topics on the minds of practitioners)

Editor’s note: In early September I Meet our
convened a group of four landscape panelists:
architects from various backgrounds and
practice types discuss a variety of topics 1 – Gary Sorge, FASLA,
including the effect that COVID-19
has had on their practice and what the AICP is Vice President for
coming months (pre-vaccine) might look Community Development
like. Of course, we soon wandered to a and Transportation and
variety of topic areas! We look forward to Practice Lead for Landscape 1 2 3
your feedback. — Phil Barlow Architecture at Stantec.
Phil: I thought that it would be help- Stantec is a global AE+LA firm with offices in
ful for our membership to know how New Haven, Hartford and Stamford, CT. Email
other people were coping with COVID Gary at [email protected].
and the associated recession. I put this
panel together trying to get a little bit 2 – Abigail Adams, ASLA is the Founder and 4 5
of diversity in project types, office size, Principal of A2 Land Consulting, LLC out of
and type of work. I will start off by New Fairfield, CT. She is licensed in NY, CT and
asking the obvious: How is everyone most recently MA, with projects spanning the
coping with COVID? I’ll begin with residential, commercial, and retail markets. You
what To Design is doing. We’re about can reach her at [email protected] and follow
50% working from home. We have one A2 Land on Facebook and Instagram.
person that comes in every day, one
person that stays home every day, and 3 – Robert Golde, FASLA is a Principal of New Haven, CT-based Towers|Golde LLC, where he
the rest of us are in a 50% working- has been promoting the development of sites that bring people closer to the natural world for
from-home-when-it’s-convenient and nearly 40 years. He can be reached at [email protected]
then coming-into-the-office-when-it’s-
convenient mode. 4 – Burt DeMarche, LEED, LIC is President of The LaurelRock Company in Wilton, CT.
LaurelRock is an award-winning residential landscape design/build and maintenance firm with a
45-year reputation built on creative design, sustainable services, and long-term relationships.
Burt can be reached at [email protected].

5 – Phil Barlow ASLA, AICP (moderator) is the founding Principal of To Design, a Landscape
Architecture firm that specializes in the design of parks and other public spaces. Phil can be
reached at [email protected], Facebook, and Instagram.

Burt: We have 15 people that poten- to when they get back to the garage, We’ve also collaborated with the
tially could be in the office. Our team they have to have their masks on. building maintenance and property
is there full-time now, and they’re Gary: In Connecticut we’re open, but owner about what they’re doing in com-
divided into three different floors, so only one third of our staff is approved mon spaces, so our work day begins the
it works out fine. And then we have to enter the office and that’s based on minute you pull into a parking facility or
guidelines for all procedures, with sign- need. Every day we have a “fit for duty step off the bus or train. In other offices
in sheets and wearing your mask when declaration” that every employee who’s it’s quite different. In some, we haven’t
you’re moving around, things like that. entering the office is required to make, had any staff in, other than to maybe
Phil: I take it you are still doing and that needs to be filed before you print something. Almost every meeting
construction also? step in the door. We do that all online that we’ve held has been virtual. I have
Burt: Yes, the crews are all working full so that you’re stating that you are fit for not been in a conference room with my
capacity for maintenance and construc- duty and not showing any symptoms, staff since March. I’m only going in the
tion. We have 13 crews and they’re all you haven’t been exposed, etc. And office maybe once every week, or every
basically wearing masks all day long. So when you’re in the office, maintaining couple of weeks, but we still have field
from when they report in at the garage social distance is required. meetings. We gear up for that, following
the same protocol as if we were entering
the office — masks and the like.

10 FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG

We don’t travel together. Even if be filled out; you take your temperature We are essentially 100
several of us are going from New Haven when you step in the office and record percent working from
to Greenwich, we’re taking separate cars. it, the whole nine yards. We are essen- home. But we seem
Phil: I’m actually finding it’s working tially 100 percent working from home, to be doing fine. Office
pretty well. People like it, and are get- with the exception of one individual meetings are so easy and
ting their work done. We’re probably who has a small apartment and goes to so intuitive at this point
going to keep the same protocol even the office for his sanity, I guess. But we that nobody thinks twice
when the COVID crisis has passed. seem to be doing fine. Office meetings about it. — Bob Golde
People can work at home if they want, are so easy and so intuitive at this point
and come in the office if they want. that nobody thinks twice about it. late March or early April — to stay in
Abigail: It’s been pretty easy for me as We’ve been using not only Zoom, but touch. I’ve met more dogs, cats, kids,
a sole proprietor. I don’t have to worry Microsoft Teams, which we found real- etc., and I know more about some staff
about staff. I was renting office space in ly works well. If you have a question for than I’ve been able to discover over the
Brookfield for quite a while, and then your colleague, you just peg them on past 20 years. Some people are fatigued,
when we bought a house, I moved my teams and they’ll answer right away. It’s though, and want to be in the office.
office there. So working at home was a like having a conversation, or walking
seamless transition, but what I had to up to a colleague’s desk. Phil: What platform do you guys use,
get used to was the virtual meetings. I’m From the beginning, we have Gary? Do you use Microsoft Teams also?
usually a “Let’s sit down, I’d like to look instituted a morning Zoom call where
at the plans with everybody” kind of per- everybody is required to call in and Gary: We were stuck in the Skype world
son. But with Zoom I’m finding that we required to have their camera on so for a while, but a few months back we
can accomplish what we need to accom- that we can just be in contact with each switched over to Teams. Depending on
plish. And when I have site meetings, other. While there is some business what office you’re in, we have folks that
typically everybody’s wearing a mask. If done, it’s a largely a social exercise, just are using all different types of virtual
we’re outside, some clients will ask, “Is making sure we’re all checking in and communication tools, but Teams has
it okay if I take it off?” If we’re staying everybody’s okay. It’s not a very long become the Stantec platform.
six, ten feet away, that’s fine. That’s their call, but has been really effective in ral-
choice and I’m okay with that. lying the troops and keeping everybody Burt: We’re finding that clients are
Bob: Pretty much the same at Towers grounded. It has actually been a game moving from email to texting. Now
Golde. We have a similar scenario: a changer — if anything, we’re commu- I’m going through not only my emails,
pre-office online questionnaire has to nicating more. but also scrolling through my texts to
Gary: You make a good point there. make sure I’ve addressed everything at
We made a conscious effort — from the end of the day. It’s adding another
element there as well.

Abigail: I’m finding the same thing.
If you want to get in touch quickly —
text me.

LaurelRock Company crew member doing maintenance on a Westport, CT property. Phil: Do you see changes in the profes-
sion resulting from COVID? Obvious-
ly, we’re all doing more things outdoors:
outdoor restaurants, outdoor dining,
talk of outdoor classrooms etc. Do you
think this will continue once we find
the vaccine and “get back to normal”?
Some people think COVID could be a
blessing for landscape architecture.

continued next page

FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG 11

Panel Discussion cont’d some of these spaces just going to I thought that the whole
become unused and stagnant because sustainable SITES
Gary: Well, there certainly is an we’re following guidelines for one movement might be a
increased emphasis on the outdoors and particular thing? springboard to highlight
everything that entails, so that can’t be Gary: I’ve had other concerns well the systems-nature
bad for our profession. I have been get- before COVID, which have just of what we do. I’m
ting questions from clients such as, “Do become amplified. I am concerned concerned, though,
you have any examples of on-campus, about landscape architects being judged that we’re losing that
socially distanced situations?” So, so much by their graphic skills and opportunity. It’s slipping
clients are looking in that direction. their CAD production skills. We’ve got away, for many reasons.
But frankly, so much of what we do is to move this practice, this profession, — Phil Barlow
adaptable. I do get worried about the into an area that is indispensable. And
overly prescriptive nature of requiring that’s getting into policy and critical speakers. We have to be active in pol-
that you locate benches exactly six thinking — and politics, God forbid. itics. I agree with Bob, that landscape
feet apart, etc. We just opened up a Getting to a point where we have more architects are in a great position because
rooftop at Yale Medical School, spaced control of our destiny is important. of our knowledge of how open space
the benches six feet apart, and there’s But we are susceptible to risk due to and outdoor environments are getting
four people on every bench! I do think numbers, with ASCE and AIA being the public through this pandemic.
human nature has to be factored in, very powerful organizations with many There are other disciplines that are
and I don’t think the current prescrip- more members. gnawing at that opportunity, probably
tive regulations do that. Just because we We as a profession have to be more so than landscape architects, and
put benches six feet apart doesn’t mean more tech savvy. We have to be more we are going to be outnumbered. I
it’s going to stop people from sitting in tune and educated on ecology and know it’s vitally important, but we’re
next to each other. on human behavior and human psy- too caught up on pretty pictures and
Abigail: Right. And then in five years chology and soil management and con- less on the science and psychology and
when things change a little bit, are struction. We have to be better public human behavior aspects.

We Grow the Legacy of Your Trees Phil: I completely agree. I thought that
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Gary: I do think that LEED and
SITES are important. They are also
cumbersome. But the principles of
both need to be embedded in landscape
architecture education and not just
something prescribed in a book, or a

continued on page 14

12 FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG

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Panel Discussion cont’d Phil: Coming at it from a little bit dif- be really nice to work outside next to
ferent angle, I attribute the dwindling a pool or have a really great outdoor
certification and something you have market share to a lack of marketing and space.” So I do think that the residen-
to pay for. They should be embedded maybe what Gary was talking about — tial end of things will keep expanding.
into every single landscape architect’s not getting involved in politics and not Burt: I agree with Abigail. In a good
education. putting ourselves out there on boards, year we might do two or three pools.
Burt: What I’m seeing with architects in community service, etc. But every We have four pools signed already, with
on the residential side is that whereas time there is a surge in a landscape four more potentials. A lot of people
we used to design everything from the architecture project type that we think are not sending their kids to camp
outside of the house outward, a lot of we’re entitled to, such as park design, for the summer, they’re not going on
times we’re getting into projects now architects and engineers suddenly the $10,000 or $20,000 vacation. So,
where the architect’s already determined become experts. They may not have they’re thinking, “Well, how much does
the love for parks that we do, but they

Stantec designed and provided construction oversight for Portland Landing during the ongoing pandemic. The I see infrastructure as
new pop-up and interim park is located on the waterfront in Portland, ME and is a welcome addition to an expanding source of
downtown. Virtual meetings during this period of social distancing and restricted travel were instrumental in work, involving anything
delivering the City’s first new park in decades. that you can classify
as infrastructure —
exactly where the pool’s going, what certainly like those fees. So, they swoop whether it’s public parks,
the shape’s going to be, what they’d like right in and start to take market share stormwater management,
for the overall pool deck and so forth. from us. ways to mitigate heat
And then that also frequently involves a Bob: I love the phrase that landscape islands, or ways for
terrace between the pool and the house. architects are “a shade-loving species.” people to get out and
And they’re kind of like, “If you could I think that is very true. actually experience the
do the design for the planting, that Phil: Do people see any project types outdoors. — Gary Sorge
would be great.” We respond, of course, or design areas that might be expanding
by saying we can do more than that. So in the next few years, or opportunities a pool really cost? We might be in the
that’s been interesting to watch. Anoth- for landscape architects resulting from same situation next summer and we
er trend we see is architects bringing in the pandemic? really want the kids to have a place to
a landscape architect on staff. Owners Abigail: I have definitely noticed that swim and do all their stuff...” So there
are letting the architects do more of when people are working from home has definitely been an uptick. It might
the site design that we would otherwise and staring out their back window, wane again once COVID gets resolved,
be doing. I’m not sure where that’s they realize: “You know what? It would but there’s definitely more work in this
going, but it’s interesting, and definitely area.
increasing.
Gary: I see infrastructure as an expand-
ing source of work, involving anything
that you can classify as infrastructure
— whether it’s public parks, storm-
water management, ways to mitigate
heat islands, or ways for people to get
out and actually experience the out-
doors. But the supply chain is vitally
important, whether it’s food or building
materials. That system could be impact-
ed greatly by workforce availability.

14 FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG

Do malls become distribution hubs landscape architects, because there’s Phil: Sometimes I think that landscape
for online retailers or centers for other ecology, stormwater management, aes- architects believe we’re entitled to these
significant technology that can help in thetics, community engagement. All sorts of projects, that we sit back and
that supply chain? Are our zoning regu- of those things that are staples of what wait on others to come to us, because
lations archaic? we do, that we profess to be experts at, they recognize our genius. We don’t
Landscape architects are sitting are going to be necessary to make these tend to go out and be the leaders and
back waiting for someone else to make infrastructure projects real. And if we let make change, we wait for change to
a difference. We need to make the dif- someone else grab that torch, they will. happen.
ference ourselves. These are the things Bob: I agree. The one area where I
that we’re trained to think about, but thought landscape architects had tre- Bob: Reframing the whole thought of
we’re just waiting for another planner mendous promise is system thinking outdoor spaces as infrastructure is some-
to come in and make the change. And — the whole idea of resiliency. After thing that we, and ASLA, should be
that’s where we’re going to be left at the Sandy, there was a tremendous amount doing as a profession. We should be out
curb. But on the positive side, I’m say- of momentum and now we’re losing it. there screaming about that right now.
ing that landscape architects intuitively That was an example of a perfect sit-
think this way and need to be out there uation for landscape architects to lead Gary: Eighty percent or more of the pop-
on the forefront, get out from the shad- the charge, particularly because we have ulation will support candidates or advo-
ows that Bob was talking about, and the ability to tie in so many different cates who enhance open space and pub-
be on the front line of these decisions, systems, so many different modalities. lic space, whereas most of the politicians
influencing policy. So, frankly, I’m a little disappointed that we run into are like, “Well, yeah,
What is the market for us, where that we haven’t gotten very far with if we have a dollar left from the schools
is the investment going to be in the that. Meanwhile, some large engineer- and the police and this, that, and the
future? It’s going to be in infrastructure, ing and architectural firms have taken other, maybe we’ll put it into parks...”
because that’s what creates jobs. And we the banner and started running with it
have deferred maintenance for decades. and created names for themselves in the Phil: You see repeatedly that the eco-
I don’t think large infrastructure proj- resiliency market. nomic benefits of parks are there. So
ects can happen without the touch of
continued next page

FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG 15

Panel Discussion cont’d more plant knowledge that are really Bob: I will just reiterate that ASLA
filling in to help out with the planting needs to be a louder mouthpiece for
you’d think that politicians would be plans. some of what we think collectively are
clamoring to build parks in their com- Abigail: I think part of the issue with opportunity areas. We need to start
munities, but that doesn’t seem to be landscape architecture is the fact that carving out our own territory and
the case quite yet. we are trying to be so knowledgeable in becoming the go-to experts. I know
Burt: I have seen a lot more interest in that Nancy Somerville (former ASLA
sustainable landscapes and pollinator
pathways. People are looking for native I have seen a lot more interest in sustainable landscapes.
plants, they’re looking for pollinators. People are looking for native plants, they’re looking for
They call us saying, “We understand that pollinators. They call us saying, “We understand that you
you guys know about that and we’d like guys know about that and we’d like that incorporated into
that incorporated into our back yard.” our back yard.” — Burt DeMarche
What we’re finding, as we’re look-
ing for a landscape architect to add to so many different areas. For civil engi- CEO) was positioning the ASLA
our staff, is that the education around neers, they focus on civil engineering. to become the authority on climate
residential landscape architecture And we are focusing on many, many, change. And at the time I applauded it,
through the college programs is lacking. many more things. but...as I thought more about it, that
I haven’t found a college or university Phil: Are there any more thoughts is such a broad issue that, I don’t know
that does a great job teaching the needs about how ASLA can be of benefit how we can claim that and be credible.
of residential landscape architecture. It short term and long term? There’s so much science involved.
seems like there’s a lot of land use plan- Burt: I think it’s helpful to hear about Phil: I’m glad to hear you say that,
ning and a lot of larger urban planning, how each office is working right now. because I agree 100 percent. And even
things like that, which is terrific and Maybe doing a quick survey of the more, I don’t understand how ASLA
necessary and wonderful, but it would membership and seeing what other can think that our 15,000 members are
be great to have a program that focused people are doing would be helpful. I going to lead in climate change. I have
on residential design. think it would provide some food for a real problem with that. Hopefully
Plant knowledge in particular has thought and kind of a check for those there will be a change in approach. And
been a missing piece of the puzzle for making decisions, to get some reality I would say, frankly, a lot of landscape
most of the landscape architects we’ve behind it. architects do not do sustainable work.
hired. People think of landscape archi- I don’t know how we can present our-
tects as plant experts, but their lack of selves as being stewards of the landscape
plant knowledge is amazing. It’s usually when a lot of times that really isn’t what
myself with a horticulture degree or we do. Often, we are hired guns for
other people in the office who have developers, we facilitate development,
which often is not sustainable. Yes, we
do it in a way that is perhaps better for
the environment than if we were not
involved, but most of us are still helping
to facilitate development. That’s not nec-
essarily a bad thing, it’s just what we do.

Socially distanced volunteer event at Hartford’s Elizabeth Park. To Design has a long relationship with the Abigail: I think it gets back to human
Elizabeth Park Conservancy and has been partnering on projects for over 20 years. connectivity. We need to focus on
both the connectivity to nature and
to each other. How do we do that in
an atmosphere right now that’s very
fear-based? I can’t meet new clients and
I can’t shake a hand, and I’m having

16 FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG

such a hard time with that. Will that set creep in. And to be honest, I am ing on where you are. Our market is
ever come back? I hope so. I am hoping so insanely busy because I have let go Fairfield County, Westchester County,
we can help to move past the fear of of any kind of fear of “If I give them so we have a lot of people on Wall
everything that’s happening. I’d hate to a proposal, am I going to get it?” I’ve Street, a lot of investment bankers,
have to design a park that has benches stopped attaching to things, and maybe things like that. I don’t think they’re
six feet apart because we’re so afraid to that’s a benefit of this pandemic — going to get hit hard. But I think there
be near somebody else. I’m hoping that your priorities start to shift. will definitely be other people that do
that’s not the future. Bob: That’s a very Zen attitude. I like it. suffer. I’m not an economist, I can’t tell
Phil: On a more practical question, any Burt: We had a $600,000 project that you what’s going to happen, but I do
thoughts on how the recession’s going got pulled in March, but then they expect another shoe to fall. Probably
to affect our profession, how brief it’s actually signed back on in August once in the first half of next year. I just don’t
going to be, etc.? things leveled out a little bit, which was know if it will affect each of us equally.
Abigail: When this all started in mid- great. And then we saw an uptick. It was
March, I thought a lot about that and very quiet in April for us, it was quiet Gary: So many of us have been
decided that I wasn’t going to concern in May, and then it picked up in June. through many cycles with downturns
myself. If I couldn’t pay my mortgage, And the fall’s going to be busier than we in the economy. You see that the plan-
there’s about a million other people can handle with construction. So that’s ning work picks up, but the design
who aren’t going to be able to pay their all good, and I think it will continue. work sort of takes a back seat. But I do
mortgage either. And I didn’t let the Obviously, as we all know, we have the think there are great opportunities for
fear take over, and I didn’t really listen election coming up, which is a huge us in how public space can and will be
to or start calling a bunch of people question mark in everybody’s mind. And reimagined.
asking, “Oh, how are you finding it? then we have a stock market that’s not
What’s happening on your end?” Not necessarily corresponding to what I see. Bob: We’re largely in the institutional
that I didn’t want to see if everyone I think there’s going to be a wave market, and higher ed. There’s a tre-
was okay, but I couldn’t let that mind- coming of businesses closing, depend- mendous amount of stress in those
markets right now. The institutions

continued next page

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Panel Discussion cont’d I am hoping we can
help to move past the
are largely wondering about fear of everything that’s
their funding, where their happening. I’d hate to
donors are. There’s sort of a have to design a park that
yin and yang happening. For has benches six feet apart
a long time I’ve had this the- because we’re so afraid
ory that in times of economic to be near somebody else.
downturn, the folks on the I’m hoping that that’s not
financial end of things, who the future. — Abigail Adams
are doing well, have a sort of
guilt complex and you tend to Bob: The first idea might be for ASLA
see significant donations from to get a decent PR firm for the profes-
high-wealth individuals. But Despite the threat of a recession, residential work for A2 Land sion, because we can’t seem to do it for
Consulting has grown during the pandemic, and other major projects ourselves.
that’s frankly not the basis of press on.
a lot of these institutions right Gary: All things considered, I wouldn’t
now. It’s the small family membership but how do we move the practice of change what I do. I still love what we
that’s running these institutions. And landscape architecture into that same do as a profession. n
they’re stressed. realm? I think public health is one of
the keys. It’s so integral to what we do.
Gary: In the early days of COVID, How do we get to a point where we
when no one was working and you saw are considered essential in times like
a bus driver or a healthcare worker, this, different from what architects can
you said, “That’s an essential person. bring, different than what engineers can
They’re making a difference.” And I bring? How do we get smarter about
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The Natural Remedy

BY DANA CEVA People who not a coincidence; immersing ourselves
hadn’t ever giv- in nature (real nature with bugs and
W hen the pandemic hit en their prop- plant diversity, messy and wild) is prov-
Connecticut in March, I erty a second en to be good for our health. We need to
expected the worst; not thought were integrate nature into our everyday lives.
only was I scared for the health of those forced to stare And in the time of a global pandemic,
around me, I was prepared to lose my at it outside I find this important to understand.
job. According to the U.S. Bureau of their window Forest bathing is a leisurely trip
Labor Statistics, unemployment reached every day. to a forest to enjoy trees, insects, and
14.7%; the unemployment rate had not When people want to improve vegetation. The air seems fresher, easier
been this high since the Great Depres- their properties, pools, fire pits, and to breathe, and calming. The weight of
sion. I was the most recently hired outdoor bars always seems to be first on the world feels lighter on our shoulders.
employee at my firm, having graduated their wish list — a space to enjoy the Spending time in nature eases feel-
in May of 2019 and therefore assumed outdoors that includes entertainment, a ings of stress and anxiety. What’s even
I would be let go. Who was going to clean green lawn, seating for dinner par- crazier are the proven ways that forest
be spending money on their landscape ties, and space to entertain guests (in the bathing affects our physical well-being.
when people couldn’t even go out to the future). While this does give people the According to a study done by Qing Li
grocery store at their leisure? Luckily, chance to get outside and enjoy “nature,” in 2010 (Effect of Forest Bathing Trips
my assumption was wrong. it misses the mark. on Human Immune Function, Envi-
In my experience, the correlation The relationship between the envi- ronmental Health and Preventative
between Covid-19 and the design- ronment and human beings is more Medicine), forest bathing not only
build residential industry has been a important than we think. After working proves to significantly decrease anxiety,
strong one. Business has boomed. As in an office all morning, that headache depression, and anger, but it strength-
Connecticut residents spent more of seems to go away after eating lunch ens the capabilities of our white blood
their time at home and realized they outside at the picnic table. After being cells. When taking a walk through a
couldn’t travel for the summer, they locked in the house for weeks, going for forest, we breathe in the volatile organic
wanted to turn their yards into their a walk through the neighborhood seems compounds that trees produce to
own vacation spots. City dwellers to diminish that stir-craziness. This is protect themselves from bacterial and
without yards quickly sought refuge fungal diseases. These compounds are
by purchasing a home in the suburbs. called phytoncides. When these phy-
toncides enter our bloodstream, our
bodies respond by increasing the num-

continued on page 22

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The Natural Remedy cont’d help ease our stress and anxiety, but it pollinator gardens. Let’s not just plant
could physically help our bodies fight the pretty perennials, but the perennials
ber and efficiency of a type of white this virus. that support functional ecosystems.
blood cell, natural killer cells (NK). NK As stewards of the environment Let’s return some of that lifeless lawn
is exactly what it sounds like: cells that during a pandemic, we need to be back to nature. Turning our properties
are able to bind to certain tumor and designing with the health benefits of into healthier, more natural ecosystems
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improve your mental well-being, but properties. Let’s bring it closer. We need of climate change.
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With a profession that
commits to finding
resolutions for various
injustices, our next move
as landscape architects
and designers has been
called upon.

Finding the Right Path

BY RACHEL MEIER, ASSOCIATE ASLA

“We cannot protect something we do not love; we cannot love what we
do not know, we cannot know what we do not see. Or hear. Or sense.”

— Robert Louv

Five years ago, I was a first-semester, me aware of the special, yet challeng- and designers
first-year college student in my ing, job we would have to help those has been called
Landscape Ecology course, trying who did not know or love the world upon. “Unprec-
to wrap my head around landscape around us or landscape architecture edented times”
architecture. It was a profession I had itself. seem like a
discovered by accident only six months Fast forward to today and it seems better opportu-
prior and was trusting Google to have I have been doing more reflecting about nity than ever
my back. I took a leap of faith that it landscape architecture now than I did to reevaluate if
would be the best path for my passions when I was first trying to understand our professional
and skills, even if I did not quite know its complexities. A “new normal” amid call to action is still relevant, or even
what I was getting myself into. a global health pandemic and wide- enough, to face today’s challenges.
Reading Louv’s well-known words spread civil unrest has illuminated vast To better understand the Connecti-
written on the whiteboard the first environmental, social, and economic cut landscape and how we’ve reacted
day of class assured me that there were inequities in our communities. With to large-scale change, I took some time
other people out there that felt the way a profession that commits to finding to read through the newly accessible
I do about the betterment of the envi- resolutions for these various injustices, archive of CTLA publications (see
ronment and humanity. This also made our next move as landscape architects
continued next page

FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG 25

The Right Path cont’d

ctasla.org/publications). I was both in that issue focused on how landscape ing professional has to suggest a new
enlightened and momentarily dismayed architecture could have better shown its definition for landscape architecture.
by how many times we have been in influence on the built environment and Fair enough. All I can say is that if not
this situation. Our Spring 1993 issue educated the public and government for anything else, I care. I have been
reflected on the economic recession about the value of balancing technical mentored and inspired by people like
and the effects it had on the profession. skill and emotional concern during you, reading this at home or the office
Many were questioning if the definition a time of fear and rebuilding. What (or both, these days), to care so deeply
of landscape architecture accurately would it take to put our profession and be curious. I can only gain from
indicated the work they were doing. on the list of first responders to these the profession becoming more accessi-
ASLA’s description prioritized “the art disasters, or better yet the list of those ble and understood by the public, our
of design, planning, or management of who can prevent them and limit their peers, and the government. One day we
the land” and only briefly mentioned a negative impacts in the future? will not have to walk into a room and
Now we travel forward 14 more explain who we are.
Our Spring 1993 issue years to today. The current invasion on To accurately define landscape
reflected on the economic society’s health and safety has beckoned architecture, I suggest we take some
recession and the effects the same professional introspection as advice from Simon Sinek’s Start With
it had on the profession. economic and environmental adversity Why. If we want to captivate our audi-
Many were questioning if from the last 30 years. The questions ence, simply telling them what we do
the definition of landscape we choose to ask ourselves next will will not allow us to stop having to ask
architecture accurately be pivotal to our professional develop- these questions each time the world
indicated the work they ment: How will these events change faces drastic change. We are not defined
were doing. landscape architecture? What can we do by the fact that we “analyze, plan,
to promptly place ourselves on the team design, manage, and nurture the built
“concern for resource conservation and of leaders finding answers to the world’s and natural environments.” ASLA is
stewardship.” Was this enough to con- problems? How can we better define absolutely correct in representing us
vince the public that these professionals our goals and skills for the public and as such, but that is not why we do the
were equipped to alleviate the econom- gain more respect from allied profes- work we do. Of course, every landscape
ic burden of the era and help bolster sions? I am hopeful that this changing architect’s motivation is different, but
development and revitalization of suf- world will provide more clarity than in I think the core message remains the
fering cities? A goal was set at that year’s the past. We must take a critical look
Chapter Presidents Council meeting at not only what we are choosing to say We are not defined by
to “better [define] the changing roles about landscape architecture, but how the fact that we “analyze,
of landscape architects in a changing we reach our desired audiences with plan, design, manage,
world.” But was this achieved? that information. and nurture the built and
Another 13 years of attempting Landscape architects often bristle at natural environments.”
to make progress in public perception being labeled as “generalists,” but per- ASLA is absolutely correct
brought me to the Spring/Summer haps it is time to embrace the flexibility in representing us as such,
2006 issue. This issue was released and strengths of our profession. Perhaps but that is not why we do the
shortly after Hurricane Katrina wreaked we must redefine what the public views work we do.
havoc on the eastern shoreline. This as a generalist. It would not be possible
time around it was intense environmen- to bring innovation and creativity to same: landscape architects tirelessly
tal, rather than economic, destruction, a variety of problems and situations uphold public health, safety, and wel-
that made landscape architects take a without having the vast knowledge and fare as environmental advocates, social
long look in the professional mirror. skills to do so. We are generalists in the defenders, and champions of equality
They began reassessing “where [they] fit sense that we place ourselves in a posi- by utilizing our ever-expanding toolbox
into this equation” of the protection of tion to explore and expand on a large of compassionate design, sustainability,
natural resources and at-risk communi- assortment of interests. Versatility is our and placemaking techniques. Our abili-
ties pre- and post-disaster. Many essays root and we must make others under- ties to conceptualize and execute
stand this part of our profession.
At this point, you may have done
the math and are asking yourself what
qualifications a 23-year-old emerg-

26 FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG

complex site design projects are not
who we are but how we achieve our
goals. Why we have those goals in the
first place is what will truly place us in
the public position we yearn to be in.
These are some of the messages
we must shout from the mountaintops
during times of cataclysmic change.
Landscape architects can comfort
the general public by letting them
know we care about improving their
everyday lives and future, and gain
respect from other design professionals
by highlighting the skills we have that
others might not expect. Maybe we
should adjust our focus to concentrate
on today’s youth. These messages may
not be as complex as those for people
who already know, or think they know,
landscape architecture, but they are
possibly more important to the future
of the profession. It is becoming
evident that children and young adults
are eager to make valuable impacts on
the world, so why not encourage them
as early as possible to understand and
volunteer in the world of landscape
architecture? Many may discover that
there is an entire profession dedicated
to their core beliefs. This is powerful
beyond measure for the growth and
diversity of the profession.
I do not believe that we should ever
stop asking ourselves why we do what
we do and how to be better designers
and advocates. But it is my goal to see
the day when those around me do not
question or doubt my value and ability
to make positive impacts in a variety of
situations. The day will come that we
once again face a global health pandem-
ic, natural disaster, or economic reces-
sion, but by then landscape architecture
can be a household name. We will be
prepared and ready to serve those who
rely on us to protect them and provide
hope for an even brighter future.
— Rachel Meier, Associate ASLA, is a
landscape designer with Design Profes-
sionals, Inc. in South Windsor, CT. She
can be reached at [email protected].

FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG 27

Living Outdoors in the Time of COVID-19

BY PHIL BARLOW, ASLA, AICP, LEED AP able 6-foot distance. By providing some outdoor dining can be a three-season
covered areas, the work can continue option. Restaurateurs have already been
A s a professional landscape archi- even if the conditions are not optimal. providing propane heaters to warm and
tect who believes in the power Many Greater Hartford employers vegetation to cool their dining terraces.
of outdoor spaces, I see a pos- already have these outdoor facilities in The City of Hartford is changing its
itive aspect in Governor Laments back place. It is not a big leap of the imag- zoning regulations to facilitate outdoor
to work plan. Our state residents can ination to envision people meeting, bar and restaurant spaces. Other Con-
live work and play in the great outdoors lunching, taking their breaks, and even necticut cities can follow suit. Many
while remaining as safe as possible from spending a few hours at the computer cities, including New York and Chica-
the COVID-19 virus. We have already in the fresh outdoor air. Outdoor fur- go, are considering allowing restaurants
seen the power of our parks as young and niture manufacturers have catalogs full to use city plazas and green space for
old flock to their green, open spaces. of tables, chairs, and canopies that can additional tables. We don’t have to look
With Governor Lamont reopening facilitate this transformation. any further than New Haven’s Chapel
offices and restaurants for outdoor din- Modern tech companies like Apple, Street to see how parking spaces in
ing, now is the time to retrofit our out- Amazon, and Facebook have already front of an establishment can be appro-
door resources to serve our new needs. provided outdoor workspaces at their priated. This is an easy way to quickly
We can transform our workplaces headquarters and are having great suc- expand our outdoor dining areas. Most
by providing the option of choosing an cess. The retailer LL Bean has created of our cities are “over parked” so the
outdoor space for many routine activi- a prototype of an outdoor office and loss of parking will not be a problem.
ties, including breaks, lunch, meetings, is touring the country with it. Accord- Walk down any of our city and suburb
and even computer work. Our state ing to studies on biophilia (a design restaurant districts on a beautiful day
landscape architects regularly design approach that seeks to bring elements and the popularity of al fresco dining
outdoor rooms that are shaded in the of nature into the built environment), is apparent. Cities across the nation,
summer and open to warming sunshine humans have been working, playing, including Hartford, are rapidly imple-
in the cooler months. Winter winds are and living outside for 99% of our exis- menting regulations that allow increased
blocked and summer breezes are cap- tence. This explains our unconscious use of the sidewalk and parking lanes
tured. All-weather surfacing provides need to connect with the outdoor world. for pedestrian and dining uses.
a solid foundation. With the prolifer- Outdoor dining is another place This will not be the first time that
ation of laptop computers and WiFi, where we can adapt to the new normal. designed outdoor spaces have been a
office workers can easily bring their With the right design and planning, tool in combating an epidemic. Many
work beyond the exterior door, where of our beloved parks, including New
it is much easier to maintain a comfort- York City’s Central Park and Hartford’s
Bushnell Park, were created in part as a
Concept sketch for an outdoor art competition by Patronicity, part of “Winter Places: A Design response to the cholera outbreaks of the
Guide for Winter Placemaking,” presented by Bench Consulting. mid-1800s.
Unfortunately, our present situa-
tion may become the norm as infec-
tious disease epidemics are expected to
increase in the coming decades. If we
put solid regulations and facilities in
place now, we can be better prepared to
face these challenges.
We are all desperately looking for a
way to return to our lives while remain-
ing safe. Working, playing, and living
in the outdoors can greatly speed this
return.
— Phil Barlow is principal of To Design,
LLC, based in New Britain.

28 FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG

FALL LECTURES

Keep growing at NYBG.
Be inspired by the country’s leading landscape designers
and architects. NYBG’s fall online lectures feature
Thomas Balsley, Gina Ford, Page Dickey, Walter Hood,
and more.
Explore the latest practices in Landscape Design
and Horticulture at nybg.org/adulted

FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG 29

PIONEERS OF CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

James Block: Good memories,God-given gifts

BY PHIL BARLOW, ASLA

James Anderson Block began his asked the chair of UMass Dept. of
journey through this world on Landscape Architecture to intervene.
October 14, 1921, in Norwich, The intervention must have been suc-
Connecticut. His builder/designer cessful as Mr. Levison wrote a letter of
grandfather provided inspiration for reference describing him as “a perfect
Jim’s career as a landscape architect. gentleman, most loyal, hard-working,
After finishing High School at keenly interested in his subject, with a
Norwich Free Academy, Jim volun- wonderful family life which makes his
teered for service in the U.S. Navy and disposition pleasant.”
bravely served as a Lieutenant during Both Jim and Marcia became part
WWII. He took part in several opera- of the Desmond and Yarwood team, Jim Block’s mark on the central
tions in the South Pacific, including the with Marcia withdrawing when she and Connecticut landscape is deep. A
Battle of Leyte. Upon returning from Jim started their family. prolific landscape architect, his work
the war, Jim enrolled at the University Upon the sudden death of Des- includes the Connecticut State Armory
of Massachusetts, graduating in 1948 mond, Jim became a partner with (for which he was particularly proud),
with a B.S. in Landscape Architecture. George Yarwood and the firm contin- Old Saybrook High School, The Hart-
It was at UMass that he met his future ued as Yarwood and Block. The firm ford Insurance Company, Renbrook
wife Marcia (also a landscape architec- made a name for themselves with the School and Silver Sands State Park to
ture student). design of school sites, parks, affordable name just a few of his higher-profile
After graduation the couple set off housing, and industrial parks. The projects. Jim practiced his craft at a
for New York City, where they began office was extremely successful until the time where landscape architects pro-
their careers with J.J. Levison Consult- early 1970s when persistent recessions duced distinctive landscapes with spaces
ing Arborist and Arboriculturist. After a proved too much to endure. Yarwood defined by bold masses of mono-species
year in NYC, a newspaper ad for land- retired and the firm closed. plant material in geometric blocks.
scape architect positions at Desmond The ’70s were tough years for You can see these delightful landscapes
and Yarwood proved tempting and the landscape architects, and Jim was no across Connecticut. Much of his
couple made the move to Simsbury, exception. A friend at Temkin Builders worked included the design of sports
CT, where they would spend the rest of employed him for a year, after which facilities, ball fields, and courts.
their lives. Correspondence shows that he secured a position with the prolific Jim loved our profession, serving
Mr. Levison may have been displeased landscape architecture and engineering as CTASLA president and Chairman of
with Jim’s short tenure; Jim evidently firm Maine and Associates, headed the Connecticut State Board of Land-
by Bill Maine. It was scape Architects.
here that Jim and Phil Design evidently runs in the family
Brown reunited, and blood as his grandson and two neph-
upon the retirement ews are architects. In his later years Jim
of Bill Maine, they loved to talk design with his grandson,
continued to practice who perhaps was steered to his chosen
as Brown and Block profession as a result of Jim taking him
landscape Architects. from an early age to measure sites.
For the final ten years Jim died last year at the age of 97.
of Jim’s career he prac- His last Christmas card to friends had
ticed in a home office a photograph of him and his daughter
as a sole practitioner, Jane on a favorite Cape Cod bench,
designing many won- with their backs to the camera, looking
derful residential out to sea. The inscription read: “Good
Schultz Park was designed by Yarwood and Block in 1974. The park is named gardens. memories are God-given gifts that last
in Honor of Anne Ellsworth Schultz. forever.”

30 FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG

FALL 2020 | CTASLA.ORG 31

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