After nearly two years in Washington DC stewarding a beautiful Federal-era property in Georgetown, I’ve answered a calling to return to my roots in New England- where i first learned to grow plants, explore designed landscapes, research changes in land over time, and observe how humans interact with their environment. This calling led me to … More Introducing Plimoth Patuxet
It was the summer of bats here at Tudor Place! We just completed three successful public programs dedicated to bat-friendly landscapes and advocating for their habitats here in the District. The story begins last fall when I began my role here in the gardens. 2018 saw an excess of two things: rain (it was one … More Bat Friendly Gardens & Public Programming
The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens Earlier this month I enjoyed touring the grounds of the Fells Historic Estate and Gardens overlooking Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire. It is the former summer home of John M. Hay (1838-1905), an American writer and diplomat. Hay’s son Clarence and his wife Alice Appleton Hay later inherited the … More The Fells & Landscape Design in the Arts & Crafts Movement
As I’m now over a year into the 20 Minute Blog talking about synergies in the natural and built environment, I want to create an opportunity to write about something that is of great importance to me, and that topic is the richness of gardens to explore and enjoy in greater Philadelphia. There is truly … More Philadelphia is America’s Garden Capital
In my day job as a knowledge manager at an architecture firm, i’ve learned that one of the keys to success is making connections amongst various groups of people, resources, and emerging knowledge to solve problems more efficiently and effectively. I find that making connections between ideas, spaces, arts & culture and even people is … More Willowwood Arboretum – NJ
The great thing about New England is that there are the four distinct seasons that can be enjoyed throughout the year. After growing up in Maine and spending the last five or so years of my life in greater Philadelphia, I’ve definitely noticed that changes of seasons are less pronounced further south and can often … More Garden in the Woods – MA
ChesLen Preserve is great destination for naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts and has miles and miles of trails trekking through the prettiest fields, woods, stream corridors, and serpentine barrens of Chester County, PA. At 1,263-acres, it is overseen by the Natural Lands Trust, and is one of the largest private nature preserves in southeastern Pennsylvania. What … More ChesLen Preserve
Its winter in the greater Philadelphia region, and as a designer and naturalist I’m always up for exploring landscapes that provide winter interest in effective ways: color, texture, warmth, and movement. Growing up in Maine, winter lasts about 5 months and the dominant color pallet in the snowy landscape is white with glimpses of brown … More Pennypack Preserve – PA
In mid-November I spent a long weekend in Chattanooga, TN visiting a good high school friend who recently purchased a house. It was my first time visiting the state of Tennessee, and growing up as a Yankee, I didn’t really have a sense of the state’s identity. I knew about the historic TVA authority, that VW … More Chattanooga, TN Landscapes
**updated 6/2017 In 1934, an elevated rail line was opened on the West Side of Manhattan as an efficient way to transport goods from the industrial center today enjoyed my many as West Chelsea. But as we saw emerge post-war through a series of national transportation initiatives, the automobile was king in America. A grand … More The Highline NYC
Joshua Meyer 