The proposal for the Liberty Hyde Bailey Walk for the American Horticultural Society in Alexandria, Virginia
Date
2006
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Liberty Hyde Bailey, Jr. is considered by many to be the father of American horticulture, playing a vital role in the areas of horticultural education, technology, community and publication. This thesis explores Bailey's background and his significant contributions to American horticulture; it also highlights and proposes important design principles to create a garden walk worthy of Bailey's name at the American Horticultural Society (AHS) in Alexandria, VA. ☐ The proposed Liberty Hyde Bailey Walk suggests an alternate design for the main axis proposed in the 2004 master plan developed by Marshall*Tyler*Rausch, LLC. A conceptual design of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Walk was produced to serve as a guideline for eventual installation. To ensure the success of the garden, an examination of outstanding interpretive spaces occurred involving interviews of landscape architects from across the country and focus groups of AHS staff and board members. The research indicated that interpretation works best when there are provisions for many learning styles and when the design is well thought out. The conceptual design for the Liberty Hyde Bailey Walk includes plan view drawings, five full axonometric drawings depicting the garden throughout the years, crucial section drawings, illustrative perspectives, and specific recommendations for plants, sculpture, and hardscapes that will further the objective of the Walk.