This 1935 ‘Naturalness to Mark Road Landscaping’ article quotes Lilac Way landscape architect Arthur Nichols and his plans for informal landscaping for the Belt Line west of Minneapolis.

Browse or search the story in easy-to-read, online-friendly text. Thanks to Kristi Gibson for sharing this article. Transcribed in June, 2021 by Restore Lilac Way with original punctuation and structure.

Naturalness to Mark Road Landscaping

As much emphasis as possible will be placed on naturalness and informality in the landscaping of the roadside on the new “Belt Line“ highway west of Minneapolis, according to A. R. Nichols, Minneapolis landscape architect who is consultant for the highway department.

“We are very anxious,“ Mr. Nichols said, “to preserve all of the natural growth and to make any additions in the way of plantings fit in perfectly with the surrounding growth over which we do not have control.“

Mr. Nichols pointed out that he is merely a consultant for the department, the actual work of roadside development being carried out under the direction of Harold E. Olson, highway department engineer.

Mapping out of a plan for landscaping has not been started because of the impossibility of working on landscape construction until work and the 60-foot roadway is completed. “We haven’t even studied it a great deal yet,“ Mr. Nichols said, “but we are going right ahead now to get everything lined up so work can be done this fall if progress on the roadway permits“

Mr. Nichols said lilacs have been excepted as a keynote in the development of the landscape plan, but not to the elimination of large natural shade trees.