Last updated: June 11, 2024
Place
Seattle Arboretum
Olmsted Archives
Quick Facts
Location:
Seattle, WA
Significance:
Olmsted Designed Landscape
MANAGED BY:
In 1903, Seattle engaged Olmsted Brothers, with John Charles Olmsted taking the lead, to study the city’s open space, and make recommendations on its potential. Prior to Olmsted's involvement, the idea of an arboretum was already in the works, in conjunction with the new University of Washington, where Olmsted would later consult.
Seattle legislation had made a trip to the Arnold Arboretum in 1891 and was taking inspiration from the Senior Olmsted’s work. However, it would be another 33 years, in 1936, that the Seattle Garden Club hired Olmsted Brothers to provide the arboretum’s first planting plan.
John Charles Olmsted recommended a roadway to border the Arboretum and expanding the property's boundaries to prevent residential encroachment. James Dawson of Olmsted Brothers created the master plan for the plant collections. Dawson had grown up on the grounds of the Arnold Arboretum, with his father being the first plantsman there, and was prepared to give Seattle an original design.
Seattle legislation had made a trip to the Arnold Arboretum in 1891 and was taking inspiration from the Senior Olmsted’s work. However, it would be another 33 years, in 1936, that the Seattle Garden Club hired Olmsted Brothers to provide the arboretum’s first planting plan.
John Charles Olmsted recommended a roadway to border the Arboretum and expanding the property's boundaries to prevent residential encroachment. James Dawson of Olmsted Brothers created the master plan for the plant collections. Dawson had grown up on the grounds of the Arnold Arboretum, with his father being the first plantsman there, and was prepared to give Seattle an original design.
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Formally called the Seattle Arboretum, this project would become one of Olmsted Brothers last in Seattle. Olmsted Brothers' plan for Washington Park Arboretum made sure certain areas would be preserved for wild growth, while some were cleared for interior views.
Source: "Washington Park Arboretum," The Cultural Landscape Foundation For more information and primary resources, please visit: Olmsted Research Guide Online Olmsted Archives on Flickr Olmsted Online |