GRAHAM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE WINS 2007 ASLA HONOR AWARD FOR HISTORIC MARYLAND ESTATE

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (December 20, 2007) - Graham Landscape Architecture (www.grahamlandarch.com) has received a 2007 Honor Award from the Maryland and Potomac Chapters of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for its work at Wye Hall on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Wye Hall was the 18th century home of William Paca, a member of the Continental Congress, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of Maryland. GLA’s design plan draws upon the site’s cultural and natural history to reinstate its beauty and tranquility. A conservation-oriented land management strategy includes provisions for shoreline corridor restoration, reforestation, and wildlife habitat creation.

According to Jay Graham, FASLA, principle of GLA, “Our guiding vision was to restore and enhance the health and sustainability of the property’s natural systems and diverse wildlife habitats, while respectfully incorporating elements of 21st century living into the historic fabric.”

GLA enlisted archaeologist Mark Leone, PhD from the University of Maryland to study the site, which includes the foundation of a former slaves quarters. The research enabled GLA to to better protect historic layers, discover important corridors, and understand historic views.

GLA added plantings near the residence to provide structure, scale and seasonal interest to the landscape. Functional gardens, including kitchen, cutting, and wilderness gardens, were placed away from the formal axis, as first prescribed in 18th century England. Formal lawns and gardens transition to low and high grass meadows, providing food and shelter for wildlife and reducing the environmental impact of mowing regimens.

“Analysis and research were reflected in the design solution,” said the ASLA panel in its written comments. “[The design] reflects the resources of archeology and history of the site, no element was overlooked, all elements were appropriate.

ABOUT GRAHAM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Founded in 1984 by Jay Graham, FASLA, Graham Landscape Architecture crafts classic landscapes for urban, country and waterfront estates, and historic properties. Headquartered in historic Annapolis, Maryland, with a regional office in Abingdon, Virginia, the firm's primary concentration lies within the mid-Atlantic Coastal and Piedmont regions. For more information visit www.grahamlandarch.com.

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