The first part of this project begins with a brief discussion of the historical factors that have influenced the contemporary suburban landscape aesthetic. In contrast, the project discusses an alternative landscape aesthetic, the naturalistic landscape. The naturalistic landscape idea is discussed and illustrated in a practical guide, A Guide to Naturalistic Landscapes for Central New York. The first part of the guide briefly discusses ecological, aesthetic, and economic reasons for establishing a naturalistic landscape. Next is the site inventory and analysis, helping prepare the selection of appropriate communities for the landscape.
Spatial arrangements relate directly to function.
Methods of implementation and maintenance are discussed for the three basic community types, woodland, meadow and aquatic. A plant list is included in the appendices aiding in selection of species by environmental factor, i.e., soil moisture, and placement in the vertical structure of the community.