Upon receiving a request from an Neohiogarden.com follower, in regards to the Historical Jared P. Kirtland House, and the idea that landscapes of the early and late 18th century were created from the view point of looking out through the windows of the home, the research dually impressed with the information discovered. Let me rephrase that, I was amazed, astounded and left in complete awe!
The request came to me with the question of – “Why do people place plantings around the foundation of their homes when they cannot enjoy the view of these plantings from within the home”? “After all, original landscapes were created in just this way”. A historical photo provided by The Ohio Preservation Office, Ohio Historical Society proving this statement accompanied the request. I must admit, I received this request quite a while ago and in the flurry of the season I wanted to mull this one around a bit. If I had known what I was to discover!
My grandfather was a horticulturist and he raised me with the understanding that foundation plantings were necessary to keep moisture away from the foundation, he would describe to me how much water these shrubs and small tress could uptake and stress to me the importance to have these as backups to wick away water in a heavy downpour. Of course the proper 2% minimum slope away from the house would do wonders for foundational drainage as well. In design class at Kent State University, the instructor would stress the importance of foundation plantings to soften, enhance and compliment the architecture. In my mind the beauty lies in the eye of the beholder – if proper soil slope and drainage prevents foundation water issues then the plantings become mere aesthetics. What outcome does the onlooker seek?
In a historical sense, yes, landscapes were created more for the vista through a window, balcony or such. Examples of this may be found at the Historical Stan Hywet Mansion with beautiful vistas from all sides of the estate – most all created for the extended view. A Vista, per Webster’s College New World Dictionary, a view or outlook, seen through a long passage as between rows of houses or trees can be quite breathtaking if accomplished properly – the Stan Hywet Birch Alee as an example – simple – yet exquisite – charming and breathtaking as the first glance down the sunlit tunnel provides a feeling of comfort and peace, beckoning you to seek its further beauty. We could all agree a landscape with a vista can create an oasis to pull you from the mundane into a place of wonder and enchantment, such feelings are common to those who have ventured to a large historical estate or through the architecture of the old world charisma.
I found this question of modern day plantings to be such a simple doorway to a man who basically carved out a path for higher education in more arenas than seems humanly possible. An honest quandary of the direction of plantings took my mind from one perspective to another and finally landing me in a place of sheer respect, gratitude and appreciation for the question that led me to such an awesome piece of Ohio’s history.
Jared Potter Kirtland – Physician, Teacher, Horticulturist, and Eminent Naturalist – as described by Frederick C. Waite in The Ohio Journal of Science vol. XXX from the Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio May 1930. This is a quick read, mainly because it is so very interesting you want to gobble it down. I have not read of a man until this that had accomplished so much in such a short matter of time, his effect on the lives of those in his time as well as our own is nothing short of miraculous and wonderful!
Jared Potter Kirtland’s home, pictured above courtesy of The Ohio Preservation Office, Ohio Historical Society, depicts such a home void foundational plantings and reaching for the vista that surrounds. But Jared P. Kirtland had more of a vista than anyone could imagine. This man felt there was something in the water causing typhoid thirty years before the discovery of bacteria – as described by Frederick C. Waite – if this is not an outstretched vision, then I do not know what is. He was one of the pioneers to create the first water supply system in Cleveland, Ohio. He led the first group of The Cleveland Academy of Natural Sciences, the first to advocate the use of cement over such building materials as lumber and stone. He was a frequent associate of the Dr. who basically established Ohio State University. He had important influence in the legislature toward the construction of the Ohio and Pennsylvania Canal. He and three other well-respected doctors founded The Cleveland Medical School – now The School of Medicine of Western Reserve.
I gleaned all of this information from Frederick C. Waite’s writings of Jared P. Kirtland and it does not stop there. I behoove you to read this article – you will be amazed at the abundant contributions this humble man has made to our society as a whole.
The question of the landscape vista has left me with more than the thought of the proper use of landscape plantings at the foundation – it has left me enriched and enlightened and I wonder – Where would Ohio’s Vista be today without the contributions of one humble man Jared Potter Kirtland? I encourage you all to learn how this man has touched your lives as well – you will be amazed!
From my Vista to Yours!!!
