Landscape Architect Articles

LASN PMBR Highlight April 2010: Diana Nicholas Memorial Gardens & Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst, Ill.03-31-10 | News

Diana Nicholas Memorial Gardens & Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst, Ill.

By Jerry Pask, ASLA, CPRP, CPS, Elmhurst Park District Planning Dept., and Colleen Toomey, ASLA, assistant park planner

A three-tiered cast limestone fountain (Haddonstone) is the focal point of the garden landscape. The six planters bordering the pool contain seasonal plants, currently mums. The brick pavers (Paveloc Range 6) are in a basket weave pattern and a soldier course running along the outer edges. All the brick pavers are available for purchase as memorials.
Photos: Elmhurst Park District Planning Dept.

In 2008, the Elmhurst Park District restored the Wilder Mansion, a historic 1868 landmark and former city library, to its past splendor. Inspired by Olmsted?EUR??,,????'?????<

The paths surrounding the formal gardens are of Pewter Pride decomposed granite (Red Flint Rock and Stone). The light color of the granite was specified to decrease the heat island effect.

Hardscape Installation

The hardscape installation consists of brick pavers (Paveloc) and concrete barrier curbing, a retaining wall (Allan Block) and decomposed granite (Red Flint Rock and Stone). The brick pavers are available for purchase by donation and are engraved. The original slope of the site made it mandatory to construct a retaining wall to create the formal gardens. The landscaping ?EUR??,,????'?????<

There are two upper and two lower formal gardens. The plant material chosen is seasonal and provides year round color and contrast to the white mansion. The design of the gardens is inspired by the Biltmore Estate Gardens in North Carolina designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

The decomposed granite is permeable and ADA accessible. The Diana Nicholas monuments are granite and were imported from China, custom cut to fit the curves of the brick pavers (Peter Troost Monument Co.) and set strategically in the walk. The fountain and pool are the center jewel in the crown of the gardens.