Date of Award
4-2002
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Geography
First Advisor
Dr. David S. Lemberg
Second Advisor
Dr. Rolland Fraser
Third Advisor
Dr. Lynne Heasley
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Indigenous planting design, the practice of incorporating regional native plant species into new landscape projects, is little studied. This trend is counter to the more known and accepted American practice of using exotic ornamental plant species. This thesis studies the work and context of one Texas landscape architect, H. Dan Heyn. Beginning in the 1950's and continuing through the 1980's, Heyn became committed to, and specialized in, the use of indigenous plants in his landscape architectural design practice.
This investigation shows the beginning and importance in Texas of the idea to use indigenous plants, the tremendous task involved to study and understand the local plants, and the momentous struggle to obtain and plant particular native species. Notably, there was a handful of allied professionals during this period that supported and greatly contributed to the effort. From the wide-ranging ground work of these rugged individualists - botany professors, university extension researchers, a plant grower, a landscape architect, a small number of accepting architects and clients, and a national political figure - the movement greatly expanded after 1980, and developed into the "native plant" landscape design trend in Texas.
Recommended Citation
Heiny-Cogswell, Elizabeth A., "Roots and Shoots of the H. Dan Heyn Vision: Indigenous Planting Design, 1950-1980" (2002). Masters Theses. 4778.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4778