Brown Book: Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects INC.

WILMINGTON, DA
http://rrla.com/index.htm

In existence since 1995 Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects fulfills a unique niche. Their firm not only conceives and implements solutions to ecological problems, but restores historical landscapes to their former glory. I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Robinson a few months ago in a lecture he gave. He discussed the process of dissecting and recreating historical landscapes. His careful attention to detail, and meticulous selection of materials is apparent within his restorations. Every detail, including the cultivar's used are stringently maintained. While preserving the original beauty and historical integrity of the site, Robinson implements modern technique to make the site more ecologically functional. This artistry is apparent within Nemours Gardens, one of Robinson's largest projects.

Nemours Mansion

Nemours Mansion and Gardens
Wilmington, Deleware
Robinson described this project as "once in a lifetime." The original construction in 1909 took 20 years to complete. Alfred I. duPont originally built the mansion for his second wife. The grounds were magnificent until they fell into disrepair over the passing years. The first phase of the restoration was completed in 2008.

Work to restore the Gardens took extensive historical research and archival study off the original grounds. The firm searched through scads of black and white photographs to ensure that even the plant selection, and much of the original material was original. The foundation under one of the large fountains (shown below) was rotted and was redone. Each of the stone pieces (thousands) had to be removed, washed and categorized. The entire fountain was then reconstructed like a giant puzzle.

While the Nemours Mansion is one of Robinson's most stunning pieces of work, he interests within the industry are quite varied. He has worked extensively from conservatories, to children's gardens. While maintaining an artistic feel Robinson creates ecologically sound solutions to environmental problems. Robinson is perhaps one of the most dynamic designers in the field at this time.