Einhorn Center for Community Engagement
Opportunities
For Students
For Faculty and Staff
For Community
For Alumni
Courses
Our Network
About
About David M. Einhorn
Our Team
Stories and News
What is Community-Engaged Learning?
Engaged College Initiative
Calendar
Our Supporters
Make a Gift
Campus Engagement
Contact
Give Cornell University Logo
Cornell University Logo
Opportunities
For Students
For Faculty and Staff
For Community
For Alumni
Courses
Our Network
About
About David M. Einhorn
Our Team
Stories and News
What is Community-Engaged Learning?
Engaged College Initiative
Calendar
Our Supporters
Make a Gift
Campus Engagement
Contact
Give
COURSES   /    LA 4920
Creating the Urban Eden: Woody Plant Selection, Design, and Landscape Establishment
This Course At a Glance
Subject

Landscape Architecture (LA)

Semester

Spring

Credits

2 credits. Letter grades only (no audit).

Prerequisite

Passing grade in LA 4910.

Instructor(s)

J. Vanucchi

This is the second half of a course focusing on the winter identification, uses, and establishment of woody plants in urban and garden settings. Issues of site assessment and soil remediation are emphasized in addition to soil volume calculations, drainage and surface detailing, and planting techniques. Students critically assess potential planting sites and select appropriate trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers for a given site. Design for specific sites followed by written specifications and graphic details are produced to implement these proposals. Students implement, in a hands-on manner, site remediation and planting techniques they have learned by creating new landscapes that serve to integrate theory, principles, and practices.

Outcome 1
Students will gain first-hand understanding of the heterogeneity of urban sites and other growing conditions, and how these various conditions might influence plant selection growth, development and survival.

Outcome 2
Students will demonstrate the ability to imagine and create landscapes at small-to-medium scales.

Outcome 3
Students will develop observation techniques, practice nomenclature and recognize plant characteristics necessary for the identification of evergreen and deciduous plants in winter.

Outcome 4
Students will be able to analyze various site conditions and determine how to use this information in planting design and detailing.

Outcome 5
Students will be able to select site-appropriate plant materials and demonstrate technically how to develop construction documents for contractor bidding and installation, integrating writing, visual representation and design presentation skills.

Outcome 6
Students will develop a working knowledge of soil modification techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.

Outcome 7
Students will learn new and innovative pruning, maintenance and transplanting techniques and have an opportunity for hands-on practice.

Outcome 8
Students will learn about turf establishment and management, emphasizing sustainable management techniques.

Outcome 9
Students will learn how to develop a landscape management plan.

Einhorn Center for Community Engagement
About
Make a Gift
Contact
Opportunities
Our Network
Stories and News
Students
Opportunities for Students
Courses
Student-run Program Communications Guidelines
Vehicle Program
Faculty & Staff
Opportunities for Faculty & Staff
Alumni
Opportunities for Alumni
Community
Opportunities for Community Partners
Subscribe to Our Mailing List

300 Kennedy Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

Cornell land acknowledgement

Equal Education and Employment at Cornell University

If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information on this website or need materials in an alternate format, contact einhorncenter@cornell.edu for assistance.

300 Kennedy Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
© 2025 Cornell University
Equal Education and Employment at Cornell University Cornell land acknowledgement
© 2025 Cornell University

If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information on this website or need materials in an alternate format, contact einhorncenter@cornell.edu for assistance.