• Project: NYC High Line
• Landscape Architect: Field Operations
• Planting Design Designer: Piet Oudolf
• Multiple phase project, First phase opening 2006

QUICK BACKGROUND:  High Line was built in the 1930’s to move the dangerous trains above street level in the dense city area. Trains stopped running in the 1980s, and was slated for demolition until Friends of the High Line worked with the city to turn the area in to a park. Construction started in 2006, and the first section opened in the summer of 2009.

DESIGN OVERVIEW: The High Line is unique for its elevated location and for wandering tightly between buildings and opening up in under developed areas. This gives an intimate view of the city beyond and below. One of the other unique features of the High Line is the preservation of its railroad history and embracing of its wild native growth once the trains stopped running.  Within the final park, these key elements are highlighted with in the surfaces and plant selection/placement.

GET THE LOOK: The High Line website offers so much detailed information with photographs, plant lists, background information that you can really find just about any detail you need to know about the project. If you want to know anything about the High Ling, I highly recommend you visit the site

The High Line site has great source for the plants featured within the High Line. Also they have a small booklet that includes photos of the plants to help you id what you like, see below in the additional reading section.

Here are some good reading material if you like the style of the High Line. I have copies of all Piet Oudolf’s books and highly recommend them to any gardener/landscape designer.