Concrete Landscape Creatively Interprets Children's Garden at the Morton Aboretum

Video: Concrete Landscape

Hear about the benefits of using concrete on a project like the Children's Garden at Morton Arboretum in Illinois.

Length: 01:36


Project Detail:

- 20,500 square feet of decorative concrete placed in four acre park in Lisle, IL

- More than 830,000 visitors since the project opened

- Recognized as "The Best Backyard in the World" by Landscape Architect Magazine


Integral Color Walkway, Morton Aboretum in Lisle, IL

The recently completed Morton Arboretum highlighted many of the benefits of decorative concrete in its design. Here's a summary:

  • Virtually all of the 20,500 sq. ft. of decorative concrete which link areas throughout the project are integrally colored.

  • Pathways and patios throughout the project help to create a sense of place by creatively interpreting themes to help visitors recognize different areas within the extensive four acre park.

  • Some of the colored concrete is chemically stained or stamped with custom patterns that identify the plants nearby.

  • Using decorative concrete allowed the Arboretum managment to add a layer of detail to their educational message about trees. Leaf patterns in the pavement have called the attention of park visitors to the diversity of trees in the area.

  • The concrete also helps brighten the garden in winter making it a more attractive destination when the foliage is gone.

  • The walkways and plazas can withstand the test of very high use pedestrian traffic and light maintenance vehicles daily.

  • Concrete also provides the flatness needed for accessibility without detracting from the featured plant attractions.

Read the complete Morton Arboretum profile.

Submit Your Own Project Photos

Site Sponsors