Roberto Burle Marx is celebrated as one of the most influential landscape architects of the 20th Century. Known for transforming gardens and public spaces into vibrant works of living art, he combined his painter’s eye with a deep respect for the natural world. His designs broke away from convention, embracing bold compositions of tropical vegetation and patterns that reflected the energy and rhythm of Brazilian culture. Beyond aesthetics, he was also a pioneering environmentalist, advocating for native plants and sustainable practices long before they were common in the profession.

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1909, and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Burle Marx initially pursued painting. His studies in Berlin exposed him to the city’s Dahlem Botanical Gardens, where he first saw tropical plants celebrated in a way that reshaped his perspective. Returning to Brazil, he experimented with native vegetation in his own garden, a passion that soon caught the eye of his professor, architect Lúcio Costa. This led to his first commission at just 23 years old, setting in motion a career that would leave a global mark.

Burle Marx’s early gardens were strikingly different from anything seen before in Brazil. Instead of replicating European traditions, he celebrated the tropical identity of his homeland. Sweeping curves of foliage, bold contrasts in texture, and paths that echoed the rhythm of samba created landscapes that were immersive experiences rather than static displays. His work reflected not only artistic innovation, but also a cultural pride that resonated with the modernist movement emerging in Brazil at the time.

He was also deeply hands-on with his materials. When commercial sources couldn’t provide the plants he envisioned, he ventured into Brazil’s rainforests to gather and propagate them himself. These expeditions yielded discoveries still new to science at that time, and today, more than 20 plants bear his name. His approach reinforced the idea that landscapes should grow from their own ecological context, rooted in the native species that define a place.

As his reputation grew, Burle Marx took on commissions internationally. He collaborated with renowned architects, such as Oscar Niemeyer, and completed landmark projects across South America and beyond, from Parque del Este in Caracas, Venezuela, to gardens in Paris, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., South Africa, and Malaysia. Perhaps his most famous contribution remains the iconic promenade at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where waves of black and white stone mosaics create a dramatic meeting of design, culture, and the sea.

In addition to his design work, he was an educator, writer, and conservationist. He taught at the University of Brazil, training future generations of landscape architects. Decades before “green design” entered the everyday vocabulary, he was calling attention to deforestation and warning of the ecological consequences of unchecked development. His influence helped shift the conversation about landscapes from ornamentation to stewardship. He passed away on June 4, 1994, at the age of 84.

Burle Marx understood that landscapes are not static—they grow, evolve, and adapt over time. His work elevated public spaces, making them both ecological havens and cultural landmarks, and his philosophy continues to guide landscape architecture today.

At BrightView, we share Burle Marx’s vision of landscapes as dynamic, life-enhancing environments. His advocacy for native plants and sustainable design mirrors our own mission to create spaces that endure, adapt, and enrich communities. Just as he blended artistry with ecological awareness, we strive to design and maintain landscapes that inspire, connect, and stand the test of time.

This article was researched from The Cultural Landscape Foundation, the Jewish Museum, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Few individuals have shaped the American landscape as profoundly as Frederick Law Olmsted. Widely celebrated as the father of landscape architecture, Olmsted revolutionized the way outdoor spaces were designed, transforming them into vital public resources for health, community, and connection. His vision of parks as democratic spaces for all people set a lasting standard that continues to influence urban planning and landscape design to this day.

Born in Hartford, Conn., in 1822, Olmsted cultivated an early love of nature during countryside trips. Although an illness at a young age briefly impaired his eyesight and limited his formal education, he remained intellectually curious, later attending science and engineering lectures at Yale University. In 1850, a life-changing, six-month walking tour through Europe set him on course to leave his mark across North America.

After a visit to Liverpool’s Birkenhead Park, one of the first public parks open to all citizens, Olmsted was struck by the idea that such spaces could offer dignity and recreation to every member of society. He returned home determined to bring that philosophy to America.

His entry into landscape architecture formally began when he partnered with British architect Calvert Vaux to design New York City’s Central Park. Their winning plan, besting 32 other competitors, featured sunken transverse roads to preserve the park’s natural feel and took 15 years to complete and involved the planting of more than half a million trees, shrubs, and vines.

The success of Central Park launched Olmsted into national prominence. Over the decades that followed, he designed and influenced many of the most iconic outdoor spaces in the country, including Boston’s Emerald Necklace, Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, Detroit’s Belle Isle Park, Chicago's Jackson Park, and the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. His projects were characterized by a deep understanding of topography, ecology, and human experience, creating spaces that fostered peace and well-being in increasingly industrialized cities.

Olmsted’s contributions extended beyond traditional parks. He led efforts to conserve Yosemite, producing one of the foundation documents advocating for permanent public preservation of natural landscapes—work that would ultimately inspire the creation of the National Park Service. His later projects, such as the ambitious landscaping of George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate, demonstrated his ability to rehabilitate damaged land and create breathtaking natural vistas.

Throughout his career, Olmsted was a pioneer not only in design, but also in professional practice. He was the first to use the title “landscape architect” and established the world’s first professional office dedicated solely to landscape design. His influence carried on through his sons and their firm, which remained active for more than a century, shaping thousands of landscapes across North America. Olmsted passed away on Aug. 28, 1903, at the age of 81. His vision lives on not only in the parks and public spaces he designed, but in the values that continue to shape landscapes.

Today, Olmsted’s belief in the healing power of green spaces resonates more than ever. At BrightView, we continue to embrace his ideals by designing and maintaining landscapes that invite connection, inspire communities, and promote well-being. Through every park, campus, and outdoor environment we create and maintain, we proudly build on Olmsted’s enduring legacy, making sure nature remains accessible, welcoming, and transformative for all.

This article was researched from the Olmsted Network, the Biltmore, Britannica, and the National Park Service.

Clovers have become synonymous with Ireland, and most especially, St. Patrick’s Day. While the three-leaf clover, the shamrock, is traditionally associated with Irish culture, the elusive four-leaf clover has captured the imagination of people as a rare token of luck. Yet what is it that makes this small, green plant so special?

The Rarity of the Four-Leaf Clover

Finding a four-leaf clover is no small feat—estimates suggest that roughly only one in every 5,000 clovers has more than three leaves. Most clovers are the white clover, or Trifolium repens species, which naturally has just three leaves. However, a rare genetic mutation, or sometimes environmental factors, can result in additional leaves, making these lucky charms difficult to find. Their rarity is precisely why they are so prized. Stumbling upon one is a sign of good fortune simply because the odds are against it.

A Symbol of Good Luck

The four-leaf clover has long been associated with luck and prosperity. This belief dates back centuries and even spans multiple cultures outside of just Ireland. In ancient Celtic traditions, druids considered the four-leaf clover a powerful protective charm against evil spirits and would bring blessings to those who carried them. Legend says the four leaves represented faith, hope, love, and luck, making it an all-encompassing symbol of positivity.

The Science Behind the Luck

They may be lucky to find, but the four-leaf appearance is caused by genetics and environmental conditions. Scientists have identified a recessive gene in clover plants which sometimes lead to the development of an additional leaf. However, the exact genetic mechanism is complex, and factors such as soil composition, climate, and plant stress also have a hand in a clover producing more than three leaves. There are even cases of clovers growing even more than four leaves. In fact, the current record-breaker from the Guinness Book of World Records, which was set in Japan in 2023, is a clover with 63 leaves on it!

Shamrocks vs. Four-Leaf Clovers

It’s important to note the distinction between the shamrock and four-leaf clover, as they can often be confused with each other. The shamrock has just three leaves, and is what is seen on the tail of Irish airlines Aer Lingus and used for a lot of St. Patrick’s Day décor. According to legend, St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. The four-leaf clover is a cousin, and does not have the same religious connotation and is instead revered for its rarity and association with good luck.

Find Your Own Four-Leaf Clover

If you want to try your luck at finding a four-leaf clover this St. Patrick’s Day, consider heading to a patch of clover and scanning carefully rather than going one-by-one. Many experienced finders recommend softening your gaze and looking for an odd pattern among the sea of clovers. Often, a four-leaf clover stands out due to its unique shape.

At BrightView, we understand the beauty and significance of well-maintained landscapes, where nature's wonders, such as the rare four-leaf clover, can thrive. Whether it's through expert lawn care, sustainable landscape design, or creating green spaces where people can connect with nature, we take pride in cultivating environments that bring joy and inspiration. This St. Patrick's Day, take a moment to appreciate the small, but extraordinary details in the landscape around you. You never know when you might find a bit of luck growing right at your feet!

The landscaping industry has been shaped by countless innovators, pioneers, and changemakers whose work has influenced how we design, develop, cultivate, maintain, and even appreciate outdoor spaces. Among these trailblazers is Dr. Marie Clark Taylor, a remarkable African American scientist and educator whose work in botany and plant biology has had a lasting impact on landscaping and horticulture.

Born in 1911 just five miles from Pittsburgh, Dr. Taylor received her Bachelor’s in education and Master’s in botany from Howard University before attending Fordham University in New York to obtain her Doctorate in botany. Graduating in 1941, she became the first women to earn a science doctorate from Fordham.

After serving as a staff assistant for the Army Red Cross during World War II, Dr. Taylor returned to Howard University’s Department of Botany and quickly rose through the ranks to become the department's first chair. Even while working at Howard, Dr. Taylor used grants from the National Science Foundation for summer science institutes, showing high school biology students the advantages and uses of botanical materials. Her work garnered the attention of President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s, who encouraged her to expand her institutes for teachers across the country and abroad.

On Dec. 28, 1990, Dr. Taylor died at the age of 79. However, her legacy still endures today. Howard University established a scholarship fund for women in the sciences in her honor and also named an auditorium after her.

Dr. Taylor’s contributions serve as a powerful reminder of the ways in which African Americans have enriched and elevated the landscaping and horticulture professions. Her story encourages us to recognize the often-overlooked voices and talents that have helped shape the industry and to celebrate their enduring influence.

At BrightView, we share Dr. Taylor’s passion for horticultural knowledge and fostering innovation and creativity in landscaping. Her dedication to plant science and education mirrors our commitment to sustainability, thoughtful landscape design, and cultivating vibrant green spaces as we create the best landscapes on Earth. By incorporating research-driven best practices and embracing diverse perspectives, we continue to enhance outdoor environments in ways that reflect her lasting impact on the industry.

As we honor her legacies and contributions, we are reminded of the importance of diversity and innovation, creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for landscaping. Dr. Taylor’s groundbreaking achievements underscore the connections between science, education, and the beauty of the natural world—connections that continue to inspire and guide professional across the industry.

This article was researched from Fordham Magazine’s “From High School Biology Teacher to Trailblazing Scientist: Remembering Fordham Alumna Marie Clark Taylor” and Women in Horticulture’s “Woman of Firsts: Marie Clark Taylor.”