Ossian Cole Simonds
Ossian Cole Simonds (1855–1931) was a landscape designer who significantly influenced the development of naturalistic landscape architecture in the American Midwest, particularly through his work at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago and later projects across the region. He is recognized as a key figure in the Prairie Style of landscape gardening, though he personally resisted rigid categorization of his work, prioritizing site-specific design solutions.
History
Born in a log cabin on a farm near Grand Rapids, Michigan, Simonds developed an early appreciation for the natural world[1]. This upbringing instilled in him a lifelong connection to the beauty of nature, which would later inform his professional practice. He pursued formal education in civil engineering at the University of Michigan, supplementing his studies with courses in architecture taught by William Le Baron Jenney[2].
Following his graduation in 1878, Simonds accepted an apprenticeship with Jenney in Chicago[3]. This opportunity led to his involvement in the expansion and drainage project at Graceland Cemetery, a pivotal experience in his development as a landscape designer. At Graceland, he worked alongside Bryan Lathrop, the cemetery’s president, who served as a mentor and introduced Simonds to English-style naturalistic landscape design principles. They also visited early rural cemeteries such as Mount Auburn near Boston and Laurel Hill in Philadelphia, further broadening Simonds’s understanding of landscape aesthetics[4].
Landscape Design Philosophy
Simonds’s approach to landscape design was rooted in a deep understanding of natural processes and a commitment to utilizing native plant species. He learned from Lathrop a unique practice—transplanting wild trees and shrubs from local farms into the designed landscape—which was uncommon at the time[5]. This technique allowed him to create landscapes that felt organic and integrated with their surroundings. He became a master plantsman, studying local woods and prairies to understand which species naturally grew together, ensuring harmonious and sustainable plantings.
His observations of the topography and hydrology of the ravines north of Chicago further influenced his design philosophy, leading him to incorporate a site’s natural features into his scenic compositions[6]. While Wilhelm Tyler Miller identified Simonds, Jens Jensen, and Walter Burley Griffin as creators of the Prairie Style, Simonds himself resisted categorization, emphasizing his focus on creating the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement for each specific site[7]. He preferred the term "landscape" to "landscape gardening," signaling his broader view of the field[8].
Professional Career
Simonds’s work at Graceland Cemetery brought him recognition and a growing clientele. He established his own landscape architecture firm in 1903[9], and began to publish articles on residential and park landscape gardening in both professional and popular journals. This helped to disseminate his ideas and further establish his reputation within the field. His projects extended beyond cemeteries to include parks, campuses, and estates throughout the Midwest[10].
In 1906, Simonds began a long association with the Douglas family and their estate, Brucemore, in Iowa[11]. He was considered an influential member of the regional prairie landscape movement when hired by the Douglases. His work at Brucemore demonstrates his skill in integrating buildings with their surrounding landscapes, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Later Life and Legacy
Ossian Cole Simonds continued to practice landscape architecture until his death in 1931[12]. Prior to his landscape architecture career, he briefly worked with Holabird and Roche, a firm known for its architectural innovations, after leaving the University of Michigan[13]. While his name may not be as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Simonds’s contributions to the development of naturalistic landscape design in the Midwest were significant. His emphasis on site-specific design, native plant materials, and the integration of natural processes continues to influence landscape architects today. His work at Graceland Cemetery and Brucemore, among other projects, serves as a testament to his skill and vision.
Landscape architecture
Graceland Cemetery
Prairie School
Brucemore