Landscaping

When most people think of a landscape, they usually think of some sort of natural setting be it an open field, valley, mountain range, etc. The landscape is said to "comprise the visible features of an area of land, including physical elements such as landforms, living elements of flora and fauna, abstract elements like lighting and weather conditions, and human elements like human activity and the built environment" (Wikipedia). Landscapes don't always have to be made strictly by nature however. There are manufactured landscapes as well. Even ruins left behind can be considered as a landscape.

My favorite type of landscape is considered both natural and manufactured. Built by an architect, the golf course is all about framing views and creating circulation so you start and finish near the clubhouse. From the tee box, a certain threshold is created by the surrounding trees, bunker traps, etc., leading up to the green (your destination). I have been to some courses where they have used shorter, wider trees and shrubs to help frame the low line horizon of the surrounding area, same as Frank Lloyd Wright designed low, long houses to do the same. However, these landscapes take a great deal of maintenance to keep up, which could end up to be beneficial because, if the money is there, these landscapes could stand the test of time and outlast other landscapes that are being ruined by harsh weather, neglect, and pollution. Being manufactured, made by the hand, it is being treated and taken care of daily. The "Old Course" at ST. Andrews is said to have been around since 1506, played by King James IV. Some say that it is in the best condition now than it has ever been. With that being said, why can't we use the same techniques to preserve all other natural landscapes regardless of whether they are a national park or not?