Berms and rich plantings at the ground plane merge with the buildings’ perimeter facades of terraces and “hanging gardens.” Lush plantings soften the scale of the buildings and mask thousands of vehicles that park on the buildings’ decks. Plants were carefully selected for seasonal interest and for their ability to withstand the difficult growing conditions of elevated planters. The results are broad sweeps of perennials, ornamental grasses, and shrubs, which provide color and texture at the ground plane and on the buildings’ facades. Trees add vertical accents and accentuate the illusion of a hillside.

These four-season gardens provide visual relief and interest for thousands of airport patrons and others who view the airport each day from the George Washington Memorial Parkway, airport approach roadways, pedestrian walkways, and the elevated Metrorail.