Seeing land from the perspective of a landscape architect is eye-opening. I had that opportunity over the holidays at a party on Olmstead Hill Road. Two of us partygoers stood in the backyard, seeking a little respite from the happy indoor clamor. We were looking out into a dark night illuminated only partially by low moonlight. The trees arching overhead were clearly visible though, as were house lights far down what appeared to be a very steep hill. While we didn’t know each other, we soon fell into conversation. At first it consisted of the usual pleasantries, but then our ...