Do Highway Rights-of-way Have to be Dull?

Highway rights-of-way in Alberta, and elsewhere, are dull because they consist of limited, non-native species mixes that
are frequently mowed. These rights-of-way are therefore not much more exciting, or aesthetically pleasing, than a football field.  This paper reviews the literature regarding methods of enhancing the aesthetics of highways, with particular emphasis on limiting mowing and use of specialty plantings. Limiting mowing may result in savings that could be used for other aesthetic works.  Encouraging public involvement in beautifying sections of highway, particularly interchanges, would again help offset costs.