The rewards of gardening with nature, not against it, are a fabulous mix of process and perception. Landscape designer Edwina Von Gal discusses why we need to change the way we garden and how to make it happen. Our obsession with tidy, “clean” landscapes is proving to be harmful to the things and the ones we love. How can we step away from the need for ‘neat’ and let nature play a role in how we perceive, design, and maintain our human-dominated landscapes? Edwina will also discuss the new Earth Equity movement, which seeks ethical, social and environmental equity for human and non-human lives, and the systems that support them, and Perfect Earth Project’s initiative Two Thirds for the Birds, a call to action to landscape and environmental professionals to make all their projects habitat friendly. REGISTER

As human and environmental health come under a litany of new pressures, our gardens can become sanctuaries. Working at the intersection of culture and ecology, gardeners have a unique opportunity to impact the drivers of biodiversity loss and help make landscapes more resilient and less dependent on harmful inputs. But first a shift in perspective is necessary. In a discussion ranging from historic hedges to the wooded wilderness, Toshi will draw on his experiences as Director of Horticulture at Wethersfield Estate & Garden, his time spent gardening at Stonecrop Gardens and private estates, and the insight he’s gained from his current role advising cultural institutions on their land care practices. He will discuss the challenges facing our landscapes and some exciting new ideas for stewarding them into the future. TICKETS

Renowned landscape designer Edwina von Gal will present an introduction to the principles of nature-based design, including examples from her projects and her own garden. She will pose questions around the current criteria for beauty that have moved designs away from a focus on earth-friendly. She will explore how to move our practices toward an aesthetic that promotes health and happiness for all life forms. She will introduce her initiative Two Thirds for the Birds, which challenges all gardeners to plant more natives and use more ecologically sound management methods. The presentation will be followed by a walk through the surrounding landscape for an on-site application of these principles. Suitable for those beginning their journey into native plants as well as professionals. TICKETS

The increased use of native plants in the designed landscape offers so many wonderful new opportunities, but comes with its own set of challenges. In this course, we will discuss a range of ethical and ecological approaches to garden maintenance, with an emphasis on the selection and care of shrubs and trees that make up the structural layer of our design. Students will leave the course with a better understanding of how to manage their gardens and landscapes for long term success, beauty and biodiversity. Suitable for those beginning their journey into native plants as well as professionals. TICKETS