Resilient Landscapes in Built Environments: Plants and Practices

Tuesday, November 28 & Mondays, December 4, 11 & 18, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Tailored to emerging or current professionals in the green industry, Plants and Practices guides students through the valuable process of landscaping with native plants and working in harmony with nature to achieve high-performance, resilient landscape systems. The four-part course features detailed instruction about native woody plants and native herbaceous plants for specific environmental applications; instruction and discussion about effective implementation and long-term management practices for various projects; and how to establish comprehensive, functional, and successful communication between clients and contractors. We will discuss biodiversity in plant communities, plant adaptation, successional design and growth, erosion control, installation of green infrastructure, building trust and establishing landscape programs that include long-term management and design, and much more. These interactive virtual sessions are designed to help native-plant-savvy students plan for the next level of design and management.

Native Woody Plants

Participate in a virtual tour of native woody plants, from rare to common to under-used species. He’ll discuss straight species versus cultivated and how they’re used in designed resilient landscapes. Instruction will include sourcing and cultivation; evaluating and selecting woody plants appropriate for specific built landscapes; and appreciating the woody plants, individually and communally, that contribute habitat and structure to the year-round landscape.

Instructor: Andy Brand, Director of Horticulture, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Native Herbaceous Plants

Examine a range of native herbaceous plants, such as those thriving in versatile conditions and those preferring specific cultural conditions, all leading to healthier ecological landscapes. Class content will cover trends in the native plant nursery trade, wildlife benefits, project testimonials, seasonal planting and management methods according to species’ habits and successional growth, and visual aesthetics for seasonal appeal.

Instructor: Heather McCargo, Founder of Maine’s Wild Seed Project

Sustainable Implementation Practices

This session will examine big and small, new and existing landscape settings, including green infrastructure, meadowscapes, woodlands, and wildlife gardens. Taking into consideration environmental or economic variables, sustainable implementation practices evaluate how, who, with what, and when it’s appropriate to do the work. Larry Weaner and Trevor Smith will share their extensive knowledge of bringing designs to life and discuss the considerations and practices of evolving systems. This session will critically examine environmental factors; available resources; selection of plant size and form for implementation, such as seed or finished materials and aggregates; and how to design or implement over a successional timeline.

Instructors:
Trevor Smith, landscape contractor, designer, and Manager of Design and Education at Weston Nurseries in Massachusetts.
Larry Weaner, Lead Garden Designer and Founder of Larry Weaner Associates, author of Garden Revolution, and Founder of New Directions in American Landscapes.

Contractors and Clients in Unison

Expanding on the previous session, the final discussion focuses on networking and business practices. From employees to sub-contractors, clients, and specialty consultants, working with a network of professionals is necessary to ensure successful results. Just as the entire program highlights the matrix within landscapes, this work takes a matrix of people. With your confidence in these practices, processes, and goals, you will have the confidence to explain and communicate with your clients, employees, and any network contractors about ecological, high-performing, and resilient landscapes. Through applied case studies, students will learn how to coordinate seasonal schedules, resources and personnel, communicate ideas and methods, and collaborate effectively by listening to other industry professionals. 

Instructors:
Trevor Smith, landscape contractor, designer, and Manager of Design and Education at Weston Nurseries in Massachusetts.
Larry Weaner, Lead Garden Designer and Founder of Larry Weaner Associates, author of Garden Revolution, and Founder of New Directions in American Landscapes.