Resilient Landscapes in Built Environments | Section II

Mondays, November 28, December 5, 12, and 19th

Continuing the focus on resilient landscapes in built environments, Section II examines New England native plants for function, beauty, and biodiversity in the landscape and achieving high performance with minimal input. Additionally, the final two courses will provide step-by-step information on seasonal implementation and land-management practices relating to strategic planning, plant succession, erosion control, installation of green infrastructure, and contractor-to-client communication essential for establishing and supporting sustainable and resilient landscapes. These virtual courses are designed to be interactive, supporting those students with a working knowledge of native plants to plan for the next level of design and management.

Native Woody Plants | with Andy Brand, Director of Horticulture, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Andy will take participants on a virtual tour of native woody plants, from the rare to the common to several under-used species. He’ll discuss straight versus cultivated species and how they’re used in designed resilient landscapes. Instruction will include developing plant identification skills; evaluating and selecting woody plants appropriate for specific built landscapes; and recognizing woody plants, individually and communally, that contribute habitat and structure to the year-round landscape.

Native Herbaceous Plants | with Heather McCargo, Founder of Maine’s Wild Seed Project

Students will continue to study a range of native herbaceous plants, such as those thriving in versatile conditions and those preferring specific cultural conditions, all of which lead 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’ habit and successional growth, and visual aesthetic for seasonal appeal.

Sustainable Implementation Practices | with Trevor Smith, landscape contractor, and Design and Education Manager at Weston Nurseries and David Homa, Permaculture landscaper of PostCarbon Designs

This class will examine how green infrastructure (GI) sustainably manages the water and drought conditions that impact landscape performance and practices. Just as traditionally implemented landscape designs cannot be left alone, resilient landscapes also need long-term attention as they naturally evolve. Considering environmental factors and available resources, Trevor and David will discuss project timing and execution with regard to year-round practices, as well as how to evaluate timelines while ensuring minimal harm and maximum beneficial impact.

Contractors and Clients in Unison | with Trevor Smith, landscape contractor, and Design and Education Manager at Weston Nurseries

The final step between knowing and practicing is often the hardest to take. This final class examines the minutiae of the business, from working with employees and sub-contractors to explaining goals and processes to clients who may not understand ecological systems. Students will leave confident in their ability to accurately communicate their ideas and methods about achieving a beautiful, resilient landscape. Coordinating the goals and the people in a New England climate needs the deep understanding of the project manager who recognizes the importance of the whole system to achieve resilience and sustainability.