Past Programs
New Directions in the American Landscape has been a pioneering influence in bringing ecology to the fore of landscape design.
Since 1990, our annual two-day conference, co-sponsored by the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania and the Connecticut College Arboretum, has been a fixture in the landscape design and management fields. Workshops and field sessions have supplemented the annual symposium.
NDAL has changed and is changing how things are done in the landscape profession. With unique vision and dedication, NDAL continues to inspire diverse practitioners. As one landscape architect said who regularly attends the annual conference, “I go home inspired.”
Key moments in NDAL’s legacy appear in the contextual timeline below, situating these moments within the field’s larger historical context.
A full line-up of NDAL’s past programming can be viewed and downloaded below.
The below list is organized in the following categories:
Annual Symposia (Professional)
Intensive Short Courses (Professional)
Other Professional Programs
Home Gardener, Student & Educator Programs
Annual Symposia (Professional)
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First held in 1990, this annual two-day symposium has long presented ecology-based landscape design programs for professional practitioners. Presenters reflect the diverse factors that shape our landscapes including landscape architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, ecologists, historians, anthropologists, artists and others. From theory to practical application, the series explores forward-looking and frequently overlooked landscape topics. Join us as we continue to connect the dots between ecological restoration, cultural landscape practice, and fine garden design.
Our event this year will include a varied group of presenters from Gerould Wilhelm, who developed a highly regarded technique for vegetative site analysis; to Wagon Landscaping, a French landscape architecture firm whose innovative gardening approaches apply both regionally and globally. -
Founded in 1990, this annual two-day symposium has a long tradition of celebrating native plants and innovative ecological practice. Presenters reflect the diverse factors that shape our landscapes including landscape architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, ecologists, historians, anthropologists, artists and others. The series offers in-depth explorations of forward-looking and overlooked topics, always seeking to connect theory with practical application. Join us as we continue to connect the dots between ecological restoration, cultural landscape practice, and fine garden design.
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Founded in 1990, our annual two-day symposium has a long tradition of celebrating native plants and exploring landscape design at the intersections of ecology, culture, and art. The symposium series deliberately pushes the envelope, offering in-depth explorations of overlooked and forward-looking topics not presented elsewhere and providing practical, concrete information in lieu of trendy jargon. Our programs reflect the diverse factors that shape landscapes and regularly feature designers, ecologists, horticulturists, historians, artists, and anthropologists, among other disciplines. We look forward to seeing you at the symposium!
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Landscape designers who successfully employ an ecology-based approach typically draw from a variety of sources. The inextricable link between people and ecology only increases the need to broaden their investigative lens. Join us as we explore the integration of ecology-based design with people-based factors, including the lingering effects of historic land use and the need to accommodate diverse cultural perspectives on the meaning of “ecology.”
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Incorporating science into landscape design is of little use if the resulting plantings are not harmonious to the people who engage with them, and are not in tune with the animals that depend on them. In this virtual symposium we will explore how scientific research can lead to tangible approaches for a new landscape tradition, one where ecological, anthropological, and sociological considerations expand the scope of landscape design.
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Culture and ecology exist in a dynamic relationship: culture shapes ecology and vice versa. Our 2020 conference will explore this feedback loop as it pertains to landscape design and management. From historical as well as contemporary perspectives, our presenters will consider the complex, sometimes overlooked ways in which culture and ecology interact and what this means for how ecology-based design can be most effective.
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When NDAL’s first symposium took place in 1990, native plants were largely an afterthought in the landscape professions. The changes since then have been astounding, and NDAL is proud to have played a part. While “ecology into design” has and will remain NDAL’s focus, we have increasingly understood that a “real world ecology” must always consider the influences of people past and present. Our 30th anniversary program will illustrate how an expanded definition of “ecological design”— including contributions from garden history, agroecology, anthropology, social justice, art, and of course the ecological sciences—can yield environmentally sound, yet culturally connected landscapes.
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Our 29th Annual Symposium explores a core challenge of contemporary landscape design: blending plants, wildlife, and people in spaces that advance ecological function and are enjoyable to be in. While the destination is clear, the route is complex and often ill-defined or nonexistent. Learn from real world experiences of a select group of landscape architects and designers who are successfully navigating this challenge.
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Natural landscapes are inherently complex, shaped by intricate ecological processes and past human activity. A designer’s ability to succeed amidst this complexity can be greatly enhanced through careful examination of relevant ecological research and analysis. Join us at our two-day conference as highly accomplished ecologists and designers explore the synthesis of sophisticated analysis and creative design.
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Typically landscape designers first determine their overall design direction, and then zoom in to design the details. But in an ecology-based approach, a site’s intricate environmental characteristics can and should influence big picture decisions. This two-day conference will explore crucial aspects of the native design process, beginning at the scale of individual species, and gradually zooming out to include plant community design, ecological master planning, and methods for creating sophisticated ecological designs within the context of current as well as emerging landscape practices.
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To work with the land today means dealing with dramatic change. Factors from landscape fragmentation to accidental species introductions have made it difficult to establish resilient plant communities. Yet increased interest in ecology, landscape performance, and natural aesthetics has created a significant need to establish these landscapes successfully and consistently. This two-day conference will explore how to interact with the complex, evolving realities of today’s landscapes and those of the future. Join us for our 26th year!
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Practices that were new and innovative in 1990, when this conference series began, may be commonplace today…or even wrong. In this two-day program, influential practitioners, both established and emerging, will examine some of the dead ends and fruitful paths traveled by ecological design over the last 25 years, and the changes that these experiences suggest going forward.
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To design and manage landscapes successfully is to create symbiotic relationships between people and living systems. While these systems are highly complex, research into their interactions, patterns, and processes is robust. This conference will explore the connections between science and design and the potential for these connections to profoundly alter how we create and manage small and large scale landscapes.
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The expanding scope, scale, and goals of today’s landscape projects often require practitioners to consult with, and incorporate knowledge from, a variety of other disciplines. Learn how an interdisciplinary approach to designing ecology based landscapes can help you adapt to the rapid changes our profession is experiencing and enhance your position in a competitive economic environment.
NDAL deliberately pushes the envelope, offering in-depth explorations of overlooked and forward-looking topics not available elsewhere. Designers are often asked to present on emerging or unknown aspects of their work. Speakers and attendees alike commend this format: it enables presenters to refine developing ideas with an informed audience, and students and new professionals benefit from demonstration of process.
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Relying on traditional landscape methods in a new era of ecological design simply won’t cut it. In this two-day program we will look to a variety of disciplines, cultures, and art forms for concrete strategies that respond to the rapidly expanding scope of landscape design.
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tation, habitat creation; these and other responses to new environmental priorities have only recently become prominent. Consequently, design protocols are sparse, and not well tested over time. Conference presenters include designers, growers, and ecologists whose extensive experience with native vegetation and land management can shed light on the real world challenges of environmental design.
NDAL's deliberately expansive approach draws upon the expertise and practical insights of nursery professionals, horticulturists, and land managers, as evidenced in the 2010 conference.
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Landscape design is changing, and changing fast! As ecological design becomes common practice, designers will need to expand their scope of services, learn to design on a larger scale, and reassess their criteria for selecting and arranging plants. This conference will go beyond buzzwords like “green” and “sustainability,” providing designers with a real world blueprint to thrive in this exciting new professional environment.
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For native design to succeed in the real world of invasive plants and disturbed sites, simply using native plants is not enough. Understanding the natural processes that direct vegetation change and developing a diverse toolbox of practical techniques based on these processes are crucial. This conference will illustrate these connections to help designers anticipate and respond to the real-world challenges of creating natural landscapes.
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Garden design is often perceived as a visual art form; but unlike a painting on a wall, landscape gardens are profoundly affected by an ever-present undercurrent of natural processes, minute organisms and subtle visual patterns. By considering and understanding these unseen elements, landscape practitioners can enhance the functionality and manageability of their projects, and increase the effectiveness of their gardens as naturally inspired works of art.
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The more we learn about nature— its processes, its responses to human activity, and the reactions it elicits from people—the more we realize how dramatically it differs from common perceptions. This conference goes beyond these perceptions, to explore some of the underlying practical, ecological, and psychological issues that distinguish native design from traditional practice.
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Landscape designers, agriculturists and ecologists are like parallel lines that never meet. All work with land and plants, but share little information on their respective techniques. This program will examine the ongoing development of each discipline, historic and contemporary, with an emphasis on relevant applications for landscape architects and designers.
An interdisciplinary approach is an essential part of NDAL's mission, as in the 2005 conference exploring design, agriculture, and ecology. The conference was dedicated to two "Frank" scholars of the American landscape -- ecologist Frank Egler and landscape architect Frank Waugh.
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Natural landscape design is not limited to any specific setting. While large and small-scale practitioners often consider themselves in different worlds, they have much to learn from each other. In this two-day conference we will examine the artistic and ecological techniques that go into creating natural landscapes, from intimate gardens to vast public spaces.
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A two day, in-depth examination of state-of-the-art ecological landscape design, presenting a diverse and accomplished group of designers, horticulturists, scientists and artists in an informal, interactive forum.
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A two-day, in-depth conference examining the expression of nature and culture in the art of landscape design.
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A two day, in-depth examination of the state of the art of ecological landscape design, presenting a diverse and accomplished group of designers, horticulturists, scientists, and artists in an interactive and informal setting.
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For years, NDAL's annual conferences were one of the few forums offering in-depth explorations of ecology and design. The 2000 conference featured presentations by such pioneering practitioners as Leslie Sauer, James Patchett, and Gerould Wilhelm.
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A two day seminar for practitioners from all segments of the landscape professions.
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The work of scientists has always been central to NDAL programs, as evidenced in the 1996 annual conference in which ecologists critiqued case studies of designed landscapes patterned after naturally occurring ecosystems. Appropriately, Ian McHarg gave the opening lecture.
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An in-depth conference focusing on the composition, processes and patterns of our native plant communities as they specifically relate to the work of landscape designers, architects and planners.
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NDAL attended to native plants long before their use became a popular concern. A session at the 1995 annual conference contextualized this growing movement with a presentation by the preeminent landscape architect A.E. Bye.
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As the demand for ecological landscapes dramatically increases, it is important that we as landscape architects and designers, horticulturists and land planners develop concrete and reliable strategies for their design and implementation. In this symposium, an outstanding group of designers, horticulturists and ecologists will explore, in an interactive and in-depth format, ways to combine ecological understanding with a knowledge of horticulture and design to create ornamental gardens that function as plant communities and mirror the beauty and grace of the natural world.
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A highly interactive series of seminars/workshops exploring innovative ways to keep your company in the forefront of the landscape profession during these competitive times.
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A superior knowledge of plant material can be of invaluable importance in securing choice landscape projects. In this seminar an outstanding group of horticulturists and designers will present an in depth discussion of both woody and perennial plant material, and their effective combinations in the landscape.
Intensive Short Courses (Professional)
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Join Landscape Designer Larry Weaner and native plant expert Ian Caton on a deep dive into the integration of restoration ecology and garden design. From technical instruction to personal anecdotes, Larry and Ian will share over 70 years of combined experience on the fine points of designing, planting, and managing ecology-based landscapes. Participants will have the opportunity to compare notes and interact with instructors during two post-program conversational sessions.
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Join Landscape Designer Larry Weaner and native plant expert Ian Caton on a deep dive into the integration of restoration ecology and garden design. From technical instruction to personal anecdotes, Larry and Ian will share over 70 years of combined experience on the fine points of designing, planting, and managing ecology-based landscapes. Participants will have the opportunity to compare notes and interact with instructors during two post-program conversational sessions.
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Join influential Landscape Designer Larry Weaner and native plant expert Ian Caton as they explore the integration of restoration ecology and fine garden design.
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Join influential Landscape Designer Larry Weaner and native plant expert Ian Caton as they explore the integration of restoration ecology and fine garden design.
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Join influential Landscape Designer Larry Weaner and native plant expert Ian Caton as they explore the integration of restoration ecology and fine garden design.
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While demand for ecology-based landscapes is increasing dramatically, access to the specialized knowledge needed to achieve them is not. This course will provide "real world" guidance for designing native meadows, shrublands, woodlands and naturalistic gardens that contain a literal connection to the patterns and processes of our indigenous landscapes. Planting and management techniques will also be discussed, including formats for writing specifications that balance the need for both detail and usability. Finally, techniques for applying a legible "artistic overlay" that can accommodate the varied aesthetic preferences of our clients will be woven throughout the program.
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View the brochure (see page 8)
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The desire for landscapes that are “ecologically functioning” as well as beautiful is rapidly becoming mainstream. The techniques required to successfully design, plant, and maintain these landscapes, however, can differ dramatically from traditional practice. This six-hour course will span two days, and illustrate how to apply these altered practices in a variety of settings including meadows, shrublands, woodlands, and fine gardens.
Attendees will receive an extensive, digital, login- protected manual that documents all aspects of the program, including plant selection criteria, plant recommendations, and ecological process-based management specifications.
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The desire for landscapes that are “ecologically functioning” as well as beautiful is rapidly becoming mainstream. The techniques required to successfully design, plant and maintain these landscapes, however, can differ dramatically from traditional practice. This intensive virtual course will illustrate how to apply these altered practices in a variety of settings including meadows, shrublands, woodlands and fine gardens.
Attendees will receive a 100+ page digital, password-protected manual that documents all aspects of the program, including plant selection criteria, plant recommendations, ecological process-based management specifications, and guidance for maximizing the aesthetic and experiential appeal these landscapes can provide.
No brochure available. This was a virtual, shortened adaptation of Natural Design: An Intensive Two-Day Workshop held in PA in earlier in 2020.
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Demand for ecology-based landscapes is increasing faster than the information available on how to provide them. Consequently, converting a lawn to a meadow, or an invasive plant dominated woodland to a graceful fern glade, will require landscape practitioners to expand their toolbox.
This intensive, virtual course will describe specific design, planting, and management techniques for contractors to effectively integrate “wild” landscaping into their repertoire and grow with the burgeoning ecological landscape market.
An extensive Field Manual will be provided outlining all described approaches and techniques. Attendees will be provided with digital access to all course materials post-workshop, including recordings of the sessions.
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Demand for high performing, ecology-based landscapes is increasing faster than the availability of the specialized knowledge needed for practitioners to achieve them. This intensive two-day workshop will provide concrete, real world guidance for designing and documenting native meadows, shrublands, and woodlands. We will also discuss adapting these wild landscapes to the “fine garden” scale for smaller projects and properties.
Attendees will receive an extensive manual (100+ pages, digital, indefinitely accessible on NDAL’s website) that documents all aspects of the program, including plant selection criteria, plant recommendations, ecological process-based management specifications, and guidance for maximizing the aesthetic and experiential appeal these landscapes can provide.
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Demand for high performing, ecology-based landscapes is increasing faster than the availability of the specialized knowledge needed for practitioners to achieve them. This intensive two-day workshop will provide concrete, real world guidance for designing and documenting native meadows, shrublands, and woodlands. We will also discuss adapting these wild landscapes to the “fine garden” scale for smaller projects and properties.
Attendees will have indefinite, password-protected access to a 100+ page digital manual that documents all aspects of the program, including plant selection criteria, plant recommendations, ecological process-based management specifications, and guidance for maximizing the aesthetic and experiential appeal these landscapes can provide.
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A live webinar series for landscape practitioners throughout the United States including landscape architects and designers, restoration ecologists, and horticulturists. Douglas Tallamy, Ph.D., Larry Weaner, FAPLD, Chad Adams, AICP, and a diverse group of expert instructors will discuss a variety of topics from the art of naturalistic design to science-based native meadow creation.
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Demand for high performing, ecology-based landscapes is increasing faster than the availability of the specialized knowledge needed to achieve them. This intensive, interactive, two-day workshop will provide concrete, real world guidance for designing and documenting all phases of native landscape development. Attendees will receive an extensive manual that documents all aspects of the program, including plant selection criteria, plant recommendations, ecological process-based management specifications, and guidance for maximizing the aesthetic and experiential appeal these landscapes can provide.
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Demand for high performing, ecology-based landscapes is increasing faster than the availability of the specialized knowledge needed to achieve them. This intensive, interactive, two-day workshop will provide concrete, real world guidance for designing and documenting all phases of native landscape development.
Attendees will receive an extensive manual (100+ pages) that documents all aspects of the program, including plant selection criteria, plant recommendations, ecological process-based management specifications, and guidance for maximizing the aesthetic and experiential appeal these landscapes can provide.
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Demand for high-performing, ecologically beneficial landscapes is increasing, and yet many design and management professionals remain unsure how to incorporate ecological patterns and processes into their work.
Natural Landscape Design: Meadows & Woods, a three-day course, explores how meadow and woodland ecosystems can be replicated in diverse design situations. Presenters skilled in ecology and design guide participants through the relevant concepts and practical steps necessary for creating beautiful, self-sustaining landscapes.
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Demand for high-performing, ecologically beneficial landscapes is increasing, and yet many design and management professionals remain unsure how to incorporate ecological patterns and processes into their work.
Natural Landscape Design: Meadows & Woods, a three-day course, explores how meadow and woodland ecosystems can be replicated in diverse design situations. Presenters skilled in ecology and design guide participants through the relevant concepts and practical steps necessary for creating beautiful, self-sustaining landscapes.
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The New York Botanical Garden with New Directions in the American Landscape present this conference on landscaping with native plants. Utilizing native plants can enhance the environment, provide a beautiful landscape setting, and reduce maintenance. Learn about native plants, their value for garden and landscape, and discover the dynamics of plant communities within their environment. Gain an understanding of how to determine the “ecological context” of a site and how to create a landscape that truly expresses its natural character.
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A series of coordinated lectures and field trips designed to examine nature, culture, and creativity in the practice of Landscape Design.
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While garden plans are often static two-dimensional documents, our native landscapes consist of interwoven and multi-layered tapestries that transform dramatically over time. In this conference we will illustrate how plants grow and proliferate in their native habitats, and how that information can be used to create more dynamic landscape gardens.
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Landscape practices that enhance the biodiversity of suburban properties can significantly contribute to the health of our environment, creating havens for people and wildlife. Our speakers will make a case for the importance of suburban habitat, and show how to design properties that are attractive to wildlife, yet address the practical needs and aesthetic sensibilities of your clients.
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This in depth program will utilize the extensive native plantings and the natural areas in and around the 250 acre Laurita Vineyard property in Monmouth County, NJ to illustrate real world techniques for integrating garden design, cultural history and ecological restoration.
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A conference exploring the integration of horticulture, design, and ecology to create gardens that relate to our indigenous landscape and attain a high level of artistic accomplishment.
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While natural design requires an understanding of the plants and processes of our native landscapes, it need not exclude the artistic accomplishments of other design styles. In this conference we will explore, through a series of in-depth lectures, case studies and panel discussions, ways to combine ecology and design to create gardens that relate to our indigenous landscape and attain a high level of artistic accomplishment.
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The current public interest in ecology, natural aesthetics, and landscape maintenance reduction has created an enormous demand for new techniques that incorporate our rich and diverse native landscapes into our designed gardens. From a residential property to a large commercial or public project, success requires more than the inclusion of a few native plants in an informal arrangement. An understanding of the patterns and processes of our native landscape is imperative to the creation of designed landscapes that truly function as low maintenance plant communities and reflect the beauty of the natural world. In this symposium an outstanding group of designers and ecologists will explore these exciting concepts and techniques that have the potential to radically change our treatment of the designed landscape.
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As the demand for ecological landscapes dramatically increases, it is important that we as landscape architects and designers, horticulturists and land planners define our goals and develop reliable strategies for their design and implementation. In this symposium, an outstanding group of designers and ecologists will explore ways to combine ecological understanding with a knowledge of horticulture and design to create landscapes that function as plant communities and mirror the beauty and grace of the natural world.
Other Professional Programs
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include forager and wild farmer Tama Matsuoka Wong; Director of the Living Collections and Curator at The Green-Wood Cemetery Sara Evans; environmental consultant Dave Kaplow; environmentalist, wildlife advocate, and gardener Sarah F. Jayne; and NDAL Founder and Landscape Designer Larry Weaner. Topics will include case studies of low-growing meadows, DIY strategies for biodiversity and wildlife, “weeds” and gardening like a forager, residential meadows, introduction to ecology-based home gardening, and more.
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Ecologist Steven Handel; Principal and Co-founder of the native seedhouse & meadow consultancy, Northwest Meadowscapes, Eric Lee-Mäder; Native Plant Materials Specialist Stephanie Frischie; Garden Designer Pam Karlson; and NDAL Founder and Landscape Designer Larry Weaner. Topics will include an organic lawn-to-meadow transition, native meadow establishment techniques by region (Upper Midwest & Spain, Pacific NW, & Eastern U.S.), bird habitat in home landscapes, introduction to ecology-based home gardening, and more.
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A series of regional, on-site explorations of ecology-based landscape design principles. Sessions will be held partially indoors & partially outdoors. Registration limited!
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Landscape Designer and Regional Planner Evan Abramson, Cornell Botanic Gardens Gardener Krissy Boys, Garden Designer and Wood Thrush Native Nursery Owner Ian Caton, Landscape Designer and Principal of Gardens by Mardi, LLC Mardi Dover, and NDAL Founder and Landscape Designer Larry Weaner.
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One of the key challenges for landscape practitioners is dealing with invasive species. When discussing solutions with clients, the use of herbicides can be an elephant in the garden room. In Part One of this series, we'll examine and debate the ecological and practical ramifications of both chemical and organic approaches. In Part Two, project case studies will demonstrate specific planting and management techniques for each. Regardless of the path you choose, this program will enhance your ability to "referee" plant populations in your projects more effectively.
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania Clan Mother and educator Shelley DePaul, Landscape Designer and Horticulturist Dan Pearson, The Plantsmen Nursery Owner Dan Segal, and NDAL Founder and Landscape Designer Larry Weaner.
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Restoration to Garden: Plants and Wildlife New England-Style
New England Botanic Garden (NEBG) at Tower Hill in Boylston, MARestoration to Garden: Plants and Wildlife in the Atlantic Coastal Plain
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Observe and analyze the real world results of various ecology-based landscape approaches. Explore the Darrel Morrison-designed Native Plant Garden at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum with Darrel himself; or learn about the organically-managed landscape at Glenstone Museum in Maryland with those who have designed it and manage it each day.
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Julianne Schrader Ortega and Keith Green of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), landscape designer Laura Kuhn, pollinator expert Douglas Sponsler, Bill Thomas of Chanticleer, and NDAL Founder and landscape designer Larry Weaner.
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Piet Oudolf, Veronica Tyson Strait, Gerould Wilhelm, Angela Kyle, and Larry Weaner. Some will present virtually on the artistic, social, and ecological considerations that can inform landscape design. Others will guide In the Field sessions to observe and analyze the real world results of various ecology-based landscape approaches. All will explore avenues for expanding the practice of landscape design.
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And so we meet again...virtually! Join us for a deep dive into the fine points and subtle nuances of ecology-based landscape design, and the role culture and art can play in its evolution. Presenters will include Thomas Woltz, W. Gary Smith, Wambui Ippolito, and Larry Weaner.
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This series explores an eclectic array of landscape approaches ranging from ecology-based design, to culturally reflective landscapes, to the art of making “wild” landscapes legible. Presenters will include Roy Diblik, Wambui Ippolito, W. Gary Smith, Eric Groft, and Donald J. Leopold. Join Larry Weaner for a series of “Prairie-side Chat” interviews, where influential practitioners including Thomas Woltz, Tom Wessels, Leslie Sauer and others reveal the thought processes and motivations that have guided their work. In addition, Larry Weaner will teach a five-part intensive course on native design, planting, and management.
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In this series, topics will range from native design and management, to roof gardens, to planning for the recruitment of spontaneous vegetation. Also, join the room - virtually - for our Prairie-side Chat series as Larry Weaner interviews and compares notes with iconic practitioners Piet Oudolf, Gerould Wilhelm, Charles Birnbaum, and Darrel Morrison. This series is oriented towards landscape architects, designers, restoration ecologists, and horticulturists practicing throughout the U.S.
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A live webinar series for landscape practitioners throughout the United States including landscape architects and designers, restoration ecologists, and horticulturists.
Douglas Tallamy, Ph.D., Larry Weaner, FAPLD, Chad Adams, AICP, and a diverse group of expert instructors will discuss a variety of topics from the art of naturalistic design to science-based native meadow creation.
Sessions are categorized as: design, plants, field.
Home Gardener, Student & Educator Programs
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include forager and wild farmer Tama Matsuoka Wong; Director of the Living Collections and Curator at The Green-Wood Cemetery Sara Evans; environmental consultant Dave Kaplow; environmentalist, wildlife advocate, and gardener Sarah F. Jayne; and NDAL Founder and Landscape Designer Larry Weaner. Topics will include case studies of low-growing meadows, DIY strategies for biodiversity and wildlife, “weeds” and gardening like a forager, residential meadows, introduction to ecology-based home gardening, and more.
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Ecologist Steven Handel; Principal and Co-founder of the native seedhouse & meadow consultancy, Northwest Meadowscapes, Eric Lee-Mäder; Native Plant Materials Specialist Stephanie Frischie; Garden Designer Pam Karlson; and NDAL Founder and Landscape Designer Larry Weaner. Topics will include an organic lawn-to-meadow transition, native meadow establishment techniques by region (Upper Midwest & Spain, Pacific NW, & Eastern U.S.), bird habitat in home landscapes, introduction to ecology-based home gardening, and more.
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Landscape Designer and Regional Planner Evan Abramson, Cornell Botanic Gardens Gardener Krissy Boys, Garden Designer and Wood Thrush Native Nursery Owner Ian Caton, Landscape Designer and Principal of Gardens by Mardi, LLC Mardi Dover, and NDAL Founder and Landscape Designer Larry Weaner.
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania Clan Mother and educator Shelley DePaul, Landscape Designer and Horticulturist Dan Pearson, The Plantsmen Nursery Owner Dan Segal, and NDAL Founder and Landscape Designer Larry Weaner.
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Julianne Schrader Ortega and Keith Green of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), landscape designer Laura Kuhn, pollinator expert Douglas Sponsler, Bill Thomas of Chanticleer, and NDAL Founder and landscape designer Larry Weaner.
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Our accomplished group of presenters will include Piet Oudolf, Veronica Tyson Strait, Gerould Wilhelm, Angela Kyle, and Larry Weaner. Some will present virtually on the artistic, social, and ecological considerations that can inform landscape design. Others will guide In the Field sessions to observe and analyze the real world results of various ecology-based landscape approaches. All will explore avenues for expanding the practice of landscape design.
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And so we meet again...virtually! Join us for a deep dive into the fine points and subtle nuances of ecology-based landscape design, and the role culture and art can play in its evolution. Presenters will include Thomas Woltz, W. Gary Smith, Wambui Ippolito, and Larry Weaner.
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This live, virtual series will explore ways to create landscapes that are ecologically healthy, easily managed, and beautiful on residential and educational properties. Our acclaimed group of presenters, including Roy Diblik, Carol Gracie, Bill Cullina, Thomas Woltz, Abra Lee, Tom Wessels, and Larry Weaner will show how we can expand and transform our understanding of the relationship between people, culture, and nature where we live and learn.
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It is time for native landscapes - and knowledge about how to foster them - to become mainstream. As we spend more time at home, gardeners who understand the ecologies of their home landscapes will be better equipped to make those landscapes both ecologically beneficial and aesthetically beautiful. Schools can similarly benefit, where administrators and educators can weave ecological gardening and landscaping principles into the curriculum. This national, virtual series explores all of these topics, and also includes interviews where Larry Weaner compares notes with iconic practitioners Piet Oudolf, Gerould Wilhelm, Charles Birnbaum, and Darrel Morrison
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A renowned group of instructors including Douglas Tallamy and Larry Weaner will illustrate landscaping techniques that make our little corners of the world more ecologically sound and enjoyable to experience. Whether you choose to learn how pollinators, people, and plant communities interact; how to share concepts of ecoliteracy with your children; or how to collect your own seeds, this series will cover an eclectic variety of topics while generally emphasizing the importance of place-based ecological landscapes.
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From a native wildflower meadow, to a woodland grove, to a calming water garden, nature can offer you a wealth of landscape ideas. Join us in an informal setting to explore some techniques to transform your property into an easily managed and environmentally sound home environment, reflective of the beauty and grace of our natural world.
Landscape architects Darrel Morrison and Nancy Aten designed to music in front of a live audience at NDAL’s 25th anniversary conference in 2014.
