Building Resilient Landscapes for a Changing Climate: Insights from the GLDA Seminar 2023
Every February, Santry in Dublin becomes a hub for garden and landscape enthusiasts, thanks to the annual Garden and Landscape Designers Association (GLDA) seminar. This year’s event, themed Building Resilient Landscapes for a Changing Climate, took place on February 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry.The seminar brought together leading experts to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: designing outdoor spaces that can withstand and adapt to the unpredictable impacts of climate change.
the Urgency of Resilient Design
Table of Contents
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- the Urgency of Resilient Design
- Key Takeaways from the Seminar
- The Role of Blue Spaces
- Summary of Key Points
- Join the Movement
- Protecting Fragile Water Ecosystems
- Sustainable Drainage Systems: Small Changes, Big Impact
- Rethinking Garden Design for the Future
- A Platform for Learning and Connection
- Key Takeaways from the GLDA Seminar
- Revolutionizing irish Landscapes: Insights from the GLDA Seminar
Erratic weather patterns, devastating floods, and unseasonal temperatures are no longer anomalies—they are the new normal. For gardeners, designers, and landscapers, the question is clear: How do we create spaces that endure, recover, and even thrive in the face of these extremes?
Resilience is the answer. It’s about ensuring our landscapes are not only lasting but also adaptable.This year’s GLDA seminar featured an impressive lineup of speakers who shared practical insights on how to rethink design, planting, and management strategies.
Key Takeaways from the Seminar
The seminar emphasized the importance of working with natural processes rather than against them. From selecting the right plants to managing water sustainably, the speakers provided actionable advice on implementing nature-based solutions.
One of the highlights was the talk by Adam Whitbourn, gardens manager of the extensive Blarney Castle Gardens. With over 70 acres under his care, Adam has transformed Blarney into a biodiversity haven while championing sustainability. He shared insights on managing large gardens and parklands to withstand storms and unpredictable weather, ensuring their charm endures for future generations.
Henrik Sjöman, an associate professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and scientific curator at Gothenburg Botanical garden, emphasized the critical role of plant diversity.He believes every garden designer needs a deeper understanding of how plants respond to changing climates, from new pests to shifting seasons. his talk aimed to help attendees make better plant choices, ensuring landscapes are both functional and resilient.
The Role of Blue Spaces
The seminar also addressed the threats facing our rivers and blue spaces. The River Kennet, the largest tributary of the Thames, served as a case study for understanding the challenges and opportunities in managing these vital ecosystems.
Summary of Key Points
| Topic | Key Insights |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————-|
| Resilient Design | Focus on sustainability and adaptability to unpredictable weather patterns. |
| Plant selection | Prioritize diversity and suitability to ensure landscapes thrive in changing climates.|
| Water Management | Implement sustainable practices to manage water resources effectively. |
| Large-Scale Landscapes | Strategies for managing extensive gardens and parklands to withstand extreme weather. |
| Blue Spaces | Address threats to rivers and water ecosystems through thoughtful design. |
Join the Movement
The GLDA seminar is more than just an event—it’s a call to action. By embracing resilient design principles, we can create landscapes that not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change.
Tickets for next year’s seminar are already available on the GLDA website. Don’t miss the chance to learn from the best and contribute to a more sustainable future.
as the impacts of climate change continue to reshape our world,the lessons from this year’s seminar remind us that resilience is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. Let’s work together to build landscapes that can weather the storm.revolutionizing Irish Landscapes: Insights from the GLDA Seminar
The GLDA seminar has once again proven to be a cornerstone event for professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering a platform to explore innovative solutions for sustainable garden design and water management. This year’s event brought together some of the most inspiring voices in the field, including Charlotte Hitchmough, Wendy Allen, and Ann-Marie Powell, who shared their expertise on creating resilient, biodiverse landscapes.
Protecting Fragile Water Ecosystems
Charlotte Hitchmough, director of Action for the River Kennet and a former board member of the Rivers Trust, has dedicated her career to safeguarding fragile water ecosystems. With over eight years of experience, Charlotte emphasizes the importance of nature-based interventions and community-led initiatives in mitigating floods and droughts. “Healthy rivers are not just a luxury; they are a necessity for biodiversity and climate resilience,” she explains. Her session highlighted practical strategies for restoring river health, demonstrating how these efforts can have far-reaching benefits for both local communities and the environment.
Sustainable Drainage Systems: Small Changes, Big Impact
Wendy Allen, a UK-based garden designer renowned for her work on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), showcased how small-scale changes can make a important difference.From rain gardens to permeable paving, Wendy’s designs integrate practical solutions for managing water sustainably. Her award-winning projects illustrate the potential of SuDS to reduce flooding, enhance water quality, and support local ecosystems. “Even the smallest garden can contribute to a healthier environment,” she notes. Attendees left her session equipped with hands-on advice for incorporating these systems into their own projects.
Rethinking Garden Design for the Future
Ann-Marie Powell, celebrated for her bold and sustainable designs, challenged traditional notions of garden design. Recognized by Gardens Illustrated Magazine as one of the most inspiring female garden designers in British history, Ann-Marie focuses on creating dynamic spaces that embrace biodiversity and adaptability. “Gardens should be living, breathing spaces that evolve with the changing climate,” she asserts. Her session provided attendees with the tools and ideas needed to future-proof their gardens, ensuring they remain vibrant and resilient for generations to come.
A Platform for Learning and Connection
The GLDA seminar is more than just a series of talks; it’s a space for learning,sharing,and connecting. As one attendee reflected, “Every year, I leave the event feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the garden designing year ahead.” Whether you’re a professional designer or a passionate gardener, this event offers a unique opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of Irish landscapes.
Key Takeaways from the GLDA Seminar
| speaker | Focus Area | Key Insight |
|————————-|————————————|———————————————————————————|
| Charlotte Hitchmough | River ecosystem protection | Nature-based interventions can mitigate floods and droughts while enhancing biodiversity.|
| Wendy Allen | Sustainable drainage systems | small-scale SuDS features like rain gardens can have a significant environmental impact.|
| Ann-Marie Powell | Future-proof garden design | Dynamic, biodiverse gardens are essential for adapting to climate change. |
The GLDA seminar continues to inspire and empower individuals to create landscapes that are not only lovely but also sustainable and resilient. By integrating the insights shared by these experts,we can all play a part in shaping a greener,healthier future.
Join the conversation and explore how you can contribute to the transformation of Irish landscapes. For more information on sustainable garden design, visit the GLDA website.
Revolutionizing irish Landscapes: Insights from the GLDA Seminar
The GLDA seminar has once again proven to be a cornerstone event for professionals and enthusiasts alike,offering a platform to explore innovative solutions for sustainable garden design and water management. This year’s event brought together some of the most inspiring voices in the field, including Charlotte Hitchmough, Wendy Allen, and Ann-Marie Powell, who shared their expertise on creating resilient, biodiverse landscapes.
Protecting Fragile Water Ecosystems
Charlotte Hitchmough, director of action for the River kennet and a former board member of the rivers Trust, has dedicated her career to safeguarding fragile water ecosystems.With over eight years of experience, Charlotte emphasizes the importance of nature-based interventions and community-led initiatives in mitigating floods and droughts. “Healthy rivers are not just a luxury; they are a necessity for biodiversity and climate resilience,” she explains. Her session highlighted practical strategies for restoring river health, demonstrating how these efforts can have far-reaching benefits for both local communities and the habitat.
Sustainable Drainage Systems: Small Changes,Big Impact
Wendy Allen,a UK-based garden designer renowned for her work on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS),showcased how small-scale changes can make a notable difference. From rain gardens to permeable paving, Wendy’s designs integrate practical solutions for managing water sustainably. Her award-winning projects illustrate the potential of SuDS to reduce flooding, enhance water quality, and support local ecosystems. “Even the smallest garden can contribute to a healthier environment,” she notes. Attendees left her session equipped with hands-on advice for incorporating these systems into their own projects.
Rethinking Garden Design for the Future
Ann-marie Powell, celebrated for her bold and sustainable designs, challenged traditional notions of garden design. Recognized by Gardens Illustrated Magazine as one of the most inspiring female garden designers in British history, Ann-Marie focuses on creating dynamic spaces that embrace biodiversity and adaptability. “Gardens should be living, breathing spaces that evolve with the changing climate,” she asserts. Her session provided attendees with the tools and ideas needed to future-proof their gardens, ensuring they remain vibrant and resilient for generations to come.
A Platform for Learning and Connection
The GLDA seminar is more than just a series of talks; it’s a space for learning, sharing, and connecting. As one attendee reflected, “every year, I leave the event feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the garden designing year ahead.” Whether you’re a professional designer or a passionate gardener,this event offers a unique prospect to be part of the conversation shaping the future of Irish landscapes.
Key Takeaways from the GLDA Seminar
| Speaker | Focus Area | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hitchmough | River ecosystem protection | Nature-based interventions can mitigate floods and droughts while enhancing biodiversity. |
| Wendy Allen | sustainable drainage systems | Small-scale SuDS features like rain gardens can have a significant environmental impact. |
| Ann-Marie Powell | Future-proof garden design | Dynamic, biodiverse gardens are essential for adapting to climate change. |
The GLDA seminar continues to inspire and empower individuals to create landscapes that are not only lovely but also sustainable and resilient. By integrating the insights shared by these experts, we can all play a part in shaping a greener, healthier future.
Join the conversation and explore how you can contribute to the conversion of Irish landscapes. For more details on sustainable garden design, visit the GLDA website.