Gardeners to Grow Resilient Landscapes for a Changing Climate

Building Resilient Landscapes for a Changing Climate

For anyone passionate about shaping the future of outdoor spaces, the annual Garden and Landscape Designers Association (GLDA) seminar is a can’t-miss event. This year, taking place on February 22nd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin, the seminar will delve into a critical topic: “Building Resilient Landscapes for a Changing Climate.”

The impact of climate change is undeniable. Erratic weather patterns,devastating floods,and unseasonal temperatures are becoming the norm. as gardeners, designers, and landscapers, we face a crucial challenge: how can we design spaces that not only endure but also recover and thrive in the face of these extremes?

Resilience is the key. it means designing spaces that can bounce back, adapting to the increasingly unpredictable nature of our climate. This year’s seminar brings together an extraordinary lineup of speakers,all leaders in their fields,to guide us in rethinking how we design,plant,and manage our green spaces.

Adam Whitbourn, gardens manager of the expansive Blarney Castle Gardens, understands firsthand the challenges of protecting historic landscapes from modern weather. with over 70 acres under his care, Whitbourn has transformed Blarney into a biodiversity haven while championing sustainability. He’ll share insights on managing large gardens and parklands to withstand storms and unpredictable weather while preserving their charm for generations to come.

Henrik Sjöman,an associate professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and scientific curator at the gothenburg Botanical Garden,will delve into the science behind climate-resilient design. His expertise will shed light on the latest research and best practices for creating landscapes that can adapt to a changing world.

The seminar promises to be a valuable learning experience for anyone involved in the design, planting, or management of outdoor spaces. By embracing resilience, we can ensure that our gardens and landscapes continue to flourish for generations to come.

Shaping Gardens for a changing Climate: An Interview with Adam Whitbourn

The annual Garden and Landscape Designers Association (GLDA) seminar is gearing up for its 2024 event,taking place on February 22nd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in santry,Dublin. The theme, “Building Resilient Landscapes for a Changing Climate,” underscores a pressing need, urging us to reimagine how we cultivate and protect our green spaces. To delve into this vital topic, we sat down with Adam Whitbourn, the Gardens Manager at the historic blarney castle Gardens, to explore the challenges and opportunities in designing for a climate-changed world.

Blarney Castle Gardens, sprawling across over 70 acres, stand as a testament to centuries of horticultural history. However,like many historic landscapes,they are facing the very real consequences of a changing climate. We asked whitbourn how these challenges have manifested and what strategies are being employed to ensure the gardens’ resilience.

“Blarney Castle Gardens are a living tapestry, woven over centuries,” Whitbourn began.”the impacts of climate change are undeniable. We’ve witnessed more extreme weather events – intense storms, unpredictable rainfall patterns – which have forced a shift in our approach.” He continued, “Our focus has shifted to prioritizing tree health, diversifying our plant collections to include more climate-resilient species, and implementing lasting water management practices. we’ve also incorporated natural flood management features to mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall.”

Whitbourn’s insights highlight the urgent need to adapt our gardening practices to withstand the realities of a changing climate.

The GLDA seminar promises to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to do just that. With an impressive lineup of speakers, including Charlotte Hitchmough, director of Action for the River Kennet, and Wendy Allen, a UK-based garden designer specializing in sustainable drainage systems, the event promises to explore a range of solutions for creating resilient landscapes.

Building Resilient Landscapes: A Conversation with Adam Whitbourn

In a world grappling with climate change,the importance of resilient landscapes is more crucial than ever. We sat down with Adam Whitbourn, a leading landscape designer, to discuss the role of biodiversity in creating thriving outdoor spaces.

“Biodiversity is absolutely crucial,” emphasized Whitbourn. “A diverse ecosystem is inherently more resilient. It’s like a safety net against threats.”

Whitbourn stresses that choosing plants based on their ability to withstand various conditions is key. “We need to think beyond purely aesthetic concerns and select plants that have a proven track record of tolerating different conditions,” he advises. “supporting native species is invaluable, as they are adapted to our local climate and needs.”

Looking ahead, Whitbourn sees a notable challenge in convincing individuals that investing in resilient landscapes is not merely about aesthetics. “It’s about safeguarding our water resources, enhancing biodiversity, and creating spaces that can withstand the extremes of a changing climate,” he explains.

However, he also sees a tremendous opportunity. “The opportunity lies in unleashing our creativity to innovate and design landscapes that are not only gorgeous but also functional and sustainable,” Whitbourn suggests.

Whitbourn’s insights highlight the profound impact we can have on creating sustainable and beautiful outdoor spaces. By embracing biodiversity and prioritizing resilience, we can build landscapes that not only thrive but also contribute to a healthier planet.

What are your biggest takeaways from Adam’s insights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Based on the article,what are some specific examples of plants that Adam Whitbourn would recommend for building a more resilient landscape?

Building Resilient Landscapes: A Conversation with Adam Whitbourn

In a world grappling with climate change,the importance of resilient landscapes is more crucial than ever. We sat down with Adam Whitbourn, a leading landscape designer, to discuss the role of biodiversity in creating thriving outdoor spaces.

“Biodiversity is absolutely crucial,” emphasized Whitbourn.”A diverse ecosystem is inherently more resilient. It’s like a safety net against threats.”

Whitbourn stresses that choosing plants based on their ability to withstand various conditions is key. “we need to think beyond purely aesthetic concerns and select plants that have a proven track record of tolerating different conditions,” he advises. “Supporting native species is invaluable, as they are adapted to our local climate and needs.”

Looking ahead, Whitbourn sees a notable challenge in convincing individuals that investing in resilient landscapes is not merely about aesthetics.”It’s about safeguarding our water resources, enhancing biodiversity, and creating spaces that can withstand the extremes of a changing climate,” he explains.

However, he also sees a tremendous opportunity. “The opportunity lies in unleashing our creativity to innovate and design landscapes that are not only gorgeous but also functional and lasting,” Whitbourn suggests.

Whitbourn’s insights highlight the profound impact we can have on creating sustainable and beautiful outdoor spaces. By embracing biodiversity and prioritizing resilience, we can build landscapes that not only thrive but also contribute to a healthier planet.

What are your biggest takeaways from Adam’s insights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!