Ecological Landscape Design Workshop

March 29, 2025
9 am-4 pm

Whether you are designing a small patch of land in your backyard or a large public space, this workshop will equip you with the necessary information to create a sustainable and stunning landscape. It is open to anyone interested in how to create ecologically conscious and sustainable landscapes, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or an occasional gardener. You will also have the opportunity to bring in a real-life situation where you want to design or re-vamp a planting. Bring pictures, ask questions, develop your plant community, and put the design on paper in a space where you can get constructive feedback from MBG staff.   

Taught by our expert Memphis Botanic Garden horticulturists, you will leave this class with practical, hands-on knowledge, expert advice, and resources that you can utilize for many years to come.   

Category:

• Horticulture Class

Skill level:

• Entry – It is open to anyone interested in creating ecologically conscious and sustainable landscapes, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or an occasional gardener.

What to expect:

• 9-9:30 am: Introduction into Sustainable Landscape design 
• 9:30-10:30 am: Landscape Archetypes and Plant Communities/Creating a Sense of Place 
• 10:30-10:45 am: Break 
• 10:45-11:30 am: How to Craft Your Plant Palette – Plant Behavior and Design Qualities of Plants 
• 11:30 am-12:15 pm: Lunch 
• 12:15-1 pm: Woodland and Arboretum Tour 
• 1-1:30 pm: Matrix Planting vs Block Planting  
• 1:30-2 pm: Keystone Plants and Host Plants 
• 2-4 pm: Pen to Paper, Designing Your Project with MBG Staff 

What’s included in this class:

• A personalized plant list curated by MBG staff from real-life experience working with plants in the South
• A copy of MBG’s Goldfinch Meadow design sheets designed by Claudia West, world-renowned landscape designer
• Dedicated coaching and tips from experienced staff on your specific situation
• Breakfast will be provided through Fratelli’s 
• Lunch will be provided through Swanky’s Taco Shop 

Things to know:

• “Planting in a Post Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes” by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West is a required book for this workshop. One can be purchased at the workshop for $25 if you do not own a copy. Please indicate during registration if you need to buy one from us.

Pricing and registration deadline:

• $200 MBG Members/$250 Non-Members (plus $25 for “Planting in a Post Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes” if you do not already own it, which can be purchased with cash, check, or credit card at the workshop)
• Register no later than March 24, 2025.

Click here to register.