Join your sector peers and learn about what the Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association Designer Group is doing on your behalf, and help shape future initiatives and projects.

When we consider landscapes as texts, designers as authors, and end-users as readers of those texts, then good design becomes good storytelling. Thirty-six years of searching for a comfortable, fun approach to learning and practicing landscape architectural design is distilled into storytelling as a design process and product. A summary of that journey, how it got started, and how it concluded (for now) is presented in three parts. While my journey relates to landscape architecture, each step along the way is easily related to architecture and interior design.

Part One looks at my introduction to the ambiguous world of landscape design and the first question I asked of my studio professor, “What’s the formula?” Efforts to answer that question became a three- tiered analogy that provides a comfortable way to learn landscape architecture design based upon how we learned to read, write, and tell stories. With the idea that good design is good storytelling, Part Two, introduces landscape as more than text. It is a narrative. Highlighted is the idea that landscape texts are authored by designers and once built, are read by those who experience them. Put simply, and with the help of Betty Edwards (1999), John Simonds (1961), and John Conron (1974), our design process rests

solidly on the fact that “People Come First.” That realization is an outgrowth of John Simonds’ epiphany that we design "...not places, spaces, or things [but] experiences (my italics). The places, spaces, and things take their form from the planned experience” (1961, 225).

The three-tiered analogy sets us up for an experiential approach to design as a three-step process. You, as the designer-author write a first- or second-person narrative of someone or group experiencing your design. No, you do not have a design at this point. Yes, you have a good idea why people will come to and experience your design. You have a good idea as to their expectations. As the characters in your written narrative, your eventual design’s participants take you through your design. Once written, even in a rough form, your narrative, with the help of your peers, is then turned into a storyboard. Finally, the storyboard, again with the help of your cohorts or friends, is turned into your proposed landscape design.

Given Parts One and Two we arrive at Part Three’s logical question: “Are we, as the designers of other’s lifeworlds, ethically responsible to at least meet if not exceed the experiential expectations of those we serve?”

Those attending my talk will receive a take-away graphic example of the three-tiered analogy and a bibliography in support of what is discussed.

Accessible landscaping uses the principles of universal design, aiming to make outdoor spaces usable by everyone no matter their needs.

Catherine will introduce the audience to the concept and importance of universal design in the outdoors. This interactive, collaborative conversation will include the following discussion points and more!

• Why accessibility? 

• Why universal design? 

• What is accessibility in landscape design?

• What does it mean if something is accessible?

• What is an accessible standard?

• Images of accessible spaces 

• Opportunities for funding

• Ideas for accessible landscaping – Best practices

• Collaborative conversation. What is possible in your own backyard and community? 

• Open discussion, debrief and questions.

• Resources and what is next? 

Throughout time people have shaped their environments according to their first-hand experiences and instinctive understandings of natural phenomena; landscape design was informed by the concept of genius loci, or “spirit of place.” 

Recognizing and honoring the genius loci is the first step in preserving the ecological integrity of place while creating spaces for human use and enjoyment. 

Our research presents a survey of global myths, legends and folklore that are based on a deep understanding of the genius, or spirit, of the land, and presents a new framework for their application and interpretation. 

In this age of profound climate disruption and ecological upheaval, the time is ripe to reconsider and honor the sanctity of the land, to reimagine the role of the earth spirits in bringing forth a new era of landscape consciousness and care.

3 Steps to Transform Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Burnout to Clarity, Courage and Vision

This course will provide an overview of why mindfulness matters to professionals, as well as an in-depth, practical application of mindfulness techniques to reduce stress, increase clarity and efficiency, improve communication, and establish a clear sense of purpose and wellbeing.

Items discussed will include:

• 3 transformations that will give you back your energy, power and wellbeing

• What is Mindfulness and Why does it Matter?

• Strengthening your Attention Muscles

• The Power of Breathing

• The Challenge of “Multi-Tasking”

• What can ONLY you do?

• 80-20 Rule

• Self-Compassion – The Foundation for Career (and life!) Success

You will walk away with a clear roadmap of how to turn current challenges into opportunities for expansion and growth.

Permits are an essential part of most landscape projects, and lack of a permit or

incorrect drawings can seriously impact schedules and costs. 

This session will discuss how to obtain permits for projects, the consequences of building without them, and strategies for successful applications. 

Topics covered will include: building permits, site alteration permits, pool enclosure permits, letters of permission from conservation authorities and tree protection plans. 

Participants will learn how to create clear permit drawings, and how to design and build to comply with requirements.

Gardening in the Shade doesn't need to leave you in the dark! 

Discover tips and tricks to lighten up your shady spot. Powerful Plants, Tantalizing Textures, and Cohesive Combinations.  Find out why Paul loves gardening in the shade, learn about his favourite lower light plants, discover how to improve a dark corner in your home garden; and make the most out of a shady situation.  

Hello, Darkness, my old friend…