Saturday 3rd October 2009
Heavenly Gardens in Hellish Places

Declan Buckley will be among the speakers at the Society of Garden Designers 2009 Autumn Conference...

The garden is a form of earthly paradise that designers are often called upon to create in the most unpromising and inhospitable of places. Such sites include steep slopes, exposed roofs, windswept coastlines and urban sites plagued by poor soils and pollution, all in an increasingly extreme climate. Difficult sites create the greatest challenge but can instil the greatest creative response.

While paradise is the intent, a designer's first challenge is practical; to make sense of the space, to make it usable and to select plants that will grow and survive long term. In improving the habitat for people and plants, the design solution makes the occupation of such difficult spaces enjoyable and uplifting too.

 

 


THE SPEAKERS
Lisa Delplace, Principal and CEO of the renowned Oehme van Sweden practice in the USA
Anthony Paul from New Zealand is internationally recognised for his innovative and contemporary gardens
Declan Buckley an Irish designer living in central London. He has tackled urban, rural and coastal sites in areas as diverse as Mumbai, Belgium and Kent.
Dr Nigel Dunnett undertakes research, practice and teaching in the Department of Landscape, University of Sheffield.
Paul Dracott lectures in garden design and construction at the KLC School of Design, writes for magazines and has had gardens featured in many design books. The day will be chaired by landscape designer Julie Toll. Julie has achieved international fame for her natural gardens and has won six Gold Medals at the Chelsea Flower Show