Registration is now open for APLD’s International Landscape Design Conference. This year’s conference promises an extraordinary journey through Charleston’s rich history and stunning gardens.
Pre-Conference
Friday, October 11 (Limited to 50 Participants)
Kick off the conference with our pre-conference tours at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and Middleton Place. Discover 170 years of family history and explore the historic gardens, the world of camellias, and the Greenhouse Nursery complex. Traverse 450 acres by Nature Train, uncovering the secrets of the Lowcountry’s flora and fauna. After lunch, we’ll explore America’s oldest landscaped gardens at Middleton Place, and delve into its rich history and diverse ecosystems.
Main Conference
Saturday, October 12:
Old Village, Mt Pleasant
Immerse yourself in the beauty of private gardens in the quaint Old Village of Mt Pleasant. This exclusive tour offers a rare glimpse into Charleston’s most enchanting green spaces, complete with spectacular harbor views. Discover the history and design principles behind these captivating gardens, featuring unique elements that reflect the owners’ passions for horticulture and history.
Sunday, October 13:
Historic Downtown Charleston
On Sunday, we’ll indulge in garden tours through the heart of historic Charleston. We will stroll through beautifully designed gardens that showcase the city’s rich horticultural legacy. Discover hidden gems traditionally locked behind gates or tucked away in alleyways. Learn from knowledgeable guides who will share insights into the history, architecture, and plant life of Charleston’s gardens.
Please read carefully before registering:
Walking: Tours may cover 6-8 city blocks, sometimes over cobblestone streets, and uneven sidewalks and stairs. Comfortable, flat-soled shoes will make your walk easier.
Transportation: Buses will not be staying with the group all day. We will be picked up each morning at Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District and returned after each reception in the evening. You will not be able to leave belongings. Please plan accordingly.
If you have questions about the conference, contact Lori Zelesko at events@apld.org
Secure your spot for this extraordinary event steeped in history, overflowing with beautiful gardens, and time with people who love design as much as you do!
Register today to ensure you don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
Conference Schedule
Friday, October 11, 2024
Breakfast on Your Own
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration
9:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Pre-Conference Tour
(Space is limited to 50.)
Main Conference Begins
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Opening Reception
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar
8:45 p.m. Return to Hotel
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Breakfast on Your Own
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Registration
9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Garden Tours
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Reception
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar
8:00 p.m. Return to Hotel
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Breakfast on Your Own
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Registration
9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Garden Tours
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Reception
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar
8:00 p.m. Return to Hotel
Hotel Information
Hyatt Place & Hyatt House
Charleston Historic District 560 King Street Charleston, SC 29403 843-414-0722
APLD has secured a block of rooms at a discounted rate. Rooms can be reserved from October 10-13, 2024, based on availability until the room block is sold out or until the reservation deadline is reached. All rooms in our block are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations made after September 6 or after the room block has been filled may not be available or may be subject to higher rates. We encourage you to make your reservations quickly for the best price and availability.
Room Rate: $319 plus taxes and fees for single or double occupancy, $2.00 per room/per night taxable Destination Fee for Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
An additional charge of $10.00 per person will apply for triple or quad occupancy.
The reservation deadline is Friday, September 6, 2024.
The schedule is subject to change due to traffic delays or other unforeseeable circumstances. Garden tour arrival and departure times are approximate.
Charleston International Airport Distance from hotel: 11 miles https://www.iflychs.com/
Join APLD on Houzz!
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Richard Rosiello Rosiello Designs & Meadowbrook Gardens 159 Grove Street New Milford, CT 06776 (860) 488-6507 rosiellodesigns@gmail.com
Linda Middleton, CPLD, FAPLD Terralinda Design 1839 Ygnacio Valley Rd., #150 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (925) 448-2441 linda@terralindadesign.com
Maryanne Quincy, CPLD, FAPLD Q Gardens Landscape Design PO Box 2746 Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 739-5493 qgardens@sbcglobal.net
New APLD Members
Emerging Professionals
Jen Baker, Hurdle Mills, North Carolina
Jeanne Guidi, Anderson, South Carolina
Janet W Scarborough, Charleston, South Carolina
Garrett Wankel, Walnut Creek, California
Students
Kara Jones, Portland, Oregon
Elizabeth Malan, Southern Pines, North Carolina
Kimberly McCollister, San Diego, California
Ian Schleh, Mount Vernon, Washington
Landscape Design Enthusiasts
Mayla Greiner, Phoenix, Arizona
Calvin Scott, Tustin, California
Professionals
Marco Downs, Seattle, Washington
Corwin Goble, West Harwich, Massachusetts
Katie Grandy, Redwood City, California
Shellene Mueller, Escondido, California
Nicholas Thayer, Ukiah, California
Zack Thomas, Seattle, Washington
Upcoming Educational Opportunities & Events
APLD provides a listing of educational opportunities and events on its website, www.apld.org
Get Your Event Approved for CEUs!
If your chapter is planning an event, remember to have it approved for CEUs. Contact Kelly at certification@apld.org if you have any questions.
Click Here to Fill Out the CEU Request Form
An Annual of Yesteryear Providing Airy New Dimensions
by Bruce Crawford, Director of Horticulture, Morris County Park Commission
Annuals were traditionally described as plants that transition from seed in spring to summer bloom and back to seed come fall before dying with the frost. They were also called ‘Bedding Plants’ since they were to be planted in a garden ‘Bed’ where they rapidly covered the ground with low and dense floral displays. As with many plants, the definition of an annual is now changing and includes many tropical and marginally hardy perennials. Many ‘annuals’ also stretch to new heights and are no longer simply used to carpet the ‘Bed’ of a garden. Verbena bonariensis, commonly known as Tall Verbena or Purpletop (pictured below) is certainly not new to the gardening world, yet it now provides airy new and creative dimensions to annual displays!
The genus Verbena is a member of its own family or Verbenaceae and contains around 130 species, native to North and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Verbena bonariensis is native from Columbia and Brazil, and south to Argentina, where it inhabits dry and sunny locations. The genus name was initially penned in 1753 by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778). The name comes from the ancient Roman term Verbēna, which referred to stems and leaves of any of several herbs, such as Olive and Myrtle that were suspected to have supernatural powers for religious rituals. Linnaeus also described and named this species, based upon its origin.
The plant was first introduced to the European gardening world in 1726 when it was grown by William Sherard and his younger brother James in Eltham England. The seed was extracted from a dried specimen sent to them from Buenos Aires. The brothers were well-known in botanical circles and it was not unusual for them to receive specimens from distant regions. In fact, their garden had such an interesting collection of plants that the German botanist Johann Jacob Dillen Dillenius (1684 –1747) described many of the unusual specimens in his book Hortus Elthamensis, with the title referencing the name of the garden’s town. It was the origin of the dried specimen sent to the Sherard brothers, namely Buenos Aires, that inspired the species name of bonariensis!
In North America, plants in this genus are commonly named Verbena. However, in Europe and occasionally in the US it is referred to as Vervain, a reference to Verbena officinalis, an herb often used for medicinal purposes. Vervain comes from the Celtic Fer for ‘to remove’ and Fain for ‘stone’, referring to how Verbena officinalis was once used as a treatment for kidney stones!
Verbena bonariensis is commonly known as Tall Verbena or Purple Top, a most appropriate name considering the plants can easily reach heights of three to four feet and are topped with purple flowers. In fact, plants have been known to reach six feet, although I have yet to see plants with such skyward intentions. The light green stems are slender, square and stiffly hairy or hispid as it is botanically termed. The short, stiff hairs provide the stems with a bristly feel, a common denominator throughout the plant.
The olive-green foliage appears at the nodes and due to the long internodal stretches of the stem, the foliage is rather sparse. The foliage is oblong to linear in shape, measuring one to four inches in length by one-quarter to three-quarter inches wide. Arranged oppositely along the stem, the broadest leaves are located near the base of the plant, transitioning to the linear form along the stems. The long internodes combined with the narrower leaves
along the stems also aid in producing the plant’s airy and transparent qualities. The leaf margins are dentate and share the bristly, sandpaper-like feel of the stems.
The unique and garden-worthy trait of Tall Verbena is the shear strength of these tall stems. Often only oneeighth inch or slightly larger in cross-section, they have an impressive ability to proudly support secondary stems and their flowers, even in the face of wind or rain! The first flower cluster appears at the tip of the initial stem and as this stem branches repeatedly along the upper half of its length, additional flower clusters appear at the tips of these branches. Over time, additional buds break dormancy from the leaf axils near the base of the main stem, producing ever more flowering stems and allowing colorful blooms to appear until a hard frost.
The flowers appear in a one- to three-inch, flattopped structure called a corymb. A corymb has a central stem with numerous pedicels or floral stems of various lengths branching from this stem such that the arrangement creates this flat-topped floral structure. For Verbena bonariensis, the corymb is densely packed with floral buds, allowing it to bloom for well over a month.
Each flower features five petals, roughly a third of an inch long, fused along most of their length to create a long basal tube that is marron or marron-red in color (as seen above). At the tip of the tube, the petals initially appear as a small blue ball before the petals unfurl (also seen above) to expose the rosy-blue interior. The color of the petals nicely complements the maroon color of the floral tubes below. The open flowers reach nearly one-quarter inch in diameter.
As expected, when the flowers are inspected closely the outside of the floral tube is hispid, and although not visible to the passing eye, each flower has four stamens with a single style and stigma. At the base of the flower is a short tube-shaped calyx with five pointed sepals. It too is hispid and maroon in color with longitudinal green markings.
The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees and various butterflies such as the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (as seen above), making them a flurry of activity on a warm summer’s day. Following pollination, each flower produces four small nutlets or seeds, which are eaten in small quantities by Sparrows and Juncos. Most nutlets fall to the ground where the hard seed coat degrades after a lengthy winter exposure.
Come late spring, it is not unusual to see numerous seedlings appearing where plants had been located the year prior. Its prodigious ability to produce seedlings has led to it being cited as an invasive plant in North America’s southern and western regions. The plants are hardy from zones seven through eleven and following warm winters in NJ, it is not unusual to see a few plants from the previous year resprouting. In the garden, unwanted seedlings are easily pulled or destroyed by cultivating or disturbing the soil in early May.
Traditionally, Verbena bonariensis was installed in masses much like other bedding plants in an effort to create a block of color. It was also placed at the back of a border owing to its height. However, the beauty of this plant is how the airy and near-leafless stems allow people to view through the plant to subjects behind and beyond. This trait makes it a great option for planting at the front of the border since viewing through the stems gives the garden more dimension and makes it appear larger.
In addition, it is fun to interplant Purpletop amongst shorter annuals or perennials, giving the garden an airy multi-level appearance! The number of options is nearly endless, but one combination I enjoyed at Mohonk Mountain House was an underplanting of dark purple
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foliaged ornamental peppers, as seen above in the lower right of the image. They had also underplanted it with a brilliant red Salvia, which provided a far more lively appearance. At Longwood Garden, it was interplanted with Plectranthus argentatus (Silver Spurflower) as seen below. Regardless of the combination, the layered effect gives the garden an unexpected and magical 3-D appearance!
Of course, not every garden or container needs a Verbena with the potential to grow three to four feet tall! ‘Lollipop’ is a recent introduction that grows to a more modest one to two feet tall and two to three feet wide. It is ideal for smaller gardens and container culture. Although the plant’s stature is smaller, the floral corymbs are nearly equal in size and number to the straight species and the bloom period lasts just as long!
Since the plant is tolerant of light frosts, I always enjoy adding it to containers of Pansies in early May. It works well as the ‘bridging plant’ by providing height and color to the spring container only to be well-established for the summer composition to follow. It also looks great with Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) and the seedheads
of Tumbleweed Onion (Allium schubertii) as seen on the right. To the gardener’s dismay, seedlings of ‘Lollipop’ revert to the heights typical to the species.
Both the straight species and ‘Lollipop’ prefer full sun, although they will perform admirably in filtered sun. Plants are pH adaptable but, they do require well-drained soils that do not puddle following a rain.
Providing several unique and different design applications from other annuals, Verbena bonariensis remains a readily available yet little-seen ‘annual’ for summer color. Well-mannered in maintained gardens and beloved by pollinators, what was once considered a traditional bedding plant is finding airy new dimensions in contemporary gardens!readily available yet little-seen ‘annual’ for summer color. Well-mannered in maintained gardens and beloved by pollinators, what was once considered a traditional bedding plant is finding airy new dimensions in contemporary gardens!
Bruce Crawford Director of Horticulture, Morris County Park Comission
A longtime proponent of unusual and fun plants, Bruce is the Manager of Horticulture for the Morris County Parks Commission. He was also an instructor in Landscape Architecture at Rutgers University from 1987 to 2020. A graduate of Bucknell University, Bruce lectures frequently and has yet to find a plant that he does not like.
Join the Radicepura Garden Festival’s Call for Ideas!
The fifth edition of the Radicepura Garden Festival, held in Sicily, Italy, invites all young landscape designers and experienced landscape experts to participate in its 5th edition, focused on the theme Chaos and Order in the Garden. This international biennial event has promoted creativity and innovation in Mediterranean landscape design since 2017.
The call closes on September 15, 2024. The festival welcomes participation from individuals under 36 years old and also encourages university and college students to participate with a mentor. Event participation is free.
The gardens should celebrate biodiversity, the natural landscape, and the Mediterranean man-made landscape. Innovative, attractive, and usable designs that capture visitors’ attention are highly encouraged. The festival also emphasizes fostering interaction with the public and promoting an innovative approach that supports a positive relationship between people, culture, and the environment.
The international call is open to students, landscape architects, agronomists, garden designers, botanists, nursery gardeners, urban planners, engineers, artists, curators, and anyone else with the skills to design and create a garden. For the festival’s next edition, seven gardens will be reserved for individuals or teams under 36 years old.
Designers from all backgrounds who possess a strong understanding of nature and artistic skills are welcome to take part in this exciting opportunity to strike a balance between order and disorder, indulging in nature without domesticating it.
The festival reflects the evolving concept of wilderness culture and seeks to inspire new forms of garden design. It embraces chaos as an artistic expression while recognizing its transient nature. The event aims to cultivate a deep respect for the environment, fostering an inclusive notion of nature as a shared resource.
The deadline to submit applications is September 15, 2024. To apply or download the call for ideas, visit www.radicepurafestival.com or follow us on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. For more information, please contact application@radicepurafestival.com
APLD In the News
Design With Jenn Martella: New Work by Jan Kirsh, Landscape Designer
In a recent feature in The Talbot Spy, landscape designer and member, Jan Kirsh, was highlighted for her exceptional work in creating stunning outdoor spaces. The article delves into Kirsh’s unique approach, which includes incorporating sculptures, art screens, and three-dimensional art into her landscape designs. Readers can discover Kirsh’s innovative concept of “outdoor rooms” and her ability to seamlessly blend hardscape elements with lush greenery.
The article also discusses Kirsh’s evolution as a designer, from experimenting with different media to showcasing her work at prestigious events such as the Architectural Digest Show in NYC. With a focus on creating semi-private outdoor areas, Kirsh’s art screens have captivated the attention of clients seeking distinctive and functional garden enhancements. For a deeper look into Jan Kirsh’s inspirational work, be sure to explore the full article HERE
The Container Challenge: Seeking Solutions
Five states have passed laws requiring producers to use less virgin oil in their products and packaging, leading to the development of horticulture plastics made from post-consumer resin and biodegradable materials. THIS article in Greenhouse Management highlights the environmental impact of plastic plant containers ending up in landfills and the public’s push for producers to take responsibility for their plastic waste.
The article discusses the shift towards Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies and legislation in the United States and the need for industry-wide solutions to create sustainable products. It also mentions innovative packaging solutions, such as using cardboard-type materials for plant containers, and encourages readers to explore the full article for more details.
Join our Healthy Pots, Healthy Planet coalition and support sustainable alternatives to plastic horticultural pots. Sign your name and help us raise awareness about the environmental costs of plastic pollution. Let’s work together to reduce plastic use in the industry and make a positive impact on our planet.
Thank you to all of our sponsors for your support! We couldn’t do it without you!
APLD silver sponsor
APLD bronze sponsors
Taking Time to Unleash Your Professional Potential
Unlocking the Benefits of Hobbies for Professional Growth and Personal Well-Being
by Bill Dewan, MBA
Ferris Bueller famously said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
80s movies are so profound.
Taking the time to pursue hobbies is a way to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life. It allows us to connect with ourselves and others in meaningful ways and helps us achieve a better balance between work and play. Don’t have three hours a day? How about taking two hours a week?
Hobbies can have both personal and professional benefits, ranging from stress relief to improved time management. Engaging in hobbies can bring balance to our lives. Let’s delve into the advantages of having hobbies and provide some suggestions on how to find a hobby that suits you.
So… Many… Benefits.
Work, sleep, repeat.
In today’s fast-paced world, getting caught up in this never-ending cycle can be easy. We have generally gotten better about adding family time to that mix. However, taking time for yourself—through hobbies—can be a professional game-changer.
Let’s talk about just a few of the benefits that hobbies can bring.
1. Stress Relief. When you have a hobby, it provides a much-needed break from the stress of work. They can give you a sense of accomplishment while allowing you to decompress and relax. This can help you return to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
2. Increased Creativity. Hobbies can help you tap into your creative side, benefiting your professional life. You exercise your creativity and problem-solving skills when you engage in a hobby. This can translate into your work life, helping you develop innovative solutions to challenges you may face.
3. Improved Mental Health. Hobbies can have a positive impact on your mental health. They can provide an outlet for stress and anxiety, which can help reduce the risk of burnout. (Axe throwing sounds good right about now!) Additionally, hobbies can help improve your mood and overall well-being, translating into a more positive attitude at work.
4. New Skills. When you engage in a hobby, you are often learning something new. Whether it’s a new language, sport, or craft, hobbies can help you develop new skills that can benefit your professional life. These skills range from improved communication and time management to technical skills like coding or graphic design.
5. Work-Life Balance. A significant benefit of hobbies is that they help you achieve a better work-life balance. When you have a hobby, it provides an outlet for you to enjoy your personal life and pursue your passions outside of work. This can help prevent burnout and allow you to return to work feeling more focused and energized.
6. Expanding Your Social Circles. Engaging in hobbies can also expand your social circles, allowing you to connect with people with similar interests. Whether joining a sports team or attending a painting class, hobbies can introduce you to new people and provide opportunities for socializing and building relationships. By interacting with others who share your passions, you can learn from their experiences, exchange ideas, and find potential mentors or collaborators. This can be especially beneficial for your professional life, as expanding your social circle can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and referrals.
7. Who Knows What Else? There are endless things to do in this beautiful world, and each one has its own benefits. You never know what will change when you start something new. That’s part of the fun!
So… What Do I Do?
I’ve heard that people should have four hobbies: one to spark creativity, one to keep them fit, one to earn money, and one to sharpen their minds.
While having hobbies can benefit personal growth and development, the number and type of hobbies one chooses to pursue is entirely subjective and depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Some people may find that one hobby fulfills multiple purposes, while others may prefer to have more than four hobbies. Ultimately, the most important thing is to engage in activities that bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of accomplishment.
Let’s look at the four categories:
1. Physical activities include anything from running or cycling to playing team sports or practicing yoga. Physical activities can help you stay fit and healthy while providing a sense of accomplishment and stress relief.
2. Creative pursuits like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument. Creative hobbies can help you tap into your imagination and express yourself in new and meaningful ways.
3. Money-earning activities could lead to taking up a parttime job or freelancing in a particular field, such as writing or coding. Money-earning activities can help you earn extra income while exploring your interests.
4. Sharpening your mind could involve taking up puzzles, brain teasers, or learning a new language. Sharpening your mind can help you improve your cognitive abilities and keep your brain active and healthy.
Looking inward, I seem to have these boxes checked. I take a morning walk—sans headphones—that helps me get moving before my day.
About ten years ago I took a giant leap into improv comedy. This one actually checks two boxes, as I now earn some side money as an improv coach and comedy writer.
I recently started knitting, which I believe also checks off two boxes: it is creative, and knitting has been proven to sharpen the mind. It is not like I
am good at this—I will knit you the worst hat you’ve ever seen—but nevertheless, I find it peaceful.
My fourth hobby is crossword puzzles, even though they infuriate me (that’s a story for another day).
Learning a new hobby is a great way to challenge myself and keep my mind active. It also allows me to explore new interests and discover new talents. Whenever I embark on a new hobby, I immerse myself in it, dedicating time and energy to learning as much as possible about it. I research, practice, and seek guidance from others experienced in the field.
I learn by failing, and I am learning that it is ok to fail (ok, maybe not; I just pulled out four hours of knitting work— ugh!). Once I feel confident in my abilities, I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others interested in the hobby. Seeing others find joy and satisfaction in something I have helped them learn is fulfilling.
A note about cost. Some of my pursuits are cheap, others are not. Improv expenses—I’ve taken a lot of classes and I have read a lot of books! But I’ve earned that back through teaching. Walking is free…well, I had to buy sneakers. I spend a few bucks a month for a newspaper subscription to feed my angry crosswording. Knitting…wow. Let’s just say that the owner of my LYS (local yarn shop) just put a new deck on her house.
So, What’s Next?
Where to start? To pick a hobby, identify your interests and passions, and consider your lifestyle and schedule. Don’t be afraid to try something new and start small to avoid burnout. Opt for a hobby that aligns with your personality and preferences and gradually build up your skills and knowledge over time.
Would you like to join a friend in any of their activities? Is there something you and your partner have always talked about? Nothing yet? HERE is a large list of things to do. Print it out, put it on a dartboard…you get the rest.
Hobbies can have a significant impact on your professional life. The benefits of hobbies are vast, from stress relief and improved time management to increased creativity and networking opportunities. So, if you haven’t already, consider taking up a new hobby and see how it can enhance your work life.
APLD would like to recognize its affiliate organizations.
Design Online Submissions:
Design Online is always seeking articles that would be relevant to APLD members. In particular, we are looking for leads in the following areas:
Members in the News: Have you or one of your designs been in the news lately? Share that information with APLD members.
Member Spotlight: Would you like to be featured as our next Member Spotlight? Just let us know, and we’ll get the ball rolling.
Blog of the Month: Do you have a blog about landscape design? Let us know so we can share it with the APLD membership. Gain exposure among your peers and help us form an APLD blogging community.
Please submit your articles to APLDnewsletter@gmail.com The deadline is the 15th of each prior month.
APLD Staff Contact:
Director of Communications: Michelle Keyser communications@apld.org
APLD’s staff wants you to get the most out of your experience with APLD. We are available to serve you, so please do not hesitate to contact staff with any question or concern that you may have. For a full staff listing, please click here.
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