Founded in 1990, this annual two-day symposium has a long tradition of celebrating native plants and innovative ecological practice. Presenters reflect the diverse factors that shape our landscapes including landscape architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, ecologists, historians, anthropologists, artists and others. The series offers in-depth explorations of forward-looking and overlooked topics, always seeking to connect theory with practical application. Join us as we continue to connect the dots between ecological restoration, cultural landscape practice, and fine garden design.

Photo credit: FARM KID STUDIOS

A 3-Part Virtual Intensive Course for Home Gardeners
Presented by Larry Weaner, FAPLD and Sara Weaner Cooper

This home gardener-oriented series will examine ecology-based landscape practice through the eyes of one of its most highly respected and influential practitioners. Participants will also get a brief glimpse into a unique partnership between Larry and his daughter, Sara, who has organically transitioned her front lawn into native meadow.

Sara Weaner Cooper and Evan Cooper knew that weekly mowing was not for them. So in place of their lawn, they began to imagine a meadow. The method, however, would not involve killing the turf grass first. Instead, they would plant and seed directly into it using some strategic techniques...with results that exceeded expectations.

Article written by Margaret Roach

Programs for professionals and home gardeners. Topics will include an organic lawn-to-meadow transition, native meadow establishment techniques by region (Upper Midwest & Spain, Pacific NW, & Eastern U.S.), bird habitat in home landscapes, introduction to ecology-based home gardening, and more.

View previously-held virtual NDAL programs at your leisure.

Join Landscape Designer Larry Weaner and native plant expert Ian Caton on a deep dive into the integration of restoration ecology and garden design. From technical instruction to personal anecdotes, Larry and Ian will share over 70 years of combined experience on the fine points of designing, planting, and managing ecology-based landscapes. Participants will have the opportunity to compare notes and interact with instructors during two post-program conversational sessions.

Part of American Horticultural Society’s Great American Gardeners Awards, the Horticultural Innovation Award is “given to an individual or company whose innovations have made the field of horticulture more sustainable and accessible to all.”

Is your organization holding a conference, workshop, or other type of event? Ecology-based landscape designer Larry Weaner and NDAL Executive Director Sara Weaner Cooper speak on a variety of topics.