Soft Landscape Workshop 2016

NEW DATE Wednesday 21 September 2016

"What have plants ever done for us?"

Plants make us better people. True?

A great deal of our mental and physical health is determined by our environment; it plays such a significant role in our overall well-being, health, and happiness, not to mention our learning abilities and productivity. And what about the pollution filtering effects of plants and using them as an aid to personal recovery?

"Yes," I hear you say, "but what have plants ever done for us?!"

The question is, do we really understand how plants effect us and how best to utilise them? Are some better than others for their positive effects? This is exactly what we aim to explore at this year’s Soft Landscape Workshop, with keynote talks from a wealth of speakers, encouraging further questions and debate. Our full line up of speakers has now been finalised and you'll find full details below.

One of our keynote speakers is Jinny Blom, the successful designer with a truly international portfolio (and a client list to envy!) who will be joining us to share her experiences. Jinny worked in the mental health sector as a transpersonal psychologist for many years before turning to landscape design. She is a board member of the Therapeutic Landscapes Network and has recently been appointed “Artist in Residence” at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, a role she is passionate about.

For more information about Jinny please click here.

Dr Mark Spencer is our other keynote speaker. Mark, who until recently was the Herbarium curator at the Natural History Museum, is one of the country’s top botanists and now consults widely on forensic botany as well as some media appearances. Mark will be looking at our cultural links to plants and discussing "Is biodiversity good for us?"

The unintended consequences of design will be looked at by collaborating designers Jackie Herald and Shenagh Hume. Shenagh was an asthma nurse for 20 years before studying garden design at Capel Manor. They will show by way of a demonstration planting how to reduce allergenic effects and guide us on which plants to avoid. With better knowledge designers can be more aware and control the effects of their plantings.

Smart horticulture has been used in Lyon linked with traffic reduction and increased plantings. Hear CABE Space Advisor and Environmental Consultant Anne Jaluzot on how they successfully de-stressed a city centre.

With a rich programme of speakers and views to hear, there will also be ample time for open discussion and networking, and of course our renowned exhibition of quality associated product partners.

Please click here to register for your ticket (@ £36.00 inc VAT) today!

Alternatively, if you are a government body or organisation that wishes to raise a purchase order and pay on invoice then please click here to process your registration.