This conference, which took place at Triton College on Februrary 22, 2005 was a continuation of our mission to speak to all sectors of the landscape industry about new and innovative approaches to promoting environmental responsibility. We explored ways to bridge the gap between what's ideal and what's available, forging a link between knowledge and action and shedding light on how to make the process from landscape design to installation to maintenance a healthier one for all of us. Our speakers presented practical examples of how to incorporate ecologically conscious decision-making into realistic and profitable practice.
Program
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Restoration: Meeting Site Challenges
Dan Purciarello, project manager for the restoration, Shawn Kingzette, The Care of Trees
The Chicago Park District’s Lily Pool was designed by Alfred Caldwell, a renowned landscape architect and disciple of Jens Jensen, in the late 1930’s to be a refuge from the city. Over the years the site, just north of the Lincoln Park Zoo, fell into neglect and was no longer suitable for public use. In the late 1990’s the park district partnered with local community groups to restore the site to Caldwell’s original design concepts. Dan and Shawn described how they tackled the challenge of restoring the park to the original prairie style design while meeting the needs of the different constituents involved in the process.
Diversifying Your Plant Palette
Roy Diblik, Northwind Perennials
While ecological science is becoming more and more important in choosing plants for landscapes, aesthetics and maintenance costs remain a huge part of design reality. Roy used the knowledge and experience gained over decades of growing plants to show how native and non-native selections can work together, providing diverse, compatible and pleasing gardens that your clients will enjoy and learn from.
The speakers then participated in a panel discussion, moderated by Julie Siegel of J. Siegel Designs. We always encourage conference attendees to offer their opinions--it's one of the ways we all learn and move forward.
Sex in the Soil
Lynn Bement, The Organic Coach
Christine Nye, The Shedd Aquarium
Bill Scheffler, Pure Prairie Organics
For years soil health has been measured almost exclusively by chemical analysis. Now this testing can be paired with a biological one to give a more complete picture. Bill, Christine and Lynn discussed the complementary nature of these soil analyses and examined test results of Activated Compost Tea trials being conducted in Chicago.
Killing the Critters, Not the Earth
Dr. Raymond A. Cloyd, University of Illinois
In recent years, words like "bio-rationals" have entered the landscaper's lexicon, while insect growth regulators, feeding inhibitors and beneficial organisms have been used with increasing sophistication to deal with destructive pests. Dr. Cloyd examined these "reduced risk" solutions to old problems and how to apply them effectively in your landscapes.
The afternoon panel was moderated by Donna Danielson, of the Morton Aboretum.
