Ecological Landscape Design
Ecologically sound landscapes are adapted to local environmental conditions and require fewer inputs to achieve success. Learn how to measure, inventory, and analyze a site; then do a conceptual design and a “right plant, right place” planting plan.

Ecologically sound landscapes are adapted to local environmental conditions and require fewer inputs to achieve success. Learn how to measure, inventory, and analyze a site; then make a conceptual design and planting plan using the “right plant, right place” approach. Broaden your design perspective, increase biodiversity in the landscape with native plants, decrease space dedicated to lawns, manage stormwater, and create habitats that benefit insects, birds, and other fauna. To explore design concepts, class will tour the gardens when possible so dress for the weather. An optional hour of guided studio time is scheduled each week following class from 1:30 – 2:30 pm during which students can work on the final class evaluation while interacting with instructors and classmates. A detailed materials list is provided upon registration. Before enrolling in this course, completion of the Native Plants of Spring, Summer, and Fall, and Gardening for Watershed Conservation courses are recommended. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on six Wednesdays: 2/5 through 3/12, 10 am – 1:30 pm (Rain Date: Wednesday, March 26). About the Instructors: In his role as an Educator at Mt. Cuba Center, Michael Blacketer draws from a diverse background in environmental planning, ecological design, resource interpretation, horticulture, and conservation social science. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in Community and Environmental Planning, a master’s in Ecological Landscape Design, and a doctorate in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. He is also a Delaware Master Gardener. Michael’s interests are rooted in the exploration of human-environment transactions across spatial, temporal, biological, and social scales; he enjoys discussing these phenomena with others through mutual interests in organic gardening, restoration ecology, outdoor recreation, and scientific research. Serah Pesce is the Education Specialist at Mt. Cuba Center. She holds a BS in Landscape Contracting, Design/Build from Pennsylvania State University. Serah is a certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional, as well as a Delaware Nature Society Certified Habitat Steward. In addition to teaching classes for Mt. Cuba Center’s Ecological Gardening Certificate, she shares her extensive experience in floral design. When asked to name her favorite native plant, Serah is quick to share her love for baptisia.
Date & Time
Weekly on Wednesday
Feb 05, 2025 through Mar 12, 2025
10:00AM - 2:30PM
More Info
302-239-4244
$479
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