Peter Dowdall: Gardeners to grow resilient landscapes for a changing climate

The challenge of creating spaces that thrive will be the hot topic at the Garden and Landscape Designers Association seminar on February 22 

Correct plant choice, permeable surfaces and rain water management are all key factors in how we deal with the effects of climate change. Picture: iStock

It mat be a bit of a busman’s holiday but one of the highlights of each year for me is a trip to Santry in Dublin each February. Perhaps not the first destination that you may think of when you think of annual highlights, no disrespect is meant to residents of that part of the capital.

What brings me there each year is the Garden and Landscape Designers Association (GLDA) seminar, an essential event for those passionate about shaping the future of outdoor spaces.

This year’s event, themed Building Resilient Landscapes for a Changing Climate,takes place on February 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin. Tickets are available to purchase through the GLDA website, glda.ie.

We don’t need to look far to see the impact of climate change. Erratic weather patterns, devastating floods, and unseasonal temperatures have become the norm. For gardeners, designers, and landscapers, the challenge is clear, how do we design spaces that endure, recover, and even thrive in the face of these extremes?

Resilience is the key. It’s about helping our landscapes bounce back, ensuring they’re not only sustainable but also adaptable to the unpredictable. This year’s seminar gathers an impressive lineup of speakers, all leaders in their fields, to guide us in rethinking how we design, plant, and manage our green spaces.

The speakers will guide attendees on how thoughtful design principles can empower our green spaces to adapt and thrive amidst rapidly changing conditions. From selecting the right plants to managing water sustainably and deepening our understanding of the vital connections between soil, plants, and climate, they’ll share practical ways to implement nature-based solutions. 

By working with natural processes rather than against them, we can enhance the land’s ability to recover and build the resilience needed to face future challenges head-on.

Adam Whitbourn is gardens manager of the extensive Blarney Castle Gardens. He knows a thing or two about protecting historic landscapes from the challenges of modern weather. With over 70 acres under his care, Adam has transformed Blarney into a biodiversity haven while championing sustainability. He’ll share insights on how to manage large gardens and parklands to withstand the pressures of storms and unpredictable weather, all while maintaining their charm for future generations.

Plant choice has never been more critical. Henrik Sjöman is an associate professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, scientific curator at Gothenburg Botanical Garden and honorary research associate at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and he will dive into the importance of plant diversity and suitability. 

He believes every garden designer needs a deeper understanding of how plants respond to changing climates, from new pests to shifting seasons. His talk should help us to make better choices, ensuring our landscapes are both functional and resilient.

Our rivers and blue spaces are under threat. The River Kennet is the largest tributary of the Thames and is a globally important fragile ecosystem.

Charlotte Hitchmough, who is a director of action for the River Kennet and for eight years served on the board of the Rivers Trust. She brings a wealth of experience in protecting fragile water ecosystems. With practical solutions like nature-based interventions and community-led initiatives, Charlotte will show how healthy rivers can mitigate floods and droughts, while also enhancing biodiversity.

From rain gardens to permeable paving, Wendy Allen has spent her career designing practical solutions for managing water sustainably. She is a UK-based garden designer who specialises in designing rain gardens, green roofs and rain planters. These are all features of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) which can have a huge impact both locally and further afield. Her award-winning work demonstrates how even small-scale changes can have a big impact. Wendy’s session will focus on integrating sustainable drainage systems into gardens, offering hands-on advice that attendees can apply to projects of any size.

Known for her bold, sustainable designs and vibrant media presence, Ann-Marie Powell who has been listed by Gardens Illustrated Magazine as one of the most inspiring female garden designers in British history, will inspire us to rethink traditional garden design. Her focus is on creating dynamic spaces that embrace biodiversity and adaptability. With her signature energy and expertise, Ann-Marie will share the tools and ideas needed to future-proof our gardens for generations to come.

The GLDA seminar isn’t just about listening, it’s about learning, sharing, and connecting. Every year as I make my way back down South after the event, I feel invigorated, full of enthusiasm once more for the garden designing year ahead.

Whether you're a professional designer or a passionate gardener, this is a chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of Irish landscapes.

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