Phipps conservatory in Pittsburgh (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Pittsburgh, Pa. — On Nov. 1, 2014, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will host its annual Native Plant and Sustainability Conference, in collaboration this year with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, at the William Pitt Union on the University of Pittsburgh campus in Oakland. Bringing together national experts and local gardeners for a day of discussions and lectures, this event will give attendees a better understanding of how well-designed landscapes can positively impact our environment.
Starting with check-in and light refreshments at 8:30 a.m., followed by a welcome and presentations from 9 a.m. to noon; a book sale and lunch from noon to 1 p.m.; and a final set of lectures from 1 to 2:45 p.m., this unique and informative conference features an exciting line-up of special guests:
- Rick Darke, an author, photographer and design consultant who blends art, ecology and cultural geography in the design of livable landscapes, has written The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest, In Harmony With Nature: Lessons from the Arts & Crafts Garden, The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes, and The Wild Garden: Expanded Edition. His latest work,The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden, was written in collaboration with fellow conference presenter Doug Tallamy.
- Doug Tallamy, a University of Delaware Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology professor, has authored 80 research articles, taught for 32 years, and written a seminal book on native plants: Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens. In 2014, The Living Landscape, a new book co-authored with Rick Darke, was released.
- John Totten holds degrees from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and the Environment. He is co-owner of the landscape gardening firm Gardens! LLC and has taught classes on native plants at Phipps, Chatham University and The Pennsylvania State University.
Registration for the Native Plant and Sustainability Conference is required; reservations may be made by calling 412/441-4442, ext. 3925 or by visiting the event information page at phipps.conservatory.org. Registration costs $90 for Phipps and Osher members and $100 for nonmembers on or before Oct. 11. After Oct. 11, the cost is $105 for Phipps and Osher members and $115 for nonmembers. Price includes morning coffee, light breakfast items and a lunch buffet. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more at phipps.conservatory.org.
