Autumn 2011 Conference
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©Bernard Trainor |
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SGD Autumn Conference 2011 |
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WHAT ARE GARDENS FOR? |
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Saturday 12th November 2011 |
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Imperial College, London |
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Registration 8.45am - 9.45am First Theatre Session 9.50am Finish 5.30pm (estimated) |
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Gardens are for a whole host of things. For centuries, grander gardens have been places to express philosophies, or even political statements, where faith and cultural beliefs can underpin layout and use. Less grand gardens have been places of production, their immediate purpose being to provide sustenance. |
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| Gardens have been recognised as places of healing for hundreds of years. In the time pressured hectic lifestyles common in the 21st Century, the idea of a personal sanctuary with soul soothing healing properties has increased in appeal. And gardens are also spaces for all ages to play in, places where learning through play is really possible. | ||
| If we are lucky enough to have a garden of our own, it is a personal kingdom that allows us to put our stamp on our immediate landscape, making ownership of the property complete. If we don’t own a traditional garden space, our urge to grow, nurture, get our hands dirty and literally put down roots can be answered by community gardens and allotments that allow us to enjoy sheltered outdoor spaces and satisfy a need for a connection with the soil. | ||
| Gardens are for creating personal visions of paradise, using a range of means of ordering to fulfil these ideals. There is nothing truly ‘natural’ about making gardens and gardening, but custodianship of a garden is one way many can express our modern need to lessen our impact on the global ecology. | ||
| Speakers are Dan Pearson, Jane Owen, Wendy Titman and Bernard Trainor, and the day will be chaired by Lucy Huntington. | ||
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Jane Owen Jane Owen is the editor of the Financial Times' Property section. Last year she won gold at Chelsea for her rainforest garden design made, with the help of Ann-Marie Powell, to raise awareness of the plight of pygmies in west Africa. She has presented prime time TV series (including BBC2's Gardens Through Time and Time Team's special on Erotic Gardens). Jane's books include Eccentric Gardens (Pavilion); Gardens Through Time (BBC Worldwide) and 100 Ways to a Beautiful Garden (Hodder Headline). www.janeowen.co.uk
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Dan Pearson MSGD is well known internationally for his thoughtful, thought provoking approach to garden design. His lectures on gardens and garden design take him all over the world. Having recently moved to a new home he is perfectly placed to offer an insight into making three very personal, and very different, gardens. www.danpearsonstudio.com
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Wendy Titman specialises in the design of school grounds, and she has dedicated much of her professional life to highlighting the needs of children in terms of the provision of green space. She observes that we are rearing a generation that is “outdoor averse”.
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Bernard Trainor studied first in his native Australia, adding design training and work experience in the UK. In his current practice in California he regards the design of outdoor space as both a technical and artistic expression; in the process of garden design he seeks to inspire clients to connect with the space at a deeper level. www.bernardtrainor.com
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Lucy Huntington FSGD will chair the day. Her portfolio includes garden designs for healing and releasing emotions. She was one of the earliest members of the SGD. www.lucyhuntington.co.uk
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