“MORE THAN EVER, we need planting solutions that are resilient, ecologically functional, and beautiful. our goal is not merely to create more functional landscapes, but to make people see again, to make them remember. we arrange plants in ways that will conjure experiences of the ephemeral. it is not the plants themselves that have power; it is their patterns, textures, and colors--particulary those that evoke wildness--that become animated as light and life pass through them.”
Thomas Rainer
Join Us for Our Upcoming Lecture Series – February 10: Functional Planting with Thomas Rainer
We’re thrilled to welcome renowned landscape architect Thomas Rainer, a trailblazer in ecological design and sustainability to our CHS Lecture Series February 10, 2025. Thomas has transformed spaces from the U.S. Capitol grounds to the New York Botanical Garden with his visionary approach to landscape architecture, and now he’s bringing his expertise to our community in an inspiring talk on Functional Planting: Creating Adaptive Plant Systems.
In an era where climate change and species extinction present urgent challenges, conventional landscape approaches—often carbon-intensive and resource-dependent, fall short. Thomas will present an exciting and practical alternative: designed plantings that function like naturally occurring ecosystems. These resilient, biodiverse systems not only address environmental issues but also require far less maintenance, making them a sustainable solution for today’s world.
During this lecture, Thomas will dive into the key principles of creating plantings that work in harmony with nature, mimicking wild plant communities. He’ll demonstrate how to layer plants into biodiverse assemblages that thrive together and share stunning examples from Phyto Studio, his cutting-edge Washinton, DC design firm. You’ll see firsthand how he has applied these techniques to public sites, botanical gardens, and over 150 personal gardens across the country.
But Thomas isn’t just a designer—he’s also a gifted educator and author, known for captivating audiences across the U.S. and Europe. His dynamic presentation style makes complex ecological concepts accessible and inspiring, making this a perfect event for both garden enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Whether you’re interested in sustainable gardening, landscape architecture, or simply want to learn more about creating greener, more adaptive spaces, this lecture is not to be missed!
Venue: MUSC Campus - Drug Discovery Building - Auditorium - 70 President Street. Parking in Jonathan Lucas Parking Garage - vouchers will be given at lecture for free parking.
Free for CHS Members // all others $20 at the door
Not a member? Join here today!
CHS Lecture series generously sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts
Please complete form below and let us know if you will join us.