SESSION 1: Stewardship Lessons of Naturalistic Public Gardens
January 15, 2025
1:00-3:00PM ET
Gardening for the Seasons: Lessons from the Lurie Garden
Kathryn Deery, Head Horticulturist Lurie Garden in Millenium Park
Lurie Garden was designed in 2004 by landscape architects Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, with the gardens designed by world-renowned Dutch designer, Piet Oudolf. Kathryn will share her work with a mind for the home gardener. She will explore choosing the “right plant for the right place,” perennials for every season, mindful watering and best practices for cutting back your garden to provide habitat and food for wildlife and insects. Ecologically sensitive maintenance practices demonstrate that ecological sustainability is within everyone’s reach. Her goal is to maintain the design integrity of Lurie, in consultation with Piet, while facilitating the garden’s adaptation and evolution.
Gardening on an Elevated Rail Line: Lessons Learned from The High Line
Richard Hayden, Senior Director of Horticulture, The High Line
The High Line was built in 2009 on an abandoned elevated rail line and is 1.45-mile-long trail. The design is a collaboration between Field Operations, Diller Scofido + Renfro with the naturalistic plantings designed by Piet Oudolf, the eminent Dutch landscape designer. The challenge is working in narrow beds with only an 18-inch layer of soil. The garden requires a realistic understanding of the forces of plant succession and growth habits. Ten horticulturists enjoy the process of editing to keep the gardens legible while immersive in feel. Richard will go into detail regarding the plants, stewardship goals and practices in all seasons. Seven million visitors a year come to the High Line to connect with nature 30’ above street level.
About the Presenters
Kathryn Deery is the Head Horticulturist of the Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millenium Park. She is passionate about the vital role public gardens play in communities. Previously, she held positions in horticulture and public programming at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Prior to that, She worked in habitat restoration with Golden Gate Parks Conservancy and was a member of Conservation Corps North Bay AmeriCorps.
Richard Hayden is the Senior Horticulture Director for the High Line and manages a team of 10 horticulturists. He believes in connecting people with the power of plants and is a self-described plant nerd. Richard previously served as the Assistant Deputy Director at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County where he was the primary project manager for the reimagining of the La Brea Tar Pits Museum. He also oversaw the Nature Gardens, a 3.5-acre wildlife habitat garden that serves as a living laboratory for the study and educational promotion of biodiversity in urban Los Angeles. Additionally, Richard served a two-year term as president of the Los Angeles District of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. He now serves on the board of the Metro Hort Group, a tri-state New York City based horticultural non-profit.
Please use this Zoom link to register for
SESSION 1: Stewardship Lessons of Naturalistic Public Gardens
