FOR EVERYONE
FOR LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS
GARDEN DESIGN
One-hour lecture/powerpoint presentation:
In this talk, fully illustrated with actual garden examples, we present an integrated theory of contemplative gardening, a framework for design that applies in every situation, whether commercial or residential. A contemplative garden is not limited by style or budget; it is a product of the meditative mind, and can be built in any space. We discuss the elements available to us as designers, the idea of balance in composition, and the metaphors used to help judge when that balance has been achieved. Too often landscape design has been used as mere decoration of architecture or resolution of technical problems. Contemplative garden building requires an extra component: returning to the original purpose of gardens, creating magic in our environment.
Workshop:
Our workshop begins from the same ideas explained in our one-hour presentation: how to use the elements of the garden to create a landscape of tranquility, elegance, and repose. Drawing on over 30 years of design and meditation experience, we allow participants a hands-on design experience involving mind, spirit, and nature.
This workshop can be presented anywhere, from the deck of a cruise ship to a spacious resort, from an urban setting to a rural area. It can stand alone or can be integrated seamlessly into your existing program schedule.
The program can be offered over one, two, three, or six days. (For each day beyond the first, assume about an added half hour to re-center the group and for meditation.) We offer the conceptual, practical, and meditative tools that allow us to create a contemplative garden. During the course of the workshop, we will create a landscape design for an actual space at each venue (no larger than 30' x 40'), whether the space is already landscaped or not. In this way, participants will learn how to deal with real-world issues, lessons they can apply when they create their own gardens.
The first hour consists of the lecture and powerpoint presentation outlined above. Using illustrations from actual gardens, we talk about the garden elements, the metaphorical relationships among them, and how to achieve correct balance among them.
During the remaining hours, we will teach meditation exercises and contemplative analysis techniques; spend time in the design area; teach basic practical techniques of soil preparation, plant design, rock setting, and water feature design; assist participants in creating their own designs for the space; and finally, presenting a design that Martin makes for the same space.
Participants will enjoy a transformational, restorative experience with a landscape master, and will have the basic tools to design their own contemplative gardens.
The program format is flexible and can be customized to suit your specific needs. Please ask for more information on customizing the workshop.
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Interested? Contact us at 303-442-1907 or at info@plummountain.com . After taking our workshop, participants will have a beginner's level of
understanding of: (1) To look at a space with fresh eyes, free of concepts, assumptions, and
judgments. (2) The true meaning of a contemplative garden, its structure, and its
elements. (3) How to meditate on your mind and how to contemplate the garden space
to allow the design to arise from stillness. (4) The methods of expressing your heart and spirit in your environment
and why it matters that you do so.
"I found your workshop inspiring and empowering. You skillfully guided us in the practical and analytical aspects of garden design and integrated contemplative exploration into the process." " You gave a highly professional, well choreographed presentation"
"The stunning photographs do much to convey the energy and spirit of the landscapes Martin designs.
[You] inspired us to think about more than just color and form,
but to consider the elements that help make our connections to the earth and our inner spirit."
"Thank you for providing such a wonderful and inspiring talk at the
U.S. Botanic Garden. We would love to have you back again.... The audience seemed to reallly enjoy the presentation
and gave rave reviews on their evaluation forms."
"Thanks to you both for your inspiring presentation."
"Your presence, your approach to landscape design, and your wonderful
teaching style were all extremely well received by the audience members.
It is our intent in this series to stretch individuals' thinking and ways of
perceiving things, and I feel that your presentation met this goal very effectively."
" Thank you for your brilliant lecture...[which] added a new dimension to our series.
Our mixed audience of lay persons, home gardeners, and landscape design professionals stood
in awe of both your perceptions and the work Marpa has created."
-- Shambhala Mountain Center workshop participant
-- Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
-- The State Arboretum of Virginia, Blandy Farm
-- The United States Botanic Garden
-- Coastal Marine Botanical Gardens
-- Cornell University Plantations
-- Horticultural Alliance of the Hamptons
