Gardens in Relationship: Designing with Native Plants

Join us as Landscape Designer Ashley Robinson and Van Berkum Nursery’s Director of Outreach & Education Roanne Robbins explore the art and science of designing native plant gardens that support biodiversity while reflecting both your personal goals and the realities of your space. Participants will learn how plants interact over time and how those relationships shape dynamic, living landscapes. The session focuses on creating resilient, sustainable, and visually engaging gardens that provide ecological value year-round. Attendees are encouraged to bring photos, sketches, and site-specific information to collaborate and brainstorm their designs with Ashley and Roanne.

Ashley Robinson has nearly 20 years of experience designing and consulting on ecologically grounded landscape practices, with a strong emphasis on native plants, biodiversity, and regenerative land stewardship. Her work centers on integrating homes into their landscapes in ways that support local ecosystems and strengthen connections to place.

She holds a degree in Urban Studies from the University of San Diego and has studied at Radcliffe and the Landscape Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Ashley values collaboration, field-based learning, and ongoing education, continually deepening her understanding of dynamic ecological systems.

Guided by a deep respect for natural processes and regional landscapes, Ashley’s designs prioritize habitat creation, ecological resilience, and long-term environmental health. She currently resides in Vermont and serves on the board of the Vermont Nursery & Landscape Association. She is also a member of the Biodiversity Alliance and the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

https://www.arobinsonlandscapes.com/

Also, you will have an opportunity to participate in SELT’s first annual native plant sale before it ends on March 15 and ask Roanne questions about the plants that are a part of the sale.

• Registration required: CLICK HERE