GLDA Community are delighted to have Adam Whitbourn, Gardens Manager at Blarney Castle and Gardens, join us as a speaker for our upcoming GLDA Seminar. Since taking the helm in 2009, Adam has played a key role in transforming the Blarney Castle grounds into a distinguished horticultural landmark. He has pioneered several unique garden areas within the estate. His deep commitment to wildlife and biodiversity profoundly shapes his approach, greatly enhancing the design and management of the gardens.
The title of Adam’s talk will be: “Moving the Goal Posts – Managing and Planning for Changing Times.”
Adam’s presentation will address the evolving challenges of managing large-scale gardens under changing climatic conditions, offering insights into strategic planning and adaptive practices that enhance sustainability and resilience.
Tickets for the Seminar on Saturday 22nd February are on sale now on the GLDA website. See below for more information.
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‘Building Resilient Landscapes For a Changing Climate’ – discover practical solutions.
This year’s seminar will focus on empowering garden and landscape designers with essential knowledge and tools to create resilient landscapes that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change. As we face increasingly frequent extreme weather events, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures, the need for climate resilience in landscape design has never been more critical.
Our expert speakers will present practical strategies and innovative design principles, along with robust planting and sustainable practices that designers can easily incorporate into their work.
The annual GLDA seminar 2025 entitled ‘Building Resilient Landscapes For a Changing Climate’, will take place on 22nd February 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin. The event is organised in association with Bord Bia, organisers of Bloom. Tickets are available to purchase online at the GLDA website.
- GLDA members (€115)
- Non-Members (€145)
- Students (€65 including 1 year membership)
- Friends (€165 including 1 year subscription).The seminar brings together an outstanding panel of experts, each with unique perspectives and achievements in the world of garden and landscape design. This year’s speakers include:
- Adam Whitbourn, Gardens Manager at the iconic Blarney Castle;
- Charlotte Hitchmough, Director of ‘Action for the River Kennet’ Trust;
- Wendy Allen, an award-winning garden consultant specialising in sustainable water management;
- Henrik Sjöman, an Associate Professor and botanical curator with expertise in climate-resilient plant selection;
- Ann-Marie Powell, a celebrated garden designer, author, and TV presenter.
These distinguished professionals represent a broad spectrum of expertise, from historic garden management and biodiversity enhancement to innovative water solutions, sustainable plant use, and cutting-edge garden design. Their collective insights will offer attendees practical tools, fresh inspiration, and new perspectives on how to create landscapes that are both beautiful and equipped to withstand the challenges of a changing climate.
Whether you’re a garden designer, a landscape professional, a student, or an enthusiast, this seminar promises to broaden your horizons and spark ideas to incorporate resilience and sustainability into your own projects.
Who are the GLDA?
The Garden and Landscape Designers Association is an organisation for garden designers, horticulturists and landscape designers. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in gardens or garden design. There is a variety of membership plans available including student, friend, professional and corporate rates. The website lists contact details and portfolios of accredited garden designers and landscape architects from all over the island. Each year the GLDA organises a seminar on a topical theme and has built up a reputation that attracts knowledgeable and highly respected speakers from around the world, who are experts in their fields.
