Event Calendar

 

MGIA DESIGN SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE
 

 
Join us for a day of design education, discussion, and inspiration at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms. This all-day event will take place in the historic Alger House, situated on stunning Lake St. Clair.

APPROVED FOR 2.25 APLD CEUs

8:00 am – 9:00 am: REGISTRATION/CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
Sponsored By: Spurt Industries
 
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Opening Keynote: Bringing it Home: A World of Garden Travel Inspiration
Keynote Speaker: Karl Gercens
Sponsored By: Orion Stone Depot
Karl Gercens has visited over 3000 gardens in 32 countries and all of that immersion has certainly influenced what he does at Longwood Gardens and beyond. We’ll explore some of the best places in the country (and the world) to get your garden fix….no matter what time of year you can get away! There is inspiration on every corner of the globe and Karl will share a few of his tips on how to get the most out of every opportunity. We’ll explore design styles and plants, then see how they have all made their way into our local landscapes. You’ll leave inspired to make plans for an inspirational jaunt yourself!
 

BIO: Karl Gercens is the historic Conservatory Manager at Longwood Gardens in Southeastern, Pennsylvania.  Seasonal displays that push the envelope while attracting almost 2M guests per year are what keep Karl excited to be in his 28^th year at this world renown garden.   A passion for color is what drives Karl to seek out new plants, combinations and display concepts when he’s visiting other gardens—over 3,500 so far in all 50 states and 32 countries.  No matter where you go, there is inspiration to be taken back to your own part of the world.  Join Karl as he takes us on a jet-setting adventure to a few places that have influenced his design process and learn how to see a garden in a whole new light.
 
 

10:15 am – 11:30 am
DESIGN SYMPOSIUM PANEL 
Sponsored By: Stone Depot
This session involves a panel composed of several landscape professionals, who will share their strategies for dealing with insects/diseases, cultural and planting issues, and offer helpful advice for the landscape designer. Bring your questions and comments, and prepare for an interactive, educational discussion!

11:45 am – 12:45 pm
LUNCH
Sponsored By: ALTA Equipment Company

 
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Closing Keynote: American Roots
Keynote Speaker: Nick McCullough
Sponsored By: MacAllister CAT
Follow the journey across the US and take a closer look at gardens that designer Nick McCullough captured on his quest to celebrate the American garden in his new book AMERICAN ROOTS (Timber Press). You will explore a selection of gardens created by 20 creative gardeners across our vast land from Big Sur, California to the shores of Rhode Island. Gain inspiration, planting tips, and an expanded notion of what an American garden is.

BIO: Award-winning garden designer Nick McCullough has developed a distinctive style he calls Midwest Modern, one that relies on a balance of natural paving and innovative perennial plantings. Based in Ohio, he and his team at McCullough’s Landscape & Nursery create and maintain plant-centric gardens in and around the Midwest that are both ecologically sensitive and family-forward. His first book American Roots which he co-authored with his wife Allison and Teresa Woodard has recently been published by Timber Press.   
 
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
OPTIONAL HOUSE TOUR
The War Memorial has a rich history steeped with trials and tribulations that have made this place not only a magical one to visit, but a wonderous and magnificent story to learn. From humble beginnings as a family home, a transition into a museum, then ultimately to the facility you know and love today. This building has seen influential political figures, famous inventors, and titans of US industry come through the doors. With all the legacy-filled history in these walls, including a few art heists, the story of The War Memorial is truly one-of-a-kind.
Join the in-house historian as she walks you through the historic Alger House and explains the different rooms and historical significance.