From Aesthetics to Ecology: The New Garden Paradigm

Across the globe, people are reimagining the role of gardens. Beyond beauty, gardens can be places of ecological resilience and profound meaning. In a growing movement, designers are creating landscapes that support biodiversity, adapt to change, and offer richer human experiences.

This new paradigm in garden design, often called naturalistic planting, represents a shift from decoration toward ecology, and from maintenance toward coexistence. It treats plantings as living systems shaped by design, time, and care.

Nathaniel and Claire will explore the influential designers and projects leading this movement, the environmental and experiential benefits it brings for both nature and people, and how these ideas are being adapted within our own culture and climate through a case study from their Alberta garden.

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Presenter Bios

Nathaniel Hannemann

Principal of Polyflora Studio, Nathaniel is a garden designer and horticulturist whose work bridges ecological design and artistry. His Edmonton-based practice focuses on creating immersive, resilient gardens that integrate beauty, biodiversity, and long-term care.

Claire Hannemann

Claire, Nathaniel’s sister, is a communications specialist and horticulturist with a passion for connecting people to nature through education and storytelling.

To learn more about their work, visit polyflorastudio.ca