Michael McCoy’s symposiums have been a source of inspiration for me, a platform where horticultural experts share their knowledge and experiences with a diverse audience. These talks are akin to a symposium in Ancient Greece, where intellectuals would gather to discuss the latest ideas and theories. While the Greek symposia were known for their lively debates and drinking parties, Michael’s talks are a more subdued affair, leaving attendees energized and informed. The Cutting Edge, the latest symposium organized by Michael, brought together four experts to discuss various aspects of gardening. The topics covered ranged from trees and shrubs to perennials, annuals, bulbs, and garden design. Each expert was tasked with presenting their thoughts on one particular subject, and the results were fascinating. Meet the Experts
The first expert to present was Bettina Jaugstetter, a Landscape Architect from Germany. Bettina specializes in naturalistic planting designs using flowering perennials and grasses. She believes in mixing exotics with natives to create a diverse and attractive landscape. Her approach is not only visually stunning but also low-maintenance and climate-conscious. Bettina emphasizes the importance of starting with a proportional number of plants and then scattering them without a plan. She also shares a valuable tip on soil composition, which helps to limit growth and prevent over-maintenance during the dry summer months.

• Bettina’s approach is rooted in her understanding of naturalistic planting styles, which she applies to herbaceous plants to create innovative and sustainable garden designs.
• Her advice on soil composition is especially relevant for gardeners in Australia, who can draw on a range of native shrubs to create unique and thriving gardens.

The next expert to present was Kevin Williams and Michael Guidi, botanists at Denver Botanic Gardens. They discussed the application of naturalistic planting styles to shrubs, highlighting the importance of identifying patterns in wild landscapes and translating them into smaller spaces. Kevin and Michael explained how they use pattern and repetition to design sustainable plantings, which can help to create innovative and resilient gardens. View the full conversation
The third expert to present was Arit Anderson, a garden designer and co-author of The Essential Tree Selection Guide. Arit loves trees and has a special affinity for oaks, which hold a significant place in her childhood memories. She explained how some trees are “first generation” colonizers of bare land, followed by a “second generation” that takes advantage of existing conditions. Arit emphasized the importance of selecting the correct tree generation for your site, as it can give a tree a head start.

The final expert to present was Giacomo Guzzon, a Landscape Architect in London. Giacomo wrote the text to accompany Claire Takac’s stunning photography in Visionary and discussed recent developments in garden and landscape design. He shared his passion for truly challenging sites and created innovative designs that push the boundaries of what is possible. One of his favorite projects was a garden created from a deconstructed warehouse on a riverbank in Berlin, using broken-up concrete as “boulders” to create a unique and sustainable landscape.

“I love truly challenging sites,” says Giacomo. “One of my favorite gardens was created from a deconstructed warehouse on a riverbank in Berlin using, among other things, broken-up concrete as ‘boulders’.”

Overall, The Cutting Edge symposium was a resounding success, showcasing the expertise and enthusiasm of horticultural luminaries. The talks were engaging, informative, and inspiring, leaving attendees with a newfound appreciation for the art and science of gardening.