Japanese Garden Design Workshop

Rocky Mountain Gardening Elective

The Southern Colorado Rocky Mountains are central to the design of the Japanese Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens, known as Shofu-En or "Garden of Pine and Wind." This three-day workshop begins with an overview of the history and influencing philosophy of Japanese gardens. The class spends time touring and sketching in the Shofu-En Japanese Garden, takes an inspiring field trip to nearby mountains and uses the new drafting studio to create your landscape design. Learn to apply Japanese garden principles for any size project. During the workshop, each individual’s project is guided and supported by an experienced landscape professional. While exotically beautiful, Japanese gardens respect the local ecosystem. This course teaches how to select native species for your Japanese garden and maintain a healthy, resilient Front Range ecosystem.

This course qualifies for 6 APLD CEUs per day.

Date(s) and Time(s): September 25, 26, 27, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m

Price: $350, $320 member

Location: York Street

Instructor: Desirae Wood

Desirae is a landscape architect inspired by Japanese gardens and trained in both Japanese garden and ecology-based principles and practices. With over 17 years of experience, she currently serves as the founding principal of Dobro Design and was the former garden asset manager for the Portland Japanese Garden. In these roles, Desirae has led garden renovation, design, construction, maintenance, asset management, research and education while guided by a strong purpose - to connect people to nature through the beauty of awe-inspiring gardens.