Enthusiastic Reception for Garden Dialogues

Garden Dialogues has been one of TCLF’s most popular programs since its inception in 2012. Attendees not only spend time in an exceptional private residential landscape, they learn about the site’s design from the landscape architect and hear directly from the homeowners about collaborating with their landscape architect (and other design professionals). The number of attendees is limited to keep the event intimate and it lasts approximately 90 minutes to keep it relaxed. Despite the social distancing and other restrictions necessitated by the corona virus, we held a Garden Dialogue on Saturday, June 27, at the former Alexandria, VA home of legendary journalist Eric Sevareid. The landscape at the mid-century residence was thoughtfully and inventively redesigned by landscape architect Jennifer Horn.

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In keeping with CDC recommendations, all attendees were required to wear a face covering. Special care was put into how guests would move through the property. Attendees were led through a one-way route being mindful not to congregate closely together. The Dialogue concluded with a pool-side discussion complete with individually packaged refreshments.

Attendees were pleased to be outdoors and engaged in a lively discussion about numerous aspects of Horn’s design. As one participant noted: “During these difficult times, it was a joy to spend a few hours in a lovey and modern garden. The gardens of the Sevareid House made wearing a mask in 90-degree weather worth it.”

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Horn said: “I was delighted that we could host an event where people could gather and share their enthusiasm for landscape in socially distant, safe conditions. I would also add, that while the situation today is quite grave, it seems to have created more interest in residential landscapes and how one’s garden can be a source of comfort and peace in otherwise uncertain world.”

Horn will also be leading the next Garden Dialogue on July 18 at a residential project she designed in Vienna, VA. Registration is now open. As a stark juxtaposition to the modern design seen at the Sevareid House, JHLA used an onsite 1800s-era cabin to inspire the landscape of The House on Willow Hill. The preservation of the cabin influenced the architecture and was critical to the site plan. 

TCLF is grateful to the Garden Dialogues sponsors who provided financial support, and who have been incredibly helpful in this uncertain time. We wish to thank ABC Stone, Bartlett Tree Experts, and Vermont Quarries. And a special thanks to our Educational Partner the American Society of Landscape Architecture.