Thinking plants and gardens, 34 students focus on color, shape and texture

Kate Keleman, Logan Square, has different designs graphed in color

Mary Silvon and her husband Douglas Hurdelbrink show a picture of their house for which they are designing

There is a bumper crop of talented engaged students in the 9th Annual Home Landscape Design Workshop, according to Doug Wood, the organizer of the event presented by the Wicker Park Garden Club and the Wicker Park Advisory Council in collaboration with the Chicago Park District. 

Megan Jurasic and Justin Sigalos work on their plans

Three students include Maureen Maitland (c) and Mary Tamminga (r)

This year's crop of students numbers 34, who come from all over the City and even the suburbs. They are surrounded during classes by 16 gardening helpers and 7 instructors, as they immerse themselves in instruction and designing. 

Doug Wood uses a laser to point to points on the screen

On the screen, measurements show the spacing for a tree canopy

Students have been focusing on the elements of design for their gardens. They learn how plants, architecture and hardscape are the basic elements to be manipulated. Each can be used to blend color, shape and texture into the "look" they want for their gardens. 

On the screen, Wood showed a layout on graph paper

Whether they learn to implement their own plans or to be able to give guidance to a professional who may design and implement the right look for them, students are increasing their vocabulary and solidifying their own personalities through design. They create their own image through creating the "look" of their home's exterior. 

Their tools include graph paper, colored pencils, compasses and spreadsheets.  Using a spreadsheet many are creating their own 3-dimensional  plans. 

Instructor Sam Marts, Bucktown, draws as a student looks on

As week one from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 10 flowed into the next Saturday, students increased their personal connects too. Sharing a room full of goodies often created by the participants helps to solidify those connections as well.