This blog post discusses the recent launch of the book 'Visionary', co-authored by garden photographer CLA Takash and landscape architect Jao Gong, focusing on sustainable gardening practices for a climate-changed future. The authors share their experiences, challenges, and insights from their global exploration of innovative gardens that adapt to environmental changes, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity, water management, and aesthetic shifts in gardening.
In a recent Thursday Garden chat hosted by Garden Masterclass, CLA Takash and Jao Gong discussed their new book, "Visionary," which focuses on sustainable gardening practices for a climate-changed future. This event marked a significant moment as it revisited the themes of their first collaboration back in April 2020, during the early days of the pandemic.
CLA Takash, a seasoned garden photographer, shared that the book was nearly a three-year project, involving extensive photography and a challenging editing process. The idea for the book emerged during a Zoom call with fellow garden enthusiasts, where the pressing issue of climate change became the focal point of their discussions. This led to the exploration of diverse gardens and landscapes that address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Jao Gong, a landscape architect and PhD student in plant science, joined CLA in this endeavor. Their collaboration aimed to showcase gardens that not only adapt to climate change but also inspire others to rethink their gardening practices. They traveled extensively, documenting nearly 80 projects worldwide, focusing on innovative designs that prioritize sustainability.
The book emphasizes the importance of adapting gardening practices to cope with extreme weather conditions, such as prolonged droughts and heavy rainfall. CLA and Jao highlighted various projects that demonstrate how gardens can be designed to manage water efficiently, such as rain gardens and urban green spaces that mitigate flooding.
A significant theme in "Visionary" is the promotion of biodiversity. The authors discussed projects that aim to create habitats for wildlife and support local ecosystems. For instance, the Nap Estate garden in the UK serves as an experiment in maximizing biodiversity through thoughtful planting and landscape design.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its focus on changing the aesthetic perception of gardens. CLA and Jao argue that embracing a new aesthetic—one that values climate-appropriate plants and sustainable practices—can inspire broader acceptance of these ideas in gardening communities. They shared examples of gardens that have successfully integrated native and drought-tolerant species, showcasing beauty without reliance on traditional, water-intensive landscaping.
Throughout their discussion, CLA and Jao highlighted several innovative projects:
Both authors acknowledged the challenges faced in promoting sustainable gardening practices, particularly in regions where traditional aesthetics dominate. They emphasized the need for education and awareness to shift public perception and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices.
Jao shared insights from his work as a landscape architect, noting the importance of selecting resilient plants and integrating sustainable practices into urban designs. He highlighted the ongoing commitment required to push for climate-adaptive solutions in landscape architecture.
The launch of "Visionary" serves as a call to action for gardeners, landscape architects, and the general public to embrace sustainable practices in gardening. By showcasing innovative projects and emphasizing the importance of biodiversity, water management, and aesthetic shifts, CLA Takash and Jao Gong hope to inspire a new generation of gardeners to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes that thrive in a changing climate.
As the conversation around sustainable gardening continues to evolve, the insights shared in this book and during the event will undoubtedly contribute to a broader understanding of how we can all play a part in shaping a more sustainable future for our gardens and landscapes.
