Dialogues in the garden
The Residence for Researchers organizes a series of talks about the stories and discussions that help to nourish the history and ethnography of gardens. Creating and developing a garden is filled with problems, tensions, and disagreements between gardeners, artists, architects and customers.
When we visit a garden, or we simply purchase some flowers, we do not often stop to think who or what has been responsible for the garden or the bouquet. The difference between these and other constructions and ornaments derives from the fact that gardens are created and modelled using natural elements (i.e. plants, stones, water) and that they are subject not only to weather conditions, but above all to the effects of time.
In the design of gardens, we can often perceive a desire by the designer to build a unique space that evokes delicate feelings, a place of worship devoted to nature; we can even glimpse aspirations to create a work of art. However, building a garden – given that working with plants does not always go hand-in-hand with the idea of recreating paradise – is by no means an easy matter.
This cicle of lectures and debates will be aimed at highlighting the historical, scientific and ethnographic background that lies behind gardening, ornamental horticulture and floral arts in today’s society.
PROGRAM
17 November
Botanical gardens: a bridge between nature and modern society
Josep Maria Montserrat, Director of Barcelona Botanical Gardens
19 November
Utopia and garden
Vicent Lahache, DPLG-ENSP landscape gardener, Versailles
24 November
Flower culture
Flora Miserachs, Specialist gardening technician
26 November
Agricultural improvements and horticulture
Josep Maria Trias, Specialist gardening technician and owner of a plant nursery
Jaume Rexach, Specialist gardening technician and owner of a plant nursery
Anna Aldrufeu, Specialist Biologist in the field of in vitro reproduction and owner of a plant nursery
Dialogues in the garden
When: From 17 to 26 november 2015
Where: Residencia de Investigadores del CSIC (C/Hospital, 64 Barcelona)
Price: free
Further information here