The Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) is dedicated to advancing the profession of landscape design and to promoting the recognition of landscape designers as qualified and dedicated professionals. This year, APLD's programs and initiatives promoted the industry in a variety of ways.





International Landscape Design Awards
APLD's 2024 International Landscape Design Awards program honored designers from around the world for their creativity and craftsmanship.

 

APLD named Katherine Field of Katherine Field and Associates in New Port, Rhode Island the 2024 Landscape Designer of the Year for her residential project, Fen's Edge located in Westerly, Rhode Island. The judges called this a stellar project, "Fen's Edge emits emotion, which every great landscape should!" They appreciated how the elements of stone and steel move within the space; and gave high praise for the stonework and outdoor lighting. "When a design makes you say 'wow,' it's got to be special," they added. "This design is tucked into a narrow lot beautifully. It has well-defined garden rooms, incredibly rich materials, plus amazing beds overflowing with plants. Katherine did a wonderful job of considering the 'place' and making sure elements of site, plants and culture were woven throughout."





APLD Best of Show
APLD's Best of Show award went to David Thorne of David Thorne Landscape Architect, Inc. of Oakland, California. The design team of David Thorne, Elise Marie Heikkinen, Kristina Kessel, and Kenieffer Vargas won for their residential project Westside Diablo located in Alamo, California. Their creative design solution for a very challenging site received kudos for its superb execution, attention to detail, and fulfillment of client's wish list. The judges applauded the project, saying "The selected materials beautifully update the elements and surroundings. Spatial division is clear and well scaled, and the spaces flow together and blend into one harmonious space." The judges praised the elevated walkway that winds through the oaks and connects terraces. "It is a creative solution that respects the environment. The layered plantings - including many natives - complete the connection of spaces."




Healthy Pots, Healthy Planet
APLD is dedicated to environmental stewardship, advocating for sustainable landscape design, management, and the conservation of energy and resources. One of its key initiatives, Healthy Pots, Healthy Planet, is a grassroots movement pushing for affordable, sustainable alternatives to plastic horticultural pots, which are a significant contributor to plastic pollution. APLD is raising awareness about the environmental hazards of plastic pots and urging individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to pledge their support for eco-friendly alternatives.

This year, Healthy Pots, Healthy Planet engaged various user groups through a survey to gather insights on the ideal sustainable pot. Participants shared their preferences regarding material, durability, cost, availability, impact on plant health, handling, certifications, environmental impact, and disposal. To learn more about the initiative, review survey results, or join the movement, visit www.healthypotshealthyplanet.org.

For more information on APLD, visit www.apld.org.