Adventures in Ecological Horticulture

Rebecca McMackin, Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society and former Director of Horticulture at Brooklyn Bridge Park, will present on the importance of gardening from an ecological perspective and then answer questions from viewers in conversation with High Line’s Senior Director of Horticulture, Richard Hayden.

Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our landcare practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens. Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work in iconic city gardens and green spaces, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land—from home gardeners and park advocates to professional horticulturists and everyone in between—can do it beautifully and ecologically.