EAS 691 Ecological Planting Design Studio is an immersive, studio-based exploration of how plants shape the character, experience, function, and ecological performance of landscapes. Over 15 weeks, students move from foundational ecological and plant knowledge - understanding plant communities, site conditions, and living systems - to applying that knowledge through planting design. The course emphasizes how theory and knowledge inform design ideas, strategies, plant selection, and spatial organization.

We will explore plants as dynamic design materials, considering their form, function, seasonal character, growth, and change over time. Particular attention is given to the relationship between planting, spatial experience, ecological processes, biodiversity, and long-term stewardship. Lectures, readings, in-class exercises, workshops, field experiences, and Design Studies support a progressive learning sequence that builds ecological understanding, plant knowledge, design judgment, and creative confidence. 

The semester culminates in a comprehensive planting design project for a real site, where students synthesize site analysis, ecological knowledge, precedent, and design intent into a compelling planting design proposal. Throughout the course, students develop fluency in plant selection, placement, spatial organization, and visual communication. By semester’s end, students will be prepared to design and advocate for ecologically responsive, experientially engaging, and resilient planting landscapes.