Garden Style Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania

22th August 2026

Vilnius, Litexpo, Laisvės av. 5

Contemporary design ideas and practical tips

International landscape design conference for both professionals and hobbyists alike

The speakers of the 2025 conference:

Dr. Henrik Sjöman (Sweden)

Botanist, researcher, plant specialist

“How to select trees and shrubs based on location and function – the scientific roots”

Dr. Henrik Sjöman is a globally recognized Swedish botanist who combines scientific research with practical applications. He serves as an Associate Professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Scientific Curator at the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, and Honorary Research Associate at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens.

Dr. Henrik Sjöman explores critical questions: which plants thrive best, where, how, and why? His research contributes to creating sustainable and meaningful greenery that not only beautifies spaces but also serves people, insects, and birds.

This is a unique opportunity to hear how science meets design, transforming plants into elements that shape spatial identity.

Evely Ustav (Estonia)

Garden designer

“Rooted in resilience: naturalistic design for a changing climate”

Evely Ustav is an Estonian garden designer with a Master’s degree in Biology and a diploma in Garden Design from the prestigious Oxford College of Garden Design. For over a decade, she has led her own garden design studio, creating plant compositions known for their natural harmony and longevity.

Evely focuses on combining perennials and grasses. Her projects range from private gardens to public and semi-public spaces, integrating plants as part of sustainable landscapes.

She is the author of the book “Creating Flower Meadows in Your Home Garden,” a university lecturer, and annually conducts training for Estonian gardening enthusiasts.

Kairi Meos (Finland)

Landscape architect

“How Naturalistic and sustainable gardens lead modern landscape design in Finland”

Kairi Meos, originally from Estonia, has been living and creating in Finland for over 20 years, leading her studio Azalea Landscape Design. Her work encompasses cozy private gardens and large-scale public spaces, including parks, schoolyards, and cemeteries.

Notable projects include Oolannin Park and the new Hamina Cemetery. Each of Kairi’s projects reflects Nordic simplicity, blending natural materials, subtle plant combinations, and a deep connection with the environment.

Her work has received international recognition: finalist at the Jardins des Cote d’Azur competition in 2021, finalist at the Chaumont-sur-Loire Garden Festival in 2023, and in 2024, her project won the Best Garden Award at the Finnish Housing Fair.

Vaiva Marozienė

Landscape architect, designer, ecologist

“The Journey of a creative project: from idea to final result”

Vaiva Marozienė is one of Lithuania’s leading landscape architects, distinguished by her experience and deep connection with nature. She is a certified landscape project manager with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a Master’s in Ecology, furthering her knowledge in graphic design studies and recently completing a Master’s in Architecture at the Vilnius Academy of Arts.

Her professional journey—spanning natural sciences, art, design, and pedagogy—has shaped her unique creative style. Vaiva’s work embodies harmonious, nature-inspired solutions that align with modern life rhythms and needs. She states: “I learn from Nature—drawing everything it offers to ensure our spiritual and physical well-being. Nature and Travel have always been my path to a true, free, and colorful life.” Her projects exude vitality, naturalness, and sensory openness, creating green spaces where people can recognize themselves—alive, sensitive, and courageous.

Live English interpretation will be available via the mobile app.

Mario Bonicelli (Italy)

Architect

“Roots in the history: temporary landscape design in historical sites as a sample for new ecosystem”

Imagine this: an ancient square in a historic part of the city, transformed each year with contemporary greenery and installations. The old square remains the same, yet it is filled with plants, the buzz of bees, the chatter and laughter of people. When such designs are created by masters like Piet Oudolf, Nigel Dunnett, Luciano Giubbilei and others, they become an inspiration for creators worldwide — and a source of ideas for you as well.

Mario Bonicelli’s experience spans a wide range of projects, from contemporary architecture and historic spaces to urban landscape regeneration. His work has earned numerous awards, and today he is a jury member of several international competitions. He is also one of the founders and organizers of the international landscape festival I Maestri del Paesaggio.

Live English interpretation will be available via the mobile app.

Rasa Povilionienė

Garden designer

“Soundscape: how garden sounds can become the basis of design”

At international conferences, the term soundscape is making itself heard more and more. In this talk, we will explore how the sounds of a garden can be used in practice when designing outdoor spaces. Birdsongs, trickling water, rustling leaves — you may be surprised to learn just how powerful these elements can be.

Rasa Povilionienė is a landscape designer who teaches green space engineering while pursuing her own studies in industrial ecology. Drawing on her experience living in Estonia and working on unique projects in Kaunas — such as Nemunas 7 — she continues to explore innovative ways of shaping the environment.

Live English interpretation will be available via the mobile app.

Dr. Ingė Auželienė

Horticulture Expert, Associate Professor at Kaunas University of Applied Engineering Sciences

“What happens underground: the impact of fungi and microorganisms on plants”

What is mycorrhiza? Are we destroying beneficial mycelium when we fertilize, or could fungi be the new fertilizer? What effects do fungi have on plants — and plants on fungi? This session will answer these questions and reveal how fungi shape soil structure, support plant nutrition, and contribute to ecosystem stability. We will also explore how this knowledge can be applied in practice.

Live English interpretation will be available via the mobile app.

Monika Janulevičienė

Garden designer

“Creating garden structure: an analysis of diverse projects”

An exceptional landscape designer with a distinctive style will present her projects — each strikingly different, yet all rooted in one common element: garden structure. Together, we will examine these case studies, featuring detailed insights into the design process and complete plant lists.

Her work has been featured across various media channels, including the LRT television program Čia mano sodas (“This Is My Garden”). This year’s Garden Style conference cover image was taken from one of her private garden designs. Now, you’ll have the chance to hear her ideas firsthand.

Live English interpretation will be available via the mobile app.

Lina Liubertaite Garden style konferencija

Host of the conference

Lina Liubertaitė

Blogger, founder of Modern Landscaping Courses “Geltonas karutis”, author of the book “Garden Detective. Kakė Makė”, host of the TV show “Čia mano sodas” (LRT).