Workshop with Arjan Boekel
Building Planting Systems Instead of Traditional Planting Plans
24th August, 2026. 10am – 5pm
Vilnius
Why does traditional landscaping often fail in the long run? Arjan Boekel presents a different perspective: he creates plant systems that are aesthetic, resilient, and sustainable. It is essential to see plants – even the familiar ones – in a new light. Furthermore, creating a stunning garden requires more than just visual beauty; it’s about how plants shape the space and the emotional impact they have on people. This is exactly what we will explore: Arjan will introduce his philosophy and principles, followed by a hands-on workshop where everyone will design their own plant systems.
This workshop is aimed at:
- Landscape architects who design their own projects,
- Landscape designers working on private landscape projects,
- Landscape professionals implementing projects,
- Students of landscape field,
- Enthusiasts who are looking for new ideas for their garden.
Arjan Boekel (The Netherlands)
Landscape Designer
Some say Arjan Boekel is like a young Piet Oudolf – and while such comparisons are bold, it is a fact that he is one of the leaders of the new generation in naturalistic design.
In Arjan’s work, plants are not merely decorations; they are the essential tools for creating an emotional connection with nature. His gardens masterfully balance structure and lush greenery, resulting in spaces where people feel truly comfortable and want to linger. His philosophy is rooted in the idea that plants are living elements that directly shape both the atmosphere of a garden and the visitor’s experience within it.
At the “Garden Style” conference, Arjan Boekel will dive deep into the principles of designing in layers, combining trees, shrubs, and perennials into rich, visually captivating groups. A significant focus of his presentation will be on the gardens of the future – specifically those that are drought-resilient. You will see inspiring examples of how to move beyond traditional planting plans toward sustainable plant systems that ensure garden dynamism and biodiversity across all seasons.
The workshop will be held in English and translated into Lithuanian.
Workshop timetable:
09:30 – 10:00 Registration and Coffee
10:00 – 10:20 Introduction. Arjan Boekel’s approach to planting systems: using plants as living structural elements to shape space and atmosphere.
10:20 – 11:00 Lecture. Dynamics of Planting Systems: Analysis of traditional plans and their shortcomings; why planting systems are more resilient and dynamic; designing in layers and thinking in plant communities.
11:00 – 11:30 Individual Task: Case study analysis and selecting a direction for a planting system before starting group work.
11:30 – 11:45 Coffee Break
11:45 – 12:15 Lecture. Creating Layers: Methodology of constructing a planting system: structural, matrix (groundcover), seasonal, and self-seeding plants.
12:15 – 13:00 Group Work: Developing a general concept for a planting system.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 – 14:15 Inspiration: Portfolio showcase of Arjan Boekel’s work.
14:15 – 15:30 Group Work: Practical design: spatial structure, layering, calculating proportions, creating a plant palette, and preparation for presentations.
15:30 – 15:45 Break
15:45 – 16:45 Project Presentations
16:45 – 17:00 Certificates. Farewell
Workshop fee and registration:
Workshop price: 289 EUR
Early bird price: 189 EUR. The price increases on May 21th at 11:59 PM
Certificates: to be awarded
Number of participants: up to 30.
Venue: the premises of the Science and Arts School “Taškius”, in the historic former Basilian Monastery in Vilnius, 4th Building, 1st floor, 18 Arklių Street, Vilnius.
Working language: English (with Lithuanian translation).
For business companies:
Should you need an invoice in advance, please contact info@gardenstyle.lt VAT invoices are issued after the services have been provided – after the workshop – and sent by email.
The design workshop with Merilen Mentall will take place on 24 August. For more information, click here >>