APLD Washington

Join us for an inspiring hands-on workshop with Cora Morrison of Alula Boutique Containers Alula Boutique Containers as we explore the art of creating beautiful, long-lasting container displays. Learn practical design techniques, plant selection, irrigation and maintenance strategies, and discover how seasonal container programs can add value to your design practice.

Plus, each attendee will create and take home their own planted container!

Learn more and register at https://www.apldwa.org/upcoming-events

North End POD event at Kathy Svajdlenka’s lovely backyard!

All APLDWA members are eligible to join a Peer Organized Discussion (POD) group. Each POD meets periodically throughout the year to support and discuss issues related to landscape design and our individual practices. Currently APLDWA has five PODs in the Seattle area. Learn more at apldwa.org/pods

Climate ready plants are becoming an essential part of Pacific Northwest garden design. This latest APLDWA blog explores resilient plant choices for a changing climate, highlighting species that can better handle heat, drought, and shifting seasonal patterns while still creating beautiful, layered gardens.

Read the article here: https://www.apldwa.org/blog/climate-ready-plants-future-favorites-for-the-pnw-garden

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From the nonprofit arts world to co-running a landscape design + build company, Emily Benevedes shares her journey into garden design through curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. Her work balances strong spatial geometry with layered planting design, creating gardens that feel structured, immersive, and livable year round.

Read the article at apldwa.org/featured-designers

Discover how landscapes can be transformed into thriving ecosystems at this immersive Meadow and Farm Tour. Led by experts including Jonathan Hallet of Supernature , Shannon Nicole of GGN and Lea Dyga of Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center , this two-part experience offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at native plant restoration and propagation in the Pacific Northwest.

Details and registration at https://www.apldwa.org/upcoming-events/meadow-farm-tour.

We learned a ton from Shanelle today!

Shanelle Rabichev .gardening.girl shared a thoughtful and practical framework for full-funnel content strategy, from awareness, engagement, to conversion, reframing social media as a tool that actually supports a landscape design business.

Grateful to be part of a community of designers who are always learning and supporting each other.

Join Shanelle Rabichev, garden designer and content creator, for a session designed to help landscape professionals rethink how they use social media to grow their presence and reach clients more effectively. Learn how to shift from posting just to post to creating content that supports your brand, tells your story, and strengthens your business strategy.

Check event details and register at https://www.apldwa.org/upcoming-events

Efficient landscape design balances creativity with clear communication, thoughtful planning, and practical ex*****on. By understanding site conditions early, coordinating closely with contractors, and designing with construction in mind, designers can reduce rework, save time, and improve outcomes.

Efficiency also means planning workflow, choosing materials intentionally, and aligning sustainability goals with real-world labor and maintenance, resulting in landscapes that are beautiful, buildable, and built to last.

Based on Vashon Island, Melissa Schafer, CPH, owner of Schafer Specialty Landscape & Design, brings deep horticultural roots and a hands-on approach to every project. Her background in nurseries and greenhouses shaped a design philosophy grounded in plants, sustainability, and collaboration.

From master planning to installation and long-term care, Melissa creates landscapes that feel intuitive, personal, and deeply connected to place.

We’re proud to feature Melissa and share her story. Read the full interview at https://www.apldwa.org/featured-designers

We’re excited to kick off the year with a heartfelt message from our 2026 Chapter President, Kryssie Maybay. In her President’s Note, Kryssie reflects on her journey of volunteering and leadership within our community and encourages each member to remain engaged in our chapter, by attending events, volunteering in ways big or small, and participating in PODs and Google Groups.

Cheers to a year of growth, community, and continued support for landscape design excellence!