Lectures

President Tim Thoelecke is available to speak to professional associations, garden clubs, and other groups. Past engagements include the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Morton Arboretum, Landscape Ontario, the South Dakota Nursery and Landscape Association, and various garden clubs. Fees are negotiable. Following are descriptions of available topics. New talks can be created on request.

Lecture Schedule here.

Download a Press Kit here.

Exploring The Design Process: Deconstructing The Garden
Using case studies, this lecture explains the thought process one designer uses when formulating a design. A well-designed landscape does not occur by accident. There are deliberate decisions made in the creation of the design. In this lecture, Tim takes you through the steps in his process with before, during and after illustrations and photos from the drafting board to installed project. PR, GC

Plants From the Designer's Eye
It is well-known gardeners and designers have different views of plants. A gardener has a keen appreciation for the innate qualities of a plant’s fragrance, texture and color. Each plant is a specimen in a gardener’s eyes. A gardener asks “ Now that I have this wonderful plant, where should I put it?” A designer looks at it the other way around. With an equal understanding of a plant’s fragrance, texture and color, a designer has a space, a purpose in mind, then chooses plants based on those requirements. See how the two mind sets can coexist in the same garden. PR, GC

Garden Makeovers
We all learn from one another. Experience new ideas and design techniques as you are guided through a number of residential projects that Garden Concepts has designed and built over the last 15 years. The "story" of each site is presented along with the steps it took to get to the finished product. GA, GC, PR

The Transition Zone
A well-designed landscape is an extension of the architecture. What is it exactly, then, that ties the landscape to the building, and each landscape element to another? This lecture discusses the importance and uses of entry ways, side yards, view corridors, focal points and axes in creating a landscape design that is harmonious, comfortable, and cohesive. PR, GC

A Structured Garden
Gazebos, trellises, arbors and pergolas can be exciting elements in a garden. But which is which? And when and where do you use them to best advantage? Learn what they are and how to use them in this illustrated talk on garden structures. PR, GC, GA

The Four Season Garden
Think of the garden as more than tulips and impatiens. Gardens should be enjoyed in four seasons, even if that means from through the kitchen window at certain times of the year. See how to extend the enjoyment of the garden through well-chosen hardscapes, colorful plants and thoughtful planning. GA, GC, PR

The Tidy Landscape
We all live with clutter. Some is temporary and some is permanent. In the garden, the “permanent” clutter doesn’t have to be an eyesore with proper planning. Clutter includes that air conditioner compressor, irrigation valve boxes, light fixtures, sprinkler heads, cords, down spouts, wires, fasteners and supports. With proper planning, these eyesores can disguised or hidden from site. PR, GC

Planning in Parallel
Successful home building projects are the result of teamwork. Good design in these projects is a fusion of the vision of the architect, the skill of the contractor(s), and the creativity of the landscape designer. Close collaboration among owner, architect, builder, landscape professional and others is critical for a smooth process and a successful result. This talk addresses the many issues that all team members must consider in the design and construction of a new home and landscape. GA, GC, PR

Top 10 Landscape Mistakes (and how to avoid them)
We’ve seen them all. From the design cliché to the mulch volcano, it seems that mistakes are bound to be repeated. Many of us can tell which landscapes are good and which aren't so good, but we can't always put our finger on just why we like one better than another. This lecture takes a critical and lighthearted look at what we as designers of the landscape can do to differentiate our work from the rank and file. GA, GC, PR

"I've got all these digital images, now what?"
You bought that digital camera. You've filled your hard drive with photos. Now what? Use your digital images to your advantage in client presentations, portfolio enhancers and multimedia. In this program you will see examples of creative uses for digital photography from making slide shows, presentations, videos, prints and slides, in-house or over the internet. This not-for-geeks program includes basic information about file formats (.jpg, .tiff, .gif), megapixels and resolution, but is more an exploration of creativity than a lesson in technology. PR

The Ten-Step Design Process
Beginning with initial contact, a Landscape Designer goes through a series of steps in the process of getting the job done. This process is crucial to the success of the project and critical to the ultimate satisfaction of both client and designer. The "Ten Step Design Process" is a proven strategy for dealing with a project from initial contact through final installation. PR

To Design Or Not To Design?
Landscaping is a significant investment in your property. Mistakes are even more expensive. This talk illustrates the value of professional design, along with the pitfalls and problems that can arise if bad decisions are made. GA, GC

There's No Such Thing as “No Maintenance”
Short of total neglect, every landscape needs some attention. But some need more than others. Good design is more than a pretty picture. The practical aspects of designing a lower-maintenance landscape are illustrated in this presentation based on experience and common sense.
GC, PR

Increase the Value of Your Property By 15%
“Add 15% To Your Home’s Value” was the headline of a March 2003 Special Report in Smart Money Magazine. But the article is not about kitchens or bathrooms; it is about the OUTSIDE of the home, the landscape. In this illustrated discussion of how you can get the most value and enjoyment out of improving your landscape, you will see case studies, before and after photos and learn the dos and don’ts of landscape improvement. GA

Art and Nature As Inspiration for Landscape Design
The designed landscape is just that: Designed. Although inherently contrived, the designed landscape is (or should be!) influenced by both nature and other art forms. This program explores the many ways that Art and Nature can influence design decisions we as professionals make in the process of creating gardens. GA, GC, PR

The Future Is Now: Creating Your Legacy
What we are creating today is for the paying client. But some of what we do is for future generations. Where we draw that line is an individual choice. Issues discussed include Sustainability, Quality, Thinking Beyond the “Here and Now,” Environmental Awareness and History. This talk can be as short as an hour, or can be expanded as necessary. GA, GC, PR