The Landscape Nerd
The Landscape Nerd is a podcast about landscape design and making better outdoor spaces. Host Maci Nelson encourages listeners to embrace their inner nerd as a way to improve gardens and landscapes. The show likely explores practical design ideas, plant choices, and ways to create more thoughtful outdoor areas.
Episodes
Landscape x Tea
In this episode, we explore the cultural significance and landscape architecture of tea. Discover how tea cultivation and trade have shaped landscapes and societies worldwide, from ancient legends to contemporary tea gardens!Thelandscapenerd.com@thelandscapenerd
Landscapes Unmuted- Tea Connections: From Garden to Cup
We're back!Maci and Divine share their personal connections to tea, discussing its cultural significance, the rituals surrounding it, and how it intersects with landscape architecture. Drawing on their experiences with tea —from childhood memories to current practices —they delve into the idea of designing tea gardens that reflect cultural meanings and foster community connections. #landscapearchi
Landscape x Deconstruction
In this episode of The Landscape Nerd Podcast, Maci chats with Malena Grigoli and Jennifer Lumpkin about Project Sophia—a creative, community-driven effort rethinking what it means to take buildings apart. They dig into the difference between deconstruction and demolition, the power of art and cultural legacy, and how sustainability and reuse can shape a more connected, mindful city.Keywords:#deco
Landscape x Bias and Belonging
Maci and Kristen discuss the subtlety of bias and the barriers to belonging in landscape architecture. The conversation shares many personal insights revealed in addressing the challenges of navigating assumptions in public design and advocating for more inclusive thoughts and conversations throughout the design process. Maci @thelandscapenerdthelandscapenerd.comKristen @pop_of_good#landscapearchi
Landscape x Connecting
In this episode, we celebrate World Landscape Architecture Month and Autism Acceptance Month with a conversation about connection! Maci and guest Caressa Joyce explore the deep connections humans have with the land and how practices help connect us to our understanding of nature and community. This interdisciplinary conversation is guided by the following questions:What is the overarching theme of
Landscape Lore: Cherry Blossoms
In this episode, we explore the enchanting world of cherry blossoms- their beauty, cultural significance, and the folklore surrounding them.Words for the algorithm:#Landscapearchitecture #design #Cherryblossoms #spring #folklore #culturalsignificance #symbolism #nature #beauty #ephemeral #cherrytree
Landscapes Unmuted: Vulnerability in Entrepreneurship
Vulnerability in EntrepreneurshipMaci and Divine explore the complexities of entrepreneurship, focusing on the intertwining of personal identity and professional life. They discuss the challenges of vulnerability, community support, and the emotional facets of being an entrepreneur. The conversation continued beyond the intended end time, so please enjoy 2 extra bonus clips! Remesha Design Lab@d
Audio Only: Landscape x 5 years
In this episode, we are celebrating 5 years together!!! We’ve been through a lot and I wonder what the next 5 years have in store for us. As the podcast has grown, so has the number of nerds tuning in! We are making an impact and I want to keep learning together.We will talk about the purpose of the podcast and how it got started and how it has evolved.Lessons learned/ advice for others wanting to
Landscape x 5 years
In this episode, we are celebrating 5 years together!!! We’ve been through a lot and I wonder what the next 5 years have in store for us. As the podcast has grown, so has the number of nerds tuning in! We are making an impact and I want to keep learning together.We will talk about the purpose of the podcast and how it got started and how it has evolved.Lessons learned/ advice for others wanting to
Landscapes Unmuted: Redefining Success
In this episode of Landscapes Unmuted, Divine and Maci explore the concept of success, and redefining it. They discuss the traditional stereotypes of success and the challenges they present to keeping people in the field. The conversation emphasizes the need to redefine success to include personal well-being, work-life balance, and community impact. Then they close out the episode by sharing their
Audio Only Landscapes Unmuted: Finding Ease in New Beginnings
Audio OnlyDon't worry, The Landscape Nerd is not going anywhere, it's just growing a bit!In this inaugural episode of Landscapes Unmuted, hosts Maci Nelson and Divine Ndemeye introduce their new podcast, discussing their backgrounds, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges of navigating mental health and burnout in the design field. The conversation highlights their commitment
Landscapes Unmuted: Finding Ease in New Beginnings
Don't worry, The Landscape Nerd is not going anywhere, it's just growing a bit!In this inaugural episode of Landscapes Unmuted, hosts Maci Nelson and Divine Ndemeye introduce their new podcast, discussing their backgrounds, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges of navigating mental health and burnout in the design field. The conversation highlights their commitment to creatin
Landscape x Mental Landscapes
Hello Everyone! Maci here, happy to share a new episode!
We discuss emotions informing the design of our environment.
Please rate and/or leave a review, it helps the show a lot!
If you wish to learn more about Kelsey and Mental Landscapes?
https://mentallandscapes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mentallandscapedesign/
Eventide: Nov 14 2024
https://www.thelandscapenerd.com/
Also, Thank you to K
Landscape x Dark Skies
Just in time for the supermoon! We are learning about dark skies, nocturnal conservation, and light pollution.
To learn more check out:https://darksky.org/ @darksky_intl
and listen to: https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/news/2022-12-16/red-lighting-could-rewild-night-skies-plagued-by-light-pollution
Stay connected on IG @thelandscapenerd + thelandscapenerd.com
Theme music by
KoffeeSwap Theme v
Landscape x Inspiration with Kacey Parrales
Let's find the inspiration to keep going!
Hello Everyone,
On this episode of TLN we are thinking about inspiration and artistic expression. We are joined by artist, designer, and awesome person, Kacey Parrales.
Kacey and I recorded this about a year and half ago when we were both teaching and we talked about her process for communicating creativity to her students and how she stays inspired t
Landscape x Advocacy
Let's all talk about advocacy! This episode is a recording from the 2024 New Jersey Chapter ASLA Annual Meeting! The session you will hear today was a panel titled Future Forum: The Journey From Advocacy to Leadership.
I've gotten a lot of questions and have had amazing conversations about this topic and I am really glad there was an opportunity to share one of them with you!
The panel:
Gina For
Landscape x Public Relations
It feels good to be back!
Hello everyone and hello 2024!
This year we are focusing on how to bring out your uniqueness in the profession. I know we do that already, but it is nice to say it again!
Today we are speaking with someone who knows you all fairly well,but maybe you did not know about them.
Jenny Frenkel (she/her) is the founder of Intuitive PR, public relations firm (I am luck to have
Landscape x Black Women Explore
Hello Nerds!
Today, we are discussing what it means to be a person of color in outdoor spaces. We can’t cover everything but we sure give it a try! Please join me in speaking with Kimberly Young and Bronlynn Thurman, the creators of Black Women Explore a community in Akron, Ohio promoting women and femme-identifying people of color to enjoy outdoor spaces together.
Please rate and/or leave a revi
Nerd Note 4: The Blue Rose
We are enjoying the retelling of a Chinese folklore story called The Blue Rose.
I hope this story inspires you to find the people who make your dreams a reality.
www.thelandscapenerd.com
Landscape x Pass the LARE
Oh the ominous LARE. The Landscape Architecture Registration Exam is something that everyone in the profession knows about. Yet, despite its popularity, the exam remains a mystery in many ways.
Today we are going to talk to Claire Kern, founder of
Pass the LARE, a new study resource. We are discussing the challenges of the exam and new ways to approach studying to make the exam more accessible.
Landscape x Dungeons and Dragons
We are going to investigate how designers and DnD players participate in world-building!
This episode is full of nerdy joy and curiosity! Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game that requires collaboration to solve problems and tell a compelling story. If you've never thought about DnD as a design tool before.... please allow me to change your mind!
In this episode, we will hear
Nerd Note 3
Encouraging a conversation about designing for the autistic experience. Get ready to get real nerdy with the upcoming dungeons and dragons episode!!
Landscape x Autism Nature Trail
It is often overlooked how isolating the landscape experience can be for autistic minds. Many people in the autistic community desire outdoor spaces where they feel safe and able to connect with others. In this episode, we speak to the organizers and a founder of the Autism Nature Trail located in Letchworth State Park. This unique trail is geared toward autism families and building confidence in
Nerd Note #2
Wrapping up the Best Book Ever conversation with a reflection on how important stories are to the way we see landscape.
Landscape x Best Book Ever
In this episode, we are learning about how the stories we love can impact the way we build our outdoor spaces! This is a collaboration with the Best Book Ever Podcast hosted by Julie Strauss. She interviews me, Maci Nelson, on my favorite book, Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. The book was adapted into a Studio Ghibli animated film- which inspired the way Maci approaches landscape ar
Nerd Note 1: Imposter Syndrome and Deadlines
Nerd Notes are short episodes between longer episode releases to wrap up the previous topic!
This Note is a quick checklist and guided meditation to help in moments of imposter syndrome.
Enjoy!
Landscape x Imposter Syndrome w/ Myron Nelson
In this episode, we are speaking with Myron Nelson, a therapist based in Chicago, Illinois. His work focuses on depression, race, and identity. He is here to discuss imposter syndrome, toxic work culture, and handling big issues in landscape architecture. This episode is geared toward designers and students, however, anyone struggling with depression could gain insight from this episode, no
Landscape x Art Walk w/ Melissa Pompili
For the last episode of 2022, we are speaking with Melissa Pompili about her research in creating a public art walking tour for University Circle in Cleveland Ohio. We discuss the motivations to create something that the public can use and how to have fun doing it. Also, we discuss how quickly public art information can disappear and where to look for it!
Contact our guest at melissa.pompili@gmail
Landscape x Landscaper w/ Monique Allen
In today's episode, we are hearing from Monique Allen, the founder of the Garden Continuum and design-build and care company. She would typically be described as a landscaper/ a contractor/ or an installer. I chose to release this episode after the 2022 ASLA conference and the COP27 conference have wrapped because, our dedication to creating a greener world, heavily relies on the people who build
Episode 32: Landscape X Land Kit w/ Chris Landau
In this episode, we are speaking with Chris Landau, the principal of LANDAU Design + Technology. He is an artist who has found himself immersed in the world of landscape architecture. In addition to computational design and visualization, the firm developed an innovative design tool called Land Kit. It is an algorithmic design tool that helps improve landscape designers’ workflows and assist in co
Episode 31: Landscape x Architecture With Ana Maria Torres
Today we explore the interdisciplinary work of Ana Maria Torres of AT Architects! Landscape architects and architects work together very often and can share similar project goals. However, the difference in practice can leave a lot of miscommunication or missed opportunities. In this episode, we explore Ana Maria's approach to architecture and how she embraces other disciplines to inform her work.
Day at the Farm: Janelle Soja
Hello everyone! Are you ready to visit the farm? Today we are joined by Janelle Soja - a multigenerational regenerative farmer based in Northeast Ohio. She was my first stop in trying to understand where agriculture starts and landscape architecture ends- especially in identifying ways to mitigate climate change impacts on the land. Both professions/sciences are curating the ways that people inter
Representing Landscape: Botanical Illustration
This episode explores the origins and purposes of botanical illustration. Besides being a well-recognized craft, it is a scientific document that helps us understand the world around us.
Please join me in learning about Botanical Illustrations
Landscape Music: Performing in the Landscape
Hello Everyone!
This episode continues to explore the topic of landscape music, but this time from the performers' perspective.
I was lucky to interview the co-directors of The American Wild Ensemble, Emlyn and Dan.
Music in today's episode was provided as a courtesy from AWE, the piece is called Everything Flowing by Aristea Mellos.
Episode 27: Landscape Music Pt 1
This episode is part one of landscape music! This episode features an interview with Nell Shaw Cohen the founder and director of Landscape Music a network of musical artists and an online publication whose mission is to deepen public appreciation of the natural world by providing a platform for contemporary composers and performers whose music engages with landscape, nature, and place.
Featured Mu
Episode 26: David A Williston the First Professionally Trained Black Landscape Architect
Today we will learn about David A Williston, the first professionally trained Black landscape architect. His story deserved to be told as a historic leader in the profession and as a trailblazer for people of color in the field of landscape.
The Landscape Nerd Trailer
An introduction to the show!
Evergreen
In this episode, we will discuss evergreens and their ecological, design, and cultural impact. What are some of your favorite evergreen plants and why?
Horseshoe Lake: Community Engagement
Hello Everyone! In today's episode, we will look at the debate around the removal of the Horseshoe Lake Dam in Shaker Heights, OH. The dam was built over 170 years ago and the regional sewer district has recommended its removal for safety and stormwater management. The communities of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights share this feature - and there are community members who oppose the dam remova
Hard Work: From Michael
This is the final episode of the Hard Work Series
Episode 4: From Michael. This episode is when we get to hear Michaels's own thoughts, about his past, his concerns, his interests, and his plans for the future. This episode is for those who want to see more methods to the madness. You will also hear from me! My own insights into how I put this project together and what lessons I learned along the
Hard Work Episode 3: Networking with Wendy Miller and Gina Ford
Episode 3 Networking: This episode is about how authenticity and curiosity can forge very strong connections. I would argue that Michael Todoran is an expert in this regard. I recommend a listen for those who struggle with networking or worry about how others see them in professional settings.
Hard Work Episode 2: The Power of Divergent Conversations with Jonathan Geels
Episode 2: The power of divergent conversations: If you are like me, you may struggle to think in a linear fashion. However, this nonlinear thinking is able to embrace a variety of subjects and perspectives that may have never come up before. These divergent conversations really open up your mind to open ideas, I recommend this episode for anyone feeling stuck or in a design rut.
Hard Work Episode 1: The Transition from Artist to Designer with Sam Davis and Jason Kentner
Episode 1: The transition from Artist to Designer. This is about a transition from being a fine artist to a designer, we hear from a former classmate and long-time friend, and a former professor! I highly recommend this episode for current students.
*This episode does include some playful cursing*
Introducing the Hard Work Mini Series
Hello Everyone! This mini-series that I am sharing is about a very familiar person. Michael Todoran of the Landscape Architecture Podcast. His story, like many of ours, is complex and filled with ups and downs. However, I would argue that the most important aspect of a story is the moral or the takeaways. You can view this project as a deep dive into the takeaways people have gotten from Michael T
Thai Gardens
Hello to the Landscape Nerds! This episode is about Thai gardens. This episode is very personal to me and I was fortunate enough to pull from my own experiences to discuss this garden style.
I hope that you enjoy what I have to say here- and maybe you will fall in love with Thai Gardens too
Intro and outro music by Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.cho
Interdisciplinary: Poetry and Landscape
Today’s episode is the second installment of the Interdisciplinary segment of The Landscape Nerd Podcast. Today we are talking to poet Amanda Stovicek and learning about how landscape influences her work and gain some insight into how we can incorporate poetry into our design work and narratives.
Nature by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com
Creative Comm
Maximalism in Landscape
Today we will explore Maximalist design/ maximalism in the landscape!
Interdisciplinary: Aquatic Ecology and Landscape
Today’s episode explored the interdisciplinary aspect of Landscape Architecture. I am speaking with Zach Nemec, an aquatic ecologist to discuss how our fields interact with one another. We explore thoughts on collaboration and pushing the boundaries of the research and design of ecologically safe practices. This episode seeks to showcase how intuitively interdisciplinary the field of landscape arc
Mini Episode: Collinwood School Fire Memorial Garden
The topic of today is the Memorial Garden of Lake View School Fire of Collinwood Ohio. It is also known as the Collinwood Fire. This school fire occurred on March 4th, 1908, which means that the anniversary has just passed.
* Trigger warning, this episode will discuss the deaths of children and adults and the impacts of fire. While I will not go into great detail about these topics, they wil
Landscape Mythology: An Introduction and a Request for More Stories
Today's episode will focus on the mythology, stories, and legends of landscape. There are many lessons to learn in these tales that have survived generations. They tell us about real events through the eyes of others, but also they share a conversation that we had with the land/earth itself.
The Bravely Curious Podcast: 006 Parque de la protesta
Dentro de este episodio final de la primera temporada en el Podcast Valiente Curioso, echaremos un vistazo a nuestros episodios pasados donde hemos explorado el robo, la recuperación y la redefinición, y la protección de espacios públicos y privados. En nuestros episodios anteriores y dentro de la introducción a la serie, habíamos declarado que queríamos una "llamada a la acción" basada en todo lo
The Bravely Curious Podcast: Protest Park
Within this final episode of season one on the Bravely Curious Podcast, we will look back to our past episodes, where we have explored theft, reclaiming and redefining, and the protecting of public and private spaces. In our previous episodes and within the introduction to the series, we had stated that we wanted a “call to action” based upon everything that we had learned so far. So, for this epi
The Bravely Curious Podcast: DACAmentado
Nos buscaremos en un tema del que raramente se habla, el tema delicado de DACA. Hoy estamos explorando las circunstancias en torno al programa DACA, que es un acrónimo de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la infancia. Realizaremos un viaje que la mayoría de nosotros nunca experimentaremos personalmente. Tenemos el privilegio de escuchar un viaje personal de un “DACAmentado”.
The Bravely Curious Podcast: DACA
We’ll dive into a topic that is rarely talked about, the sensitive subject of DACA. Today we are exploring the circumstances around the DACA program which is an acronym for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. We will be taking a journey that most of us will never experience personally. We have the privilege to hear a personal “DACAmented” journey.
The Bravely Curious Podcast: Proteger
En este episodio, nos enfocaremos en la importancia de proteger y preservar nuestro paisaje. Pero primero, debemos definir las diferencias entre Preservar y Proteger en el paisaje. Preservar es proteger, cuidar, y defender, mientras que proteger es mantener a salvo, defender, custodiar; contra las actividades humanas nocivas que han alterado la cultura, el clima y la biodiversidad de las plantas y
The Bravely Curious Podcast: Protecting
In this episode, we will be immersing ourselves into the importance of protecting and preserving our public and private landscape. But first, we must define the differences between Preservation and Protection in the landscape. To preserve is to protect, to keep, to maintain the condition of; while to protect is to keep safe, to defend, to guard; against harmful human activities that have disrupted
The Bravely Curious Podcast: El Pecado Original
Anteriormente, Maci definío el robo para nosotros como un acto de tomar ilegalmente o sin permiso. También habló sobre la necesidad de que hablemos, confrontemos y revelemos la verdad detrás de las fallas e injusticias del pasado de nuestra nación. Que ya no podemos escondernos detrás de temas tan sensibles o controversial, ya no podemos preocuparnos por el miedo al enfrentamiento y la apropiación
The Bravely Curious Podcast: Landscape's Original Sin
Previously, Maci defined stealing for us as theft, to take unlawfully or without permission. She also discussed the need for us to talk about, confront, and unveil the truth behind the flaws and injustices of our nation’s past. That we can no longer hide behind such topics that are sensitive or controversial, we can no longer worry ourselves with the fear of confrontation and ownership of our faul
The Bravely Curious Podcast: Introduccion
Bienvenidos a la primera serie de The Bravely Curious Podcast, compuesta de seis partes y producida en esfuerzo conjunto entre el Departamento de Arquitectura Paisajista de Cal Poly Pomona, 'The Landscape Architecture Podcast' y 'The Landscape Nerd' Podcast cual es presentado por Maci Nelson.
En esfuerzo para que estas historias lleguen a una audiencia lo más amplia posible, compartiremos todos lo
The Bravely Curious Podcast: Introduction
Hello everyone! Welcome to the first series of The Bravely Curious Podcast, a six-part series produced as a joint effort between Cal Poly Pomona's Department of Landscape Architecture, 'The Landscape Architecture Podcast' and 'The Landscape Nerd' Podcast.
In an effort for these stories to reach as wide of an audience as possible, not only will every episode of this series be available on three dif
Representing Landscape: Collage
This episode is the second episode in the Representing Landscape Series. We will be discussing how collage as a technique can convey emotion and put pieces together for imagining landscapes of the past and landscapes to come.
Christmas Trees
This episode explores the history and impact of Christmas Trees! This episode was written by Adrianne Kartachak and performed/ edited by Maci Nelson.
Seasonal Commentary: Autumn/ Fall
Hello Everyone, This episode explores the leaf changing magic of this season. Think about what this season means to you and how you explore that in the landscape.
Oxbow Nature Study Area
Hello Everyone!
Today is the very first Nevada episode and we will talk about one of my favorite areas here in Reno.
We will also talk about Ecogreif and how we can look to resilient landscapes for encouragement and education.
Moss
Today's episode topic was chosen by the listeners! We will be exploring moss and learning how to design with them in mind.
Q & A Nerdfest
You asked, I answered
Rockefeller Park Greenhouse
Today we will take an audio visit to the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. It is a community-centered botanical garden that grew out of a nursery and small garden. A community gem that deserves some love right now.
From Lounde to Lawn: Understanding this American Icon
Hello Everyone!
Today's episode looks at the history of the American Lawn. From French Palaces to your front lawn, how did they get here?
There is a lot of discussion about the impacts lawns have on our lives and our ecology. Hopefully, this will help you better understand what a lawn means to you and how to have one or remove one responsibility.
Representing Landscape: Howl's Moving Castle
Hello! In this episode, we talk about representation as a powerful tool to share our thoughts and ideas. We use it all of the time- and when you hone that skill you can and will inspire others. We will look at the work of Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle as a masterpiece that focuses on environmentalism and showcasing landscape.
African American Gardens
This episode we look at the properties and history of African American Gardens! This is truly an introduction to a rich subject matter, please take this further and find more information- then let us all know about it!
Here are the links to the information that I used to produce this episode:
http://www.vaughnsills.com/snow- Vaughn Sills 'Places for the Spirit'
http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfy
Episode 3- We need diversity in Landscape
#BLM #Landscape architecture
Landscape design/architecture shapes the face of the earth, and we need more black people designing. We need more perspectives to keep out built environment responsive to the communities they serve.
Short Episode 2- Green or Gray
Hello again! It has been a while, but the Landscape Nerd is BACK!
In this short episode, we will talk about a place the challenges our conventional ideas of landscape.
Episode 1: Shaker Lakes Nature Center
This week I talk about my experience walking along the newly renovated All Peoples Trail.
Location: Shaker Heights, Ohio
http://cuyahogariver.org/the-river---tributaries.html
https://shakerlakes.org/
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