

GARDEN MASTERCLASS 2026
Planting design and management on “dry” recycled mineral in poorly resourced urban landscapes"
Bergamo
With:James Hitchmough (UK)
This masterclass, led by Professor James Hitchmough, focuses on innovative approaches to urban green space design in challenging conditions, particularly where the soil is poor, artificial or consists of recycled mineral materials, and where resources (water, maintenance, budget) are limited.James Hitchmough is Professor Emeritus of Horticultural Ecology at the University of Sheffield.
Throughout his academic career, he has led extensive research alongside postgraduate students, building a significant body of data on ecologically based planting design, with a particular focus on growing plant combinations from seed. He strongly believes that such plantings should combine sustainability with a strong visual impact, always maintaining a clear “wow factor.”

James Hitchmough
James Hitchmough is an expert in planting design and professor emeritus at the University of Sheffield. His work explores the design of naturalistic plant compositions through the combined use of sowing and planting, with the aim of creating landscape systems of high aesthetic and ecological value. His research defines a structured method for designing and managing complex vegetation inspired by nature.