The Beth Chatto Symposium is usually held every two years at the University of Essex. The event offers an international perspective on current topics in the fields of garden design, ecology and landscape architecture. Unfortunately, Peter Berg was unable to attend this year; his daughter, Mirjam Schuth, attended the symposium on his behalf.

Alongside the excellent presentations by Fergus Garrett, Helen Hoyle, Kelly D. Norris, Kasey Toomey and Darryl Moore, it was wonderful to exchange ideas in person. Whether in conversation with the Dutch garden designer Nico and Jurre Wissing or in the workshop with Peter Korn and Sheila Das, it became clear that, no matter where we work, we are all concerned with the same issues and goals. Beth Chatto’s principle proved true: ‘RIGHT plant – RIGHT place’. Ultimately, it is the location that determines the design within and in harmony with nature.

The talks by Olivier Filippi, Tayshan Hayden-Smith and Monica Feria-Tinta were an inspiration and were characterised by a positive, forward-looking approach. Their key topics were:

• The positive developments in the animal kingdom brought about by climate change
• Social engagement combined with gardens in public spaces
• A lawyer who champions the rights of nature.

Inspired by this, we look forward to continuing to think beyond boundaries within our team.