The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
Edna Walling® National Award for Residential Designed Landscapes

The Edna Walling National Awards for Residential Designed Landscapes recognises excellence by Landscape Architects in residential work.

In 2008, Jennnie Curtis was recognised for her work in designing sustainable gardens through being awarded the Edna Walling National Award by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

"Jennie began researching the use of more sustainable landscape materials and construction techniques about three years ago, when it became apparent that ongoing drought and water shortages were going to affect the survival of plant material in Canberra, particularly irrigated lawns and water hungry trees and shrubs.

Most clients with larger projects insisted on maintaining conventional design solutions and methods. Fortunately Jennie was able to work on a series of residential landscape designs with clients who were prepared to be flexible and consider alternative design options.

Together they explored use of recycled and local materials, ways of structuring landscapes without lawn, incorporation of water sensitive design elements close to the water source and at a small scale, and use of a diverse range of drought tolerant plant species including those indigenous to native grasslands around Canberra.

Jennie’s holistic view of building and landscape as one system resulted in the implementation of low energy systems for water management, heating, cooling and food production as part of the landscape designs.

“Having clients who were prepared to try new ideas in sustainable landscape design was crucial to being able to develop innovative techniques suited to the Canberra region”, Jennie said."Sustainability needs to be about finding local solutions, although the principles can be applied anywhere in the world.

I have always tried to be upfront in telling clients when I am proposing that they try something that I haven’t done before and have been lucky enough to find people willing to take a chance.

The award honours Jennie’s work on residential projects between 2004 and 2007."

(Quoted from her former employer site)