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 “In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners” Explores “Landscapes as Nature” on KUCI 88.9 FM.  Reimagine your outdoor spaces with an inspiring new episode titled “Landscapes as Nature.” Host Teena Spindler welcomes special guest Ron Vanderhoff of Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach for an engaging conversation on the growing movement toward naturalistic landscape design.

This episode highlights how landscapes can function as living ecosystems. Known as “landscapes as nature,” these designs mimic native environments by incorporating layered plantings, diverse species, and regionally appropriate vegetation. By prioritizing native plants, gardeners can create outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful, but also sustainable and supportive of local wildlife.

Listeners will learn how to design with layers, variety, and texture—combining groundcovers, shrubs, and trees to reflect the structure of natural habitats.

“Landscapes as nature blend human creativity with ecological function,” says Spindler. “This approach helps gardeners create spaces that are both resilient and deeply connected to the environment.”.