AHS LIVE: Shrublands of the American West
with Michael Guidi, manager of horticulture research programs, Denver Botanic Gardens
Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 2-3 p.m. ET
Virtual
$15 AHS members/$20 non-members
Shrublands exist all around us, thriving in almost any environmental condition, from the desiccating sunshine of the endless sagebrush steppe to the deep, private shade of moist forests. These diverse and inspiring ecosystems serve as perfect models for our gardens. Beyond their inherent beauty, they provide nurturing habitats, demonstrate resilience in the face of a changing climate, and offer a challenge to conventional garden-making through their intense aesthetics and obscured intentions. Join coauthor Michael Guidi of Shrouded in Light: Naturalistic Planting Inspired by Wild Shrublands to explore a glorious spectrum of wild shrublands and discover the philosophies and design strategies for bringing these magnificent plant communities into your home garden.
Michael Guidi is the Manager of Horticulture Research Programs at Denver Botanic Gardens, where he integrates scientific research, ecological theory, and practical horticulture to promote resilient plant choices and landscape strategies. His work spans a wide range of topics, including plant breeding, plant tissue culture, direct-seeded vegetation, and green infrastructure. An advocate for dynamic, self-sustaining gardens, he demonstrates how thoughtful planting design can enhance biodiversity, bolster ecological resilience, and improve human well-being. In 2024, he coauthored Shrouded in Light: Naturalistic Plantings Inspired by Wild Shrublands, a book that explores the biology, philosophical foundations, and landscape potential of shrubland habitats worldwide. Michael holds a master’s degree in Ecology from Colorado State University.