November 7, 2014
Iconic European horticulturist, landscape architect, Peter Wirtz, to speak at K-State
Peter Wirtz, from the internationally acclaimed Belgium landscape architecture firm Wirtz International, will share his passion for horticulture and his design philosophy at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union.
Wirtz International was founded by his father, Jacques Wirtz, and for decades, trees, hedges, grasses and flowers have bent to the will of Jacques Wirtz. Peter and his brother Martin now co-own the world-renowned company.
Wirtz International projects include private, public, corporate and institutional projects in Europe and America. Peter grew up in the family nursery and garden, familiarizing himself with orchids and Mediterranean plants, roses, Japanese cherries, Hydrangea's, fruit and vegetables. Later his personal passion grew to include health and salt resistant plants from the Chilean West coast, California, Florida, the Mediterranean coastal regions and the Atlantic West coast of Europe.
Last May, horticulture study abroad students along with Professors Miller and Lavis spent three hours with Wirtz at his Belguim studio and walking his father's private gardens. This event is sponsored by the horticulture, forestry and recreation resources department, George Terbovich Design Inc., and the landscape architecture and regional & community planning department in the College of Architecture, Planning & Design.