Northwest Flower and Garden Show
category:Arts and Entertainment posted:February 15th, 2008You are invited to join the fun at next year's annual celebration. An entertaining floral funfest for you and your friends. Thousands upon thousands of flowers and plants with all their rich colors, fragrances and
textures. Six acres of inspiring gardens, free seminars for all gardening levels, and shopping at 350 exhibits all strictly related to gardening, outdoor living and gardeners.
People making their first visit to world-class flower & garden shows, such
as the annual extravaganzas in
As the photos on this page illustrate, a world-class garden show is a huge,
complex production. Just as an example, the Northwest show uses 1,200 cubic
yards of sawdust and mulch for the gardens (that's about 150 dump truck-loads)
and 280,000 pounds of rock. The trucks bringing in the plants for the gardens
come from all up and down the West Coast. More than 300 theatrical lighting
instruments are hung from the ceiling above the gardens.
Creating the gardens is the most complex part of the show. Planning for them
begins nine months before the show. The gardens are like the actors, scenery
and music in an opera, ballet or play. Just as those elements are the most
expensive part of those artistic productions, the gardens are the most complex
part of a garden show.
Many people are surprised to learn that the companies and organizations
creating gardens do not pay the show to exhibit, rather the show pays them a
substantial cash subsidy plus provides other support including lighting,
electricity, water, heavy equipment, labor rocks and mulch. The total direct
cost to create the gardens is well over one million dollars.
Show Date: February 20-24 2008
Show Hours:
Wed-Sat: 9am - 9pm
Sun: 9am - 6pm
Seminar Series Schedule:
Wednesday, February 20
Rainier Room 3 A/B (45 minutes except where noted)
10:00 AM (60) - Great Gardens
Influential Public and Private Gardens
Join British designer David Stevens as he talks about some of the gardens and
situations that have inspired him over the years and have been influential in
shaping his work. These are drawn from many places and people, including Frank
Lloyd Wright, Mies van de Rohe, the great romantic landscape gardens in
England, small domestic gems and quite a few of his own work also. It’s an
eclectic mix, unusual for a garden designer, and highly inspirational.
Speaker: David Stevens
Show Judge, British TV host, designer & author
11:30 AM (60) - Embracing the Place
Site Specific Garden Design
Bernard Trainor is passionate about designing with materials and elements that
are ‘comfortable’ within the context of a given site. He finds that this
approach translates into a true sense of atmosphere within his gardens. By
designing purposefully with individual garden elements, the overall composition
translates into a meaningful space, rather than a ‘collection’ of objects.
Bernard will focus on contextual garden solutions that are unique.
Speaker: Bernard Trainor
Show Judge, award-winning landscape designer
01:00 PM (60) - The Authentic Garden
Five Principles of Garden Design
A look at the five principles to garden by, garnered from several decades of
gardening experience, to instill a sense of authenticity to gardens. These five
principles are: 1) capture the sense of place; 2) derive beauty from function;
3) use humble or indigenous materials; 4) marry the inside to the outside; 5)
involve the visitor. Both public and private gardens that use these principles
will be examined as inspirational examples from across the
Speaker - Claire Sawyers
Show Judge, Director, Scott Arboretum & author
02:30 PM - Digging into Books
A Gardener's Selection of Classic Books
If your idea of a perfect evening is to curl up with a great gardening book
with your cup of tea or glass of wine, then this is a must-see seminar. Mary
Robson knows her gardening books, and she will be sharing all her favorites.
It’s a gardener’s selection of classic and brilliant garden writers, with
images to help you get to know these writers and their books.
Speaker - Mary Robson
Seattle Times columnist & author, 'Gardener's Guide'
03:45 PM (60) - My Life in Other People's Gardens
Inspiration from 33 Years as Sunset Editor
Steve Lorton talks about his experiences visiting other people’s gardens during
his 33-year tenure as Sunset’s Northwest Editor. From Peter Chan’s
Speaker - Steve Lorton
Former Sunset editor, writer & speaker
Podophylum, Paris & Arisaema Favorites
Here is a royal introduction to these three fascinating genus of surprisingly
hardy woodlanders from the Northwest hemisphere. Flavored with a hint of
natural history and ethnobotany, this seminar covers every aspect useful to the
gardener, from taxonomy all the way to hands-on gardening advice. Generously
illustrated with images from the wild and from gardens, A Woodland Monarchy
will delight both the amateur and avid collector.
Speaker - Dave Demers
Globe-trotting horticulturist & owner, Cyan Horticulture
Accessorizing Tips to Enhance Your Garden
When you plan your garden spaces, borrow backyard decorating ideas from the
world of interior design and architecture. If your garden is sizeable it could
be organized into a “foyer,” “rooms” and “hallways.” Or, if you have a
postage-stamp-sized patio, terrace or courtyard, it needs to serve multiple
outdoor functions. The choices you make in furnishing and accessorizing your
landscape will reflect your personal design style – and create inviting areas
that ensure your garden is used to its potential.
Speaker - Debra Prinzing
Garden writer & author, 'The Abundant Garden'
07:45 PM - Inspired Gardens
Ideas to Shape Design
Speaker - Susan Goetz
Instructor, garden writer & designer
Hood Room 2 A/B (45 minutes except where noted)
09:45 AM - Think 'Green'
The Best Sustainable Garden Practices
A green-built approach takes the environment into account. It means using
resources and energy responsibly. Learn how to incorporate recycled and
salvaged materials into the landscape, use climate-appropriate plants,
eco-friendly materials, efficient irrigation, and sustainable gardening
practices.
Speaker - Lauren Bonar Swezey
Senior writer & editor, Sunset
11:00 AM (60) - Every Inch a Garden
Planting from Sidewalk to Treetop
So many plants…so little space. That is often the dilemma of a serious
gardener. But there may be places to garden that you have not yet used.
Perennial favorite Lucy Hardiman shows how to maximize space in the garden,
making the most of what you’ve got.
Speaker - Lucy Hardiman
Writer, designer & co-author, 'Intimate Gardens'
12:30 PM - Hortus Miscellaneous
Fun Facts, Folklore, Science & Superstitions
Sit back and enjoy this colorful pictorial exploration of fact, superstition,
old wives tales, arcane minutia, hard science and folklore that all contribute
to one of the world’s favorite pastimes – gardening! This unique approach to an
admittedly vast body of knowledge is at once quick, humorous, and esoteric
while also respectful and considerate of accurate horticultural practices and
nomenclature. Whether it’s a list of 100 blue flowers for the garden,
Speaker - Lorene Edwards Forkner
Designer & author, 'Hortus Miscellaneous'
01:45 PM - Windcliff Revisited
Global Influences, New Plants
In early 2003 Dan Hinkley and his partner Robert Jones began to install the
garden at Windcliff, their new Indianola home, situated on a large,
sun-drenched bluff overlooking the sound. It had many challenges for him; the
site, the sun, the salty air, and the sea wind, to name a few. Dan talks about
getting a sense of the place, incorporating both favorite and new plants, and
imbuing Windcliff with the influences from his travels around the world as well
as the local treasures.
Speaker - Dan Hinkley
Horticulturist & author, 'The Explorer's Garden'
03:00 PM (60) - Part 2 - Plant Palettes
for Pots
Designing Successful Container Combinations
After giving you all her how-to tips on the Monrovia DIY Stage, join designer
Wendy Welch as she shares her favorite and most successful container
combinations for year round beauty. Focusing on long-lived containers, she
covers context, scale, color and texture as well as industry myths and even her
own bloopers!
Speaker - Wendy Welch
Container gardening specialist, designer & lecturer
How does an American end up running a specialist nursery in
Speaker -
Plant addict & owner, Special Plants Nursery,
Smart Strategies to Renovate a Garden
Most gardeners think about renovating their gardens at some point but don’t
know how or where to begin. This seminar discusses the common reasons to
renovate, including overgrown plants, design issues, pest problems and
lifestyle changes. Strategies for renovating in sequence are covered, including
taking an inventory and corrective maintenance, followed by design options,
planning, budgeting and implementation. Whether you are a beginning or
experienced gardener, or even a budding landscape professional, this is an
invaluable seminar.
Speaker - Greg Butler
Owner & designer, Design of the Times
07:00 PM - South African Bulbs for NW
Gardens
Growing These Beautiful, Unusual Bulbs
Unusual bulbs from South Africa are tempting subjects for Northwest gardeners
as they become more available in the marketplace. Some will thrive in Northwest
gardens, while others are good container subjects. Many of these beautiful
winter-and spring-flowering bulbs are unknown to most gardeners. Along with
beautiful photographs taken in
Speaker - Mary Gutierrez
Editor & writer, Northwest Garden News
Monrovia Diy Stage (45 minutes
except where noted)
09:30 AM - Retaining Walls 101
Step-by-Step on Building a Retaining Wall
Many gardens are flat or have slopes that are difficult to maintain. This
seminar will cover considerations when designing a retaining wall for the
garden, including the basic steps in building a retaining wall using a variety
of concrete retaining wall products. Hands-on participation will be encouraged,
and attendees will leave with the knowledge and confidence to build a retaining
wall up to four feet high.
Speaker - Marty Njaa & Brian Healow
Hardscape specialists at Mutual Materials
11:00 AM - Monrovia Presents: Incredible
Edibles
Mixing Plants for Sustainability & Beauty
Many gardeners would love to have fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs growing in
their garden, but don’t want a ‘traditional’ design, with unsightly straight
rows often relegated to the far corner of the garden. Today’s savvy gardeners
mingle edibles among the ornamental shrubs, perennials and vines for a
beautiful garden that yields a bountiful harvest! Find out the best plants and
the best planting tips for adding fresh, delicious edibles for a truly
sustainable landscape.
Speaker - Ruth Estrada
New Plants Manager, Monrovia, Oregon
12:30 PM (60) - Part 1 - Containers 101
A Crash Course on Container Gardening
Join designer Wendy Welch for a crash course in container gardening. She will
touch on everything from container selection to long-term maintenance,
including drainage, soils, fertilizing, watering, design, and installation. Her
organic and no-nonsense approach will both inspire and empower you to create
your own beautiful container gardens! Wendy’s demonstration on the
Speaker - Wendy Welch
Container gardening specialist, designer & lecturer
02:15 PM - Now You See It
Create Artful Floral Bouquets in a Jiffy
If you are new to flower arranging, learn where to start, what you need, what
to do and how to do it, all in this fun, informative seminar that shows you how
to put together lovely floral bouquets in no time at all. Here’s your chance to
ask questions from one of the top floral designers in the state.
Speaker - Lana Finegold
Past President, WA State Federation of Garden Clubs
03:45 PM - Caring for the Mature Garden
Extend the Life of An Older Garden
This invaluable demonstration will examine transplanting, pruning, dividing and
other gardening techniques that can help you extend the life of your garden
using less time, less water and less muscle!
Speaker - Linelle Russ
Garden coach & owner,
Let’s face it – sometimes after a satisfying day in the garden our bodies are
not so satisfied! Learn the ergonomics of gardening and garden tools and how to
choose the right tools for the job. This fascinating seminar will cover the
difference between light vs. heavy tools, fitting the tools to your body,
proper techniques for digging, tilling, hoeing and raking, stretching exercises
for gardeners and the importance of using good, sharp tools.
Speaker - Bob Denman
Blacksmith & owner,
Growing Valuable Trees in Small Spaces
Espalier simply means a practice where the trunk or branches of a fruit tree
are trained to grow on one plane, such as against a fence. Learn how to get
started with this demonstration of both basic and advances forms of espalier
training of fruit trees. This will be a demonstration using a full-sized apple
tree and a full-size 2-way Asian pear, showing what to do, and what not to do,
in creating beautiful espalier. Handout included.
Speaker - Kristan Johnson
President, Western WA Fruit Research Foundation
Thursday,
February 21
Rainier Room 3 A/B (45 minutes except
where noted)
10:00 AM (60) - Garden Structure
Balancing Structure with Compatible Plants
Garden structure is essential to both create and divide space. The way in which
one experiences and feels within a garden space is dependent on the composition
of the space itself. For instance, is the garden surrounded by large walls, or
softened on the edges with frothy plantings? Is the space divided from within
by elements such as water, a low seating wall, or a distinct paving pattern
breaking into an area? Bernard will focus on the balancing of garden structure
with compatible planting schemes to create a unified overall garden
composition.
Speaker - Bernard Trainor
Show Judge, award-winning landscape designer
Personalizing Your Outdoor Spaces
Today’s savvy gardeners are looking at their outdoor spaces as an extension of
their indoor living rooms. And like any room, you can always add, or change,
your decorative touches. Lucy shares her favorite tips and tricks to artfully
decorate and accessorize gardens with containers, furniture, lighting and more.
Speaker - Lucy Hardiman
Writer, designer & co-author, 'Intimate Gardens'
01:00 PM (60) - Winter Interest
Foliage & Flowers to Carry the Season
Discover how winter months can bring a beauty all their own, with the use of
trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs that can bring color and texture to the
winter garden. Winter’s subtle beauty is heralded in many ways - from the
delicate tracery of frost on the branches of Japanese maples; to the splash of
color from red-twig dogwoods gleaming in the slanting rays of the sun; and the
hint of color and fragrance from early blooming shrubs. All these, and more,
can bring splendor to the garden during the dreariest winter months.
Speaker - Claire Sawyers
Show Judge, Director, Scott Arboretum & author
Don't Let Drought Dampen Your Garden Dreams
Does your well run low in the summer, or your water bill climb higher than the
temperature? You can have a beautiful garden without using huge amounts of
precious water resources. Learn about great plants that not only provide beauty
to the garden, they actually thrive in low-water environments. With these tough
plants you don’t have to be a slave to your hose!
Speaker - Bess Bronstein
Horticulture Instructor at Edmonds Commmunity College
03:45 PM (60) - Gardens From Around the
World
Design Ideas from the World's Great Gardens
Go globetrotting without any jet lag as designer David Stevens visits many
gardens he has toured, or worked on, from all parts of the world, including
England, Europe, the US, South Africa, Japan, Israel, and Australia, to name a
few. It’s an inspirational talk full of good garden design sense and ideas that
anyone can take home and relate to their own garden.
Speaker - David Stevens
Show Judge, British TV host, designer & author
05:15 PM - Heirloom Bulbs: Unique &
Amazing
Integrating Bulbs for Year Round Beauty
Unique, endangered, tough and gorgeous, heirloom bulbs can enrich every garden.
Why garden with heirloom bulbs? What are their virtues and special qualities?
After a whirlwind history of bulbs in gardens from pre-history through the
1950’s, this lively slide lecture then focuses on a season-by-season
encyclopedia of antique varieties that are still available to gardeners today,
starting with the earliest spring bulbs (snowdrops, Eranthis and crocus) and
going through the dazzling summer display up to the killing frost in late
autumn, including lilies, cannas and dahlias. Forcing bulbs for winter bloom
will also be discussed. If you love to grow bulbs, this seminar will introduce
you to varieties you may not have seen before, but which have withstood the
test of time to perform successfully for hundreds of years.
Speaker - Scott Kunst
Owner, Old House Gardens, heirloom bulbs, Michigan
06:30 PM - Ferns for All Seasons
Discover the Versatility of Ferns
If you have not discovered versatile and valuable ferns for your garden, you
are missing out on of the oldest species on the planet, and one of the region’s
best garden plant groups. Learn how ferns fit into the plant kingdom and what
makes them unique. And then discover the ‘best of the best’ ferns for Northwest
gardens, and ferns for various challenging garden conditions and effects.
Speaker - John van den Meerendonk
Teacher, lecturer, designer & fern expert
07:45 PM - New Zealand Plants in NW
Gardens
Discover the Qualities of Plants 'Down Under'
Linda McDonald recently visited New Zealand and came home totally in love with
New Zealand plants! She will show many varieties she discovered in both
Speaker - Linda McDonald
Plant collector & instructor
Hood Room 2 A/B (45 minutes except
where noted)
09:45 AM (60) - Verdant Hills &
Thunder Dragon
Exploring the Eastern Himalayas
The tiny Indian province of Sikkim, formerly a Buddhist kingdom, and
neighboring Bhutan, a monarchy seemingly lost in time, make for an incredible
destination for the curious, plant-minded trekker. In the shadow of some of the
highest peaks on the planet, rhododendrons grow into effortless forests and
goats feed on blue poppies, towering magnolias frame millennia-old temples and
groves of cardamom circle villages perched on cliffs. This travelogue will
highlight some of the best plants for our Northwest gardens.
Speaker - Dave Demers
Globe-trotting horticulturist & owner, Cyan Horticulture
11:15 AM (60) - The 'Well-Dressed'
Garden
Best Plants to Accessorize Your Garden
Like an attractive and functional wardrobe, the palette of plants you choose
for your garden includes three general categories: THE BASICS are plants that
are highly versatile – going from sun to shade while always looking good – and
combining well with other plants. SPECIAL NEEDS plants are like your beach
clothes or rainy day clothes – while you may not need them as often, you can’t
live without them! These include plants for very sunny sites or damp, boggy
ground. And as with any complete wardrobe, versatility comes with ACCESSORIES.
Learn about plants that catch the eye and add seasonal color to enliven your
well-dressed garden. Thinking of your garden in this way will make planning
easier and will create a garden that looks great year round with minimal
effort. In addition, learn how you can use Great Plant Picks, a regional
educational program, to fine tune your garden skills.
Speaker - Carolyn Jones
Horticulturist, lecturer & author
Choosing Your Perfect Palette
See how color combinations affect the look of gardens, no matter what their
size. Pay no attention to fads. Instead, choose your favorite color mix,
whether it complements or contrasts. Color should only matter to you!
Speaker - Marty Wingate
Lecturer, columnist & author, 'Big Book of NW Perennials'
02:00 PM (60) - Gardening in
Margaritaville
Add Some Flair with Tropical Plants
Find out how the addition of spectacular tropical plants to your garden bring
some boldness and flair. Which ones make the cut for Ciscoe, and how just do
you care for these semi-tender plants? Learn how to create a garden you’ll want
to “waste away” in. Ohh la la! It’s Margaritaville with Ciscoe! BYOB!
Speaker - Ciscoe Morris
Radio & TV host, columnist & author, 'Ask Ciscoe'
03:30 PM - Using Stone Well
Design Ideas for Paths, Patios & Fountains
Learn how to choose stone for your garden and see how to use it to create
timeless beauty and character. See examples of stone added to gardens to create
paths, patios, fountains and walls, and discover the techniques that will
ensure success.
Speaker - Phil Wood
Lecturer, Seattle Times columnist & landscape architect
04:45 PM - Hot New Plants for Cool
Containers
Creative Combinations for Plants
Contain your enthusiasm for the new plants by growing them in creative
containers. Discover great partners for the new plants and ideas for matching
pots to plants along with tips on how to place pots into the landscape, and how
to use containers to solve problems and highlight vistas.
Speaker - Marianne Binetti
Garden writer & author, 'Herbs for Washington'
06:00 PM - Garden Design for Smaller
Spaces
Elements for Small Space Impact
Many gardeners are faced with creating an incredible environment in well less
than ½ acre. Discover which garden elements make the most impact in a small
space. Portals, walls, fences and décor all play a vital role in good garden
design.
Speaker - Karl Gercens III
Horticulturist, Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania
07:15 PM - The Gardener as Artist
Principles of Garden Design
The principles of garden design come from the wider context of the fine arts.
Gardeners take what works for them as tools to realizing their visions. This
presentation delves into how techniques from painting, sculpture and
architecture deal with space and perspective in gardens, with special attention
paid to the renowned local gardens of Linda Cochran, Carol Johanson and artists
Little & Lewis.
Speaker - Terry Moyemont
Photographer & co-owner, Mesogeo Nursery
Monrovia Diy Stage (45 minutes
except where noted)
Deadheading - Get the Most from Your Plants
Deadheading is an essential gardening chore. Do it right and you can extend a
plant’s flowering season. Do it wrong, or not at all, and your garden won’t
live up to its potential! Learn how and when to deadhead your garden plants to
get the most bloom, keep your garden tidy, and keep your plants healthy, strong
and longer blooming.
Speaker - Richard Greenberg
Owner & designer, Earth Wizardry Landscape
11:00 AM - Monrovia Presents: Incredible
Edibles
Mixing Plants for Sustainability & Beauty
Many gardeners would love to have fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs growing in
their garden, but don’t want a ‘traditional’ design, with unsightly straight
rows often relegated to the far corner of the garden. Today’s savvy gardeners mingle
edibles among the ornamental shrubs, perennials and vines for a beautiful
garden that yields a bountiful harvest! Find out the best plants and the best
planting tips for adding fresh, delicious edibles for a truly sustainable
landscape.
Speaker - Ruth Estrada
New Plants Manager,
Preventing & Minimizing Gardening Injuries
Gardening is heaven for the soul but can wreck havoc on the body! Becoming more
flexible, strong, relaxed and aware of body mechanics will enable the gardening
enthusiast to pursue his or her passion while minimizing the chance for injury.
Speaker - Gail Dubinsky, MD
Physician, yoga instructor & DVD creator
02:00 PM (30) - The Care & Feeding
of Garden Tools
Cleaning, Sharpening, Storing & More
If you’ve invested in good garden tools, it’s important to know how to care for
them to prolong their life and usefulness. Learn about cleaning tools, basic
sharpening techniques, storing tools, painting and annual maintenance. Discover
what makes a good tool and a bad tool. Pruning tools, watering tools, tillage
tools and others will be covered in this valuable seminar. Your tools will love
you for this!
Speaker - Bob Denman
Blacksmith & owner, Red Pig Garden Tools
03:15 PM - Beyond Bouquets
Using Foliage for Contemporary Style
Bouquets aren’t just for flowering plants – foliage in the arrangements adds
contemporary beauty and style. If you are new to flower arranging, learn where
to start, what you need, what to do and how to do it, all in this fun,
informative seminar. Learn how to express creativity with color and how to use
different flower and foliage colors and shapes together. This demo also covers
tips on placement, stability, keeping flowers and foliage fresh and improvised
containers. Here’s your chance to ask questions from one of the top floral
designers in the state.
Speaker - Lana Finegold
Past President, WA State Federation of Garden Clubs
Transform Your Containers with Paint & Style!
Learn how to transform typical unglazed terracotta containers into creative
conversation pieces with paints and wood stains! You'll learn how to create
pots with three different finishes: brightly colored and glossy, vintage, and
matte modern. Even the most crafty-impaired gardeners will find these
techniques simple, fun, and successful! This is the perfect winter gardening
project and a great way to get a head start on preparing your patio for spring!
Speaker - Willi Evans Galloway
West coast editor, Organic Gardening magazine
Creative Uses with Herbs
These easy ideas and recipes will introduce you to the wonderful world of
growing and using herbs. Learn about theme gardens, harvesting, preserving,
culinary and crafting ideas using flavorful and aromatic herbs. Recipe sheets,
handouts, and show-and-tell projects are all included in this seminar; all
simple to do from a variety of beneficial herbs.
Speaker - Susan Goetz
Instructor, garden writer & designer
Friday,
February 22
Rainier Room 3 A/B (45 minutes except where noted)
10:00 AM (60) - Color: No Rules, Just
Right
This enlightening and entertaining seminar will demonstrate ways of using color
to both enliven the garden, and to create a soothing oasis. Val Easton will
weigh in on her favorite color, orange, and all its permutations, such as
peach, salmon and soft terracotta. Lucy Hardiman will add some calm to the
color chaos with the many uses of green and its color relatives. And Glenn
Withey and Charles Price will do what they do best – bold and bodacious color
combinations, not for the faint of heart. If you’re curious, or confused, about
color, this is one seminar you won’t want to miss!
10:00 AM - Orange is Just Peachy
Blending Warm Sunset Colors
Speaker - Val Easton
Seattle Times columnist & author, 'The Pattern Garden'
10:00 AM - It's Not Easy Being Green
Integrating Calming & Versatile Green
This enlightening and entertaining seminar will demonstrate ways of using color
to both enliven the garden, and to create a soothing oasis. Val Easton will
weigh in on her favorite color, orange, and all its permutations, such as
peach, salmon and soft terracotta. Lucy Hardiman will add some calm to the
color chaos with the many uses of green and its color relatives. And Glenn Withey
and Charles Price will do what they do best – bold and bodacious color
combinations, not for the faint of heart. If you’re curious, or confused, about
color, this is one seminar you won’t want to miss!
Speaker - Lucy Hardiman
Writer, designer & co-author, 'Intimate Gardens'
10:00 AM - Bold & Bodacious Color
Show-Stopping Color for High Impact Design
This enlightening and entertaining seminar will demonstrate ways of using color
to both enliven the garden, and to create a soothing oasis. Val Easton will
weigh in on her favorite color, orange, and all its permutations, such as
peach, salmon and soft terracotta. Lucy Hardiman will add some calm to the
color chaos with the many uses of green and its color relatives. And Glenn
Withey and Charles Price will do what they do best – bold and bodacious color
combinations, not for the faint of heart. If you’re curious, or confused, about
color, this is one seminar you won’t want to miss!
Speaker - Charles Price & Glenn
Withey
Curators,
Five Principles of Garden Design
A look at the five principles to garden by, garnered from several decades of
gardening experience, to instill a sense of authenticity to gardens. These five
principles are: 1) capture the sense of place; 2) derive beauty from function;
3) use humble or indigenous materials; 4) marry the inside to the outside; 5)
involve the visitor. Both public and private gardens that use these principles
will be examined as inspirational examples from across the
Speaker - Claire Sawyers
Show Judge, Director, Scott Arboretum & author
01:00 PM (60) - Small Gardens Designed
for People
Getting the Best From Your Property & Plants
This seminar is just what is says – a focus on smaller space gardens that are
for people and not just for show. How to handle space, use plants, and get the
very best out of your property and space will be covered. David discusses the
many tricks of the trade and covers a wide spectrum of design styles, from
traditional to contemporary.
Speaker - David Stevens
Show Judge, British TV host, designer & author
Easy Care & Garden Worthy Choices
Nothing beats the color, texture and form of those flowers that keep coming
back year after year. But perennials had a bad rap for being labor intensive –
and some deserve it! Here’s what to choose for less work and more impact, so
you can have a garden that blooms with new possibilities every season.
Speaker - Marty Wingate
Lecturer, columnist & author, 'Big Book of NW Perennials'
03:45 PM (60) - Coleus: Red-hot, Easy
& Versatile
Rediscover These Vibrant Plants
Forget those dumpy little plants taking up space in shady spots or languishing
as cuttings in jelly jars. Modern Coleus take center stage in containers and
gardens, and can take the place of shrubs, flowering plants and ground covers.
Eye-popping photos illustrate their seductive qualities and provide inspiration
for garden use.
Speaker - Ray Rogers
Fearless Gardeners & the Evolution of Style
What makes a ‘
Speaker - Terri Stanley
Photographer & co-owner, Mesogeo Nursery
06:30 PM - Foliage Color for Small
Gardens
Create Drama with Bold Foliage Plants
Trees, shrubs and perennials with rich foliage colors generally grow slower
than their green counterparts, making them perfect for today’s small gardens.
Explore the rich reds, dazzling golds, crisp silvers and unexpected variegation
found in many underused garden plants.
Speaker - Karl Gercens III
Horticulturist, Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania
07:45 PM - Right Plant, Right Place =
Success
Taking the Guesswork Out of Plant Selection
Whether you are a native of the Northwest or a recent transplant, or if you are
new to gardening, or simply need a break from the “same old thing” landscape
style, this seminar will help you sort out what plants will work best for your
garden. And for those overwhelmed by the selection of awesomely cool and
interesting plants that are available in nurseries these days, you’ll feel
confident to take the plunge and try new plants after this seminar. Scott will
talk about one of the region’s great educational treasures - Great Plants
Picks, and how this program helps take the guesswork out of plant selection.
Learn how to read between the lines on a plant label; how to sleuth out
information online that pertains to your garden situation; which questions to
ask; and how to pick out a “good” plant. You’ll take home easy techniques to
ensure successful establishment of your plants in the future.
Speaker - Scott Vergara
Director,
Hood Room 2 A/B (45 minutes except where noted)
Preview of the Hottest New Introductions
Join seed expert Renee Shepherd for a preview of hot items from seed breeders
all over the world, and discover the herbs, flowers and vegetables new to the
business and new for your garden. The newest varieties to tempt you include
interesting heirloom perennials that bloom their first year from seed, the best
new sweet peas, vegetables you may not have thought of growing from seed, and
gourmet picks from the cooks garden.
Speaker - Renee Shepherd
Owner, Renee's Garden & author, 'Kitchen Garden'
Design Ideas for Expressing Your Personality
Gain inspiration for creating a garden that expresses your own personal style.
Learn how to choose paving materials, plants and accessories, and then put them
together in a way that is uniquely yours. Before-and-after photos will
illustrate the dramatic changes that are possible, and give you the confidence
to add panache to your own garden.
Speaker - Phil Wood
Lecturer, Seattle Times columnist & landscape architect
Insights from the Curator's Perspective
Take a unique look at
Speaker - Linda Beutler
Author & curator, Rogerson Clematis Collection,
How to Prune, Move, Renovate & Remove
Rhododendrons…the quintessential Northwest shrub. They are at home here in our
climate, yet how often have you seen a Rhody that looked, well, simply ugly? Or
you wanted to personally take a chain saw to overgrown Rhodies that were
blocking your front windows? Find out if your Rhody is the wrong kind, in the
wrong place, distressed or diseased. Then learn whether or not it should be
pruned, moved, renovated or removed. If you have a Rhody on the verge of
ugliness, don’t miss this seminar!
Speaker - Cass Turnbull
Founder, Plant Amnesty & author, Guide to Pruning
03:00 PM (60) - Elements of
Mediterranean Gardens
Fresh Twists for Northwest Gardens
Join Sunset’s Senior Garden editor Kathy Brenzel as she shares how to
incorporate the look, livability, and earth-friendliness of true Mediterranean
landscapes into casual Northwest gardens, with plants, paving, water features,
containers and more.
Speaker - Kathy Brenzel
Senior Garden Editor, Sunset
04:30 PM (60) - The Compost Soil Food
Web
Getting the Most From Beneficial Compost
More and more gardeners are turning to compost for use in their gardens. Learn
the fascinating science involved in making compost, meet the members of the
compost food web, learn what and how compost impacts plants and learn the best
ways to make and use your own compost.
Speaker - Jeff Lowenfels
Alaska columnist & author, 'Teaming with Microbes'
06:00 PM - Blending Bright Colors in the
Garden
How to Use Color with Panache
Whether in containers or in the border, this seminar shows how to incorporate
bright colors such as orange and gold into the garden, from a tiny splash to
complete borders. Don’t be afraid of bright color - use color with panache and
be bold! For the faint-hearted it also looks at the paler side of each color.
You can learn how to brighten your garden, and create more impact, while still
using pastel colors.
Speaker - Karen Platt
British author, 'Lifestyle Gardening' & series of 'color' books
Tips on
British designer Christine North explores the basic principles of design for
small gardens from an English perspective. She will talk about how to simplify
your style in design, materials and techniques and share the best plants to
visually extend your space within an overall cohesive design. Form, texture,
fragrance and year round color will also be discussed.
Speaker - Christine North
British designer, Owner, Gardens of Distinction
Monrovia Diy Stage (45 minutes
except where noted)
Containers & Plants to Reflect Your Style
Does your container garden reflect who you are? Are they full of zest and
energy, the life and soul of the party? Or perhaps you prefer to be seen as the
cool, calm and collected type? It is easy to create container gardens with a
sophisticated, contemporary look, a relaxed feel or a more traditional, elegant
style. In this seminar Karen demonstrates how to plant three containers
representing each personality. Emphasis will be placed on container and plant
selections needed to create each distinctive look. Learn how the design works
by the careful use of color, textural interest and form. Handout provided.
Speaker - Karen Chapman
Owner, Le Jardinet, container gardening designer
11:15 AM - Ask the Doctor
Prevention & Treatment of Gardening Injuries
Gardening can be intense, prolonged or repetitive physical activity. Acute and
cumulative injuries are all too common, but not inevitable! Dr. Dubinsky, a
soft-tissue orthopedist and yoga instructor, will discuss common gardening
injuries; prevention with stretching, exercise and good body mechanics; and
treatment strategies to speed healing. Bring your questions! (Please note: Dr.
Dubinsky cannot “diagnose” in this setting; consult your personal physician.)
Speaker - Gail Dubinsky, MD
Physician, yoga instructor & DVD creator
12:45 PM - Monrovia Presents: Incredible
Edibles
Mixing Plants for Sustainability & Beauty
Many gardeners would love to have fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs growing in
their garden, but don’t want a ‘traditional’ design, with unsightly straight
rows often relegated to the far corner of the garden. Today’s savvy gardeners
mingle edibles among the ornamental shrubs, perennials and vines for a
beautiful garden that yields a bountiful harvest! Find out the best plants and
the best planting tips for adding fresh, delicious edibles for a truly sustainable
landscape.
Speaker - Ruth Estrada
New Plants Manager,
Growing Vegetables Vertically
The best way to grow more vegetables, save space, and add vertical interest to
your kitchen garden is to grow plants up on to trellises. This workshop will
demonstrate how to build three simple, attractive, and inexpensive trellises: a
gazebo bean teepee that utilizes curved bamboo supports and bamboo poles, an
A-Frame trellis with wire panels, and a super sturdy squash ladder. All of
these trellises can be built in under an hour and can be used to grow beans,
peas, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and melons.
Speaker - Willi Evans Galloway
West coast editor, Organic Gardening magazine
Quick & Easy Diy Water Features
It’s easy to add the beauty of a water feature to the small garden. Even the
tiniest condo or lanai can include a water feature. Using a variety of
containers, pumps and plants, Mary will show you just how quickly and
inexpensively you can create your own small - but magical - water feature.
Speaker - Mary Gutierrez
Editor & writer, Northwest Garden News
05:00 PM - 5 Steps to Natural Lawn Care
Have a Healthy Lawn While Preserving the Earth
This informative presentation is part of King County’s highly successful
“Natural Yard Care Neighborhoods” program. You will learn how you can care for
your lawn while ensuring the safety of your children and pet, including tips on
mowing, fertilizing, watering and pest control. Find out what you should be
doing – and what you shouldn’t be doing- to protect our precious regional water
quality and salmon streams. If you have a lawn this is one seminar you
shouldn’t miss.
Speaker - Ladd Smith
Co-Owner, In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes
Learning the Art of Japanese Flower Arranging
As is true of all other arts, Ikebana is creative expression within certain
rules of construction. Its materials are branches, leaves, grasses, and
blossoms. Ikebana is the creativity resulting from color, mass and lines.
Ikebana is, therefore, much more than mere floral decoration. If you are
interested in learning more about this beautiful art, don’t miss this Ikebana
seminar, where 8 – 9 Ikebana demonstration pieces will come to life as you
watch, with clear discussion about why certain elements are chosen and what
kind of artistic views they are meant to represent.
Speaker - Nobuko Relnick
Instructor at Sogetsu School of Ikebana
Saturday,
February 23
Rainier Room 3 A/B (45 minutes
except where noted)
10:00 AM (30) - How to Hire a Landscape
Professional
What You Should Know Before Your Start
Have you ever wanted to hire a landscape professional but just didn’t know how
to find someone who would be a ‘good fit’ for your needs? Learn how to get
started and what to look for in selecting a landscape architect or contractor
to assist you in achieving your goals and dreams for your garden!
Speaker - Tom Berg
Marketing manager, Berg's Landscaping
Premier Plants for the Passionate Gardener
Speaker - Nicholas Staddon
Director of New Plant Introductions, Monrovia
12:15 PM - Hazy Shades of Winter
Extending the Garden for Year Round Delight
Careful plant selection can make the winter garden appealing for both gardeners
and wildlife. Plants and ornaments can capture the beauty of this most
challenging season. Learn what works to make your garden a visual feast
throughout the dreary winter months.
Speaker - Linda Beutler
Author & curator, Rogerson Clematis Collection, Portland
01:30 PM (60) - Gardening for Good
Health - Room 6E
Benefits for Body & Mind
Speaker - Sally Field
Academy Award-winning actress; Dr. Andrew Solomon; Marty Wingate
02:45 PM (60) - Lots of Pots!
Designing Successful Container Plantings
Would you like to understand and apply the design elements behind beautifully
designed container plantings? Gorgeous photos illustrate color, line, form,
space, texture, and other factors that produce memorable pots. You, too, can
create your own photo-worthy combinations without following someone else’s
“recipes.”
Speaker - Ray Rogers
See Which Plants Make Ciscoe's 'Best' List
Think you know what plants make Ciscoe’s favorite list? Some of his favorites
are “Mabel,” “Wilma,” and “Fred,” to name a few, and you may even develop a
taste for “Merlot” and “
Speaker - Ciscoe Morris
Radio & TV host, columnist & author, 'Ask Ciscoe'
05:45 PM - The Basics of Gardening
'Green'
Manage Your Garden & Preserve the Earth
How to manage your garden without damaging the planet is a key issue and part
of the broader spectrum of global concern. Find out what you can do in your own
back yard to help the planet. This seminar also looks at climate change and how
it might affect your garden, such as plants you may no longer be able to grow,
and the effect of wetter summers and warmer winters. It will also cover the
critical issue of how to save water in the garden. Which plants are water
guzzlers and how can you still grow them without feeling guilty (and paying a
huge water bill?) Green roofs are also becoming popular in the
Speaker - Karen Platt
British author, 'Lifestyle Gardening' & series of 'color' books
07:00 PM - Designing with Succulents
Discover the Uses of These Sculptural Plants
Using dramatic photos from her best-selling book, Designing with Succulents,
garden photojournalist Debra Lee Baldwin presents a visually exciting,
entertaining overview of the many aesthetic uses of these sculptural,
drought-tolerant and low maintenance plants. Included are easily-to-achieve
landscape ideas, garden vignettes, container arrangements, hanging baskets,
wreaths and more.
Speaker - Debra Lee Baldwin
Photojournalist & author, 'Designing with Succulents'
Hood Room 2 A/B (45 minutes except
where noted)
09:45 AM (60) - Basic Gardening for
Beginners
Demystifying Garden Design & Maintenance
Join British garden designer Christine North as she unravels the seemingly
complex nature of gardening to look at plants and how they work; explain different
soils and the benefits of composting; simplifies design; evaluates easy plants
to grow and where to grow them and demystifies the general maintenance of
lawns, garden beds, pruning and weeding.
Speaker - Christine North
British designer, Owner, Gardens of Distinction
Best Plant Varieties for Today's
If you’re gardening in a small space, the possibilities are greater than you
think. Dwarf evergreens, small deciduous shrubs with four-season interest,
perennials that attract birds and butterflies, or annuals that provide a burst
of color deserve a space in your container, small lot or backyard retreat.
Discover new varieties and old favorites that you will want to add to your
landscape for big impact.
Speaker - Melinda Myers
Milwaukee TV host & author, 'Small Space Gardening'
Family quality time together is priceless. This seminar includes three easy
family projects to get everyone gardening – even the cats! (OK, the cats don’t
actually do much work, but they sure will love the results!) You’ll take away
plant lists for a special dinosaur garden and a “Feline Field of Dreams.”
You’ll receive step-by-step instructions, all wonderfully illustrated, on how
to plant both of these family gardens and how to build some fun (not scary)
scarecrows.
Speaker - Ellen Zachos
Author, 'Down & Dirty: 45 Fun & Funky Garden Projects'
02:00 PM (60) - Part 2 - Plant Palettes
for Pots
Designing Successful Container Combinations
After giving you all her how-to tips on the Monrovia DIY Stage, join designer
Wendy Welch as she shares her favorite and most successful container
combinations for year round beauty. Focusing on long-lived containers, she
covers context, scale, color and texture as well as industry myths and even her
own bloopers!
Speaker - Wendy Welch
Container gardening specialist, designer & lecturer
03:30 PM - Getting it All Together
Integrating Art, Pots & Plants in the Garden
Sometimes it’s difficult to put the ‘perfect’ final touches in the garden. What
works? What doesn’t? Figuring out how to put it all together, using garden art
(both found objects and purchased masterpieces) plus adding containers, and
then mixing them all effectively with the plants, can easily make the savviest
gardener go nuts! This seminar will help you decide on the best combinations of
art, containers and plants for surefire success in your own garden.
Speaker - Mike Darcy
Host of Portland radio & TV shows 'In the Garden'
04:45 PM - Garden Rehab
12-Step Program to Sustainable Landscapes
Too often we rely upon horticultural practices that are out-of-date,
out-of-place, or scientifically unsound. This seminar will start with a
discussion of typical urban site conditions, which provide a basis for proper
selection and siting. Next, you’ll learn how to select quality plant material
and prepare it for urban survival. Finally, best installation and management
practices will be presented. Throughout the seminar, the most current available
science will be used to explain these “radical” methods. Handouts will be
provided, including the “how to’ information needed to successfully install an
urban landscape.
Speaker - Linda Chalker-Scott
Writer & instructor, WSU Horticulture Extension Program
06:00 PM - Green Roofs & Living
Walls
The Latest Trend in Environmental Design
‘Green Roofs’ are a growing trend as people seek to have housing that is more
environmentally sensitive. Learn about the installation of green roofs, living
walls and rain gardens in the residential landscape. Many recently built
examples will be shown, as well as the theory and practice of how to design
green roofs. This seminar will also include sources for local materials, plants
and implementation guidelines for you to get started on a green roof, living
wall or rain garden of your own.
Speaker - Patrick Carey
Owner, Hadj Designs & green roof specialist
07:15 PM - Basic Garden Design Do's
& Don'ts
How to Avoid the Pitfalls & Make a Design Plan
Many people regret starting their garden without giving thought to a good
design. Here’s your opportunity to learn design how-to’s to help beginning
gardeners avoid pitfalls and make good garden design decisions. Handout
provided.
Speaker - Jolly Butler
Master Gardener, garden writer & teacher
Monrovia Diy Stage (45 minutes
except where noted)
09:30 AM - Energy Wise Landscaping
Strategies to Save Time, Money & Resources
Gardeners can be kind to the Earth and save money by recycling precious
resources right in our garden. Whether is it a solar powered irrigation or
lighting system, worm composting, using a rain barrel or other energy wise
strategy, you’ll discover some simple strategies for saving time, money,
resources while maintaining a beautiful landscape and helping out the Earth as
well!
Speaker - Melinda Myers
Milwaukee TV host & author, 'Small Space Gardening'
11:00 AM - Bat House Building for
Gardeners
Quick Habitats for our Friends the Bats
Bats, such as the Little Brown Bat, will roost in urban areas and around
buildings. When they come to the neighborhood, they contribute greatly to
reducing insect populations. You can enlist the help of these Northwest native
bats by providing suitable roosting sites. This seminar will demonstrate how to
construct a roosting box and discuss appropriate locations for the box.
Speaker - Peter Punzi
Columnist, consultant & Horticulture Guy
12:30 PM (60) - Part 1 - Containers 101
A Crash Course on Container Gardening
Join designer Wendy Welch for a crash course in container gardening. She will
touch on everything from container selection to long-term maintenance,
including drainage, soils, fertilizing, watering, design, and installation. Her
organic and no-nonsense approach will both inspire and empower you to create
your own beautiful container gardens! Wendy’s demonstration on the
Speaker - Wendy Welch
Container gardening specialist, designer & lecturer
02:15 PM - Bare Bones Transplanting
Untangling Problems for Planting Success
This invaluable seminar will show you the best ways to prepare container plants
and B&B trees for transplanting. Investing the time to prepare and install
trees and shrubs properly will pay future dividends of reduced maintenance and
increased plant health for the lifetime of your landscape. Whether you’re new
to gardening or just want to make sure your plants get off to a health start,
don’t miss this seminar!
Speaker - Linda Chalker-Scott
Writer & instructor, WSU Horticulture Extension Program
03:45 PM (60) - Floral Designs for
Today's Décor
Creating Modern & Japanese Style Designs
This is a wonderful introduction of floral designs in both modern and Japanese
style. The demonstration will cover how designs are put together in one piece,
combining foliage, flowers and objects. Special attention will be paid to
shape, color, size and height to achieve different, stunning effects. Also
learn about making floral designs for that special occasion.
Speaker - Chin Zimonyi
Floral designer & teacher, registered nurse
Tools & Techniques for Installing Pavers
Most homes and gardens have areas that are overgrown with weeds or loose gravel
and mud. Now you can turn that muddy spot into a useful area for outdoor
living! This seminar focuses on converting those areas to a lovely brick
seating area or perhaps a paver patio. Design considerations and steps for
building a patio will be covered. Hands-on participation will be encouraged, so
learn from the experts and soon you will be able to build a patio or pathway
with pavers.
Speaker - Marty Njaa & Brian Healow
Hardscape specialists at Mutual Materials
Recognize, Treat & Prevent Plant Disorders
In this unusual and fascinating seminar Dr. Deardorff will use an artificial
garden to demonstrate how to recognize plant disorders, how to prevent them,
and how to treat them. Artificial plants with “symptoms” allow you to
participate in diagnosing plant problems. See if you can diagnose the plants
correctly! You’ll learn what questions you should be asking to properly
diagnose problems and what to do next.
Speaker - David Deardorff
Garden coach, lecturer & designer, Plant Life 2
Sprout Stage (30 minutes except
where noted)
10:00 AM - Creatures of the Earth
An Underground Adventure of Songs & Stories
Decomposers, up close and personal! Join Lisa and Sam in an adventure
underground, using stories, songs and demonstrations. Discover how worms and
other creatures make rich soil for the garden.
Speaker - Lisa Taylor
Seattle Tilth Children's Program Coordinator
11:00 AM - Toad's Dilemma: A Garden
Musical
Exploring Nature in Song and Dance
Join Judith Jones & Company as they share the magical, musical story of
Toad and his friends. This is sure to delight children of all ages to the
wonders of nature!
Speaker - Judith Jones & Friends
Award-winning garden creator & nursery owner
Discover Friendly & Fascinating Bats
Do you know what bats eat? Or how many kinds there are? Or what sizes they come
in? And why do they sleep upside down? Find out the answers to these questions
and more in this batty presentation that is filled with fun facts about bats,
just right for kids and adults too.
Speaker - Kathleen Bander
Founder of Bats Northwest
The Magic of Metamorphosis in Song & Dance
Join children’s gardeners Lisa and Sam in an exploration of how garden insects
grow and change. Learn about the magic of metamorphosis through songs, stories
and demonstrations. It’s simply amazing!
Speaker - Lisa Taylor & Sam
Seattle Tilth Children's Program Coordinator
02:00 PM - Build Your Own Plant
Learning How Plants Grow
Explore the magic and learn how plants grow as kid’s build their very own plant
sculpture from paper, pipe cleaners, toothpicks and more. They’ll learn discuss
the job of roots, leaves and stems as they build their plant. Then each child
can start a real plant from a small cutting to take home and watch grow!
Speaker - Melinda Myers
Milwaukee TV host & author, 'Small Space Gardening'
03:00 PM - Toad's Dilemma: A Garden
Musical
Exploring Nature in Song and Dance
Join Judith Jones & Company as they share the magical, musical story of
Toad and his friends. This is sure to delight children of all ages to the
wonders of nature!
Speaker - Judith Jones & Friends
Award-winning garden creator & nursery owner
Sunday,
February 24
Rainier Room 3 A/B (45 minutes
except where noted)
10:00 AM (60) - Small Gardens Designed
for People
Getting the Best From Your Property & Plants
This seminar is just what is says – a focus on smaller space gardens that are
for people and not just for show. How to handle space, use plants, and get the
very best out of your property and space will be covered. David discusses the
many tricks of the trade and covers a wide spectrum of design styles, from
traditional to contemporary.
Speaker - David Stevens
Show Judge, British TV host, designer & author
Simple techniques and design strategies for maintaining your landscape while
caring for the earth. Melinda will discuss everything from plant selection to
natural products for growing and maintaining plants and managing garden pests.
Plus tips on managing water, plant debris and kitchen scraps.
Speaker - Melinda Myers
Milwaukee TV host & author, 'Small Space Gardening'
01:00 PM - Monrovia Presents: The
Minimalist Garden
Plants for
It’s hard to ignore the ever-growing trend of simple, contemporary garden
design. Your own easy-care garden can incorporate some of the hallmarks of this
style, with sleek architectural prominence and striking design that highlights
and dramatizes select plant varieties. Discover what plants work best, and how
to best use them, to achieve your own interpretation of this modern, elegant
style.
Speaker - Nicholas Staddon
Director of New Plant Introductions, Monrovia
02:15 PM - Daffodils: Best for the West
Discover the Choicest Varieties for NW Gardens
Daffodils are a perennial favorite of gardener’s everywhere, and grow very well
in Northwest gardens. But with thousands of varieties to choose from, which are
best for our gardens? Mary Robson shares 30 years of container and landscape
experience with these great bulbs, and will be coving them from peach to gold
and every color in between.
Speaker - Mary Robson
Seattle Times columnist & author, 'Gardener's Guide'
03:30 PM - 7 Easy Steps for Beginning
Gardeners
Straightforward Advice to Get You Started Right
Are you a beginning gardener and overwhelmed by advice in gardening books,
shows and lectures? Here is just the program for you! Jolly presents clear,
straightforward advice for beginning gardeners and demonstrates what she
teaches with examples and ideas from many gardens. Handout provided.
Speaker - Jolly Butler
Master Gardener, garden writer & teacher
Using Design Principles to Enhance Your Garden
Discover how you can use artistic principles to accentuate and link your garden
elements into a cohesive whole. Learn how to clarify small spaces and energize
plantings, emphasizing form, color, rhythm and balance.
Speaker - Betsy Fitzgerald
Landscape designer & garden historian
Hood Room 2 A/B (45 minutes except where noted)
Step-by-Step
If you have a small back yard, terrace, patio, or deck, a few well-planned
containers can deliver a lot of pizzazz, not to mention some tasty herbs and
vegetables! This seminar offers unusual container set-ups: a container water
garden, plastic grow bags, natural containers, flea market funk and a
containerized tree. You’ll learn step-by-step planting instructions for each
type of container, explaining how to make the most of just a few square feet.
Speaker - Ellen Zachos
Author, 'Down & Dirty: 45 Fun & Funky Garden Projects'
11:15 AM - Landscaping for 'Herbal Renewal'
Adding Spice to Your Garden Designs
Learn how to have a lawn of Thyme, hedges of lavender, basil in your rockery
and plenty of sage advice. Landscaping with herbs means less water but more
spice in your gardening designs!
Speaker - Marianne Binetti
Garden writer & author, 'Herbs for Washington'
12:30 PM - Succulent Container Gardens
Create Gorgeous, Low-Water Container Gardens
Garden photojournalist Debra Lee Baldwin explains how anyone, anywhere can
create gorgeous, low-water and easy-care container gardens of succulent plants,
suitable for patios, balconies and bright indoor areas. The author of the
best-selling Designing with Succulents introduces the best succulents for
containers; how to select and group pots; and how to create appealing, miniature
gardens, hanging baskets, topiaries, gift arrangement and eye-catching combos.
Speaker - Debra Lee Baldwin
Photojournalist & author, 'Designing with Succulents'
Converting Lawn to
Tired of lots of spending time, money and sweat effort to maintain a nice
looking lawn? Feeling guilty about dumping chemicals on your lawn and polluting
the environment? Wish you had a solution? Now you do – learn how to convert
that unused, unwanted or unhealthy expanse of lawn into beautiful new garden
beds.
Speaker - Greg Rabourn
Manager,
Using Bright Colors for Maximum Effect
Wow! Talk about color! Ed shares with you some of the plants that have striking
foliage and shows how they can be effectively used for maximum effect in the
garden. See how the reds, blues, silvers, yellows and oranges on leaf colors
can completely change an otherwise ho-hum landscape. Here’s your chance to learn
new ways to combine plants and colors to create a splash of color that is sure
to liven up your own garden.
Speaker - Ed Hume
Host, 'Gardening in
Tips & Techniques for Gardening Organically
Concerned about the impact of gardening on the environment? Now you can learn
to make sense of “green” lingo, find out what “nutrient cycling,” “Integrated
Pest Management” and “sustainable” really mean. Learn how to improve fertility,
create garden resistance to pests and disease, and use less inputs and
resources in the home garden by working with nature. Best of all you’ll still
have time to BBQ in your beautiful, safe and sane garden setting! Fertilizer
components, application strategies, water use, aesthetic and tolerance
thresholds and sustainable pest controls will also be explored.
Speaker - EagleSong
Founder & teacher, Ravencroft Garden
Monrovia Diy Stage (45 minutes
except where noted)
09:30 AM - Energy Wise Landscaping
Strategies to Save Time, Money & Resources
Gardeners can be kind to the Earth and save money by recycling precious
resources right in our garden. Whether is it a solar powered irrigation or
lighting system, worm composting, using a rain barrel or other energy wise
strategy, you’ll discover some simple strategies for saving time, money,
resources while maintaining a beautiful landscape and helping out the Earth as
well!
Speaker - Melinda Myers
Milwaukee TV host & author, 'Small Space Gardening'
Creating Containers for Year Round Impact
See how to create two visually exciting container gardens and learn how to make
them at home. Each design will have a strong backbone of evergreen materials
that carries through the year, with splashes of seasonal color. Karen will give
many examples of how to refresh these combinations each season in just a few
minutes. This seminar will cover the different plants used, why the design
works well by the careful use of color repetition, textural interest and form.
Novice gardeners will appreciate the discussion of container selection, potting
mixes, fertilizers and veteran gardeners will enjoy the unusual plants,
combinations and innovative ideas.
Speaker - Karen Chapman
Owner, Le Jardinet, container gardening designer
12:00 PM (60) - Ikebana with Unique
Materials
Using Original Accents in Ikebana Design
Using plant materials with non-plant materials, such as cloth, wire, plastic,
chicken wire, tin cans, etc. you can create interesting floral arrangements
with found objects. Using the principles of Ikebana you will see how you can
create beautiful arrangements, and discover which materials to use and how to
make the arrangements to bring energy to your home and life.
Speaker - Nobuko Relnick
Instructor at Sogetsu School of Ikebana
Top Tips for Productive Container Gardening
No matter what size your garden, you can grow fruit trees and berries in
containers! Learn just how easy it is to grow them in containers. This seminar
discusses which fruits and berries thrive in pots on decks, how to select and
grow the best varieties and how to care for them.
Speaker - Sam Benowitz
Owner, Raintree Nursery & fruit tree expert
How to Diagnose & Treat Your Rose Problems
Yes, you can grow roses sustainably by selecting disease-resistant cultivars
and cultivars adapted for our climate. And by understanding the differences
between Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, English Roses, and so forth, you can manage
them properly to reduce the need for toxic chemicals. Learn how to recognize
the typical symptoms of various rose disorders, diseases and pests, and how to
diagnose and treat roses sustainably. Bring your rose questions!
Speaker - David Deardorff
Garden coach, lecturer & designer, Plant Life 2
05:00 PM - How to Install Retaining
Walls
Tame Your Slopes with Retaining Walls
If you build it…you are sure to have a better landscape. Taming those slopes
with retaining walls is a sure way to beautiful your garden and make it easier
to care for. Learn the basic steps in building a retaining wall. You’ll leave
with the knowledge and confidence to build a retaining wall – do try this at
home!
Speaker - Russell Jensema
Paving stone specialist with Baselite
Sprout Stage (30 minutes except where noted)
An Underground Adventure of Songs & Stories
Decomposers, up close and personal! Join Lisa and Sam in an adventure
underground, using stories, songs and demonstrations. Discover how worms and
other creatures make rich soil for the garden.
Speaker - Lisa Taylor
Seattle Tilth Children's Program Coordinator
11:00 AM - Toad's Dilemma: A Garden
Musical
Exploring Nature in Song and Dance
Join Judith Jones & Company as they share the magical, musical story of
Toad and his friends. This is sure to delight children of all ages to the
wonders of nature!
Speaker - Judith Jones & Friends
Award-winning garden creator & nursery owner
Discover Friendly & Fascinating Bats
Do you know what bats eat? Or how many kinds there are? Or what sizes they come
in? And why do they sleep upside down? Find out the answers to these questions
and more in this batty presentation that is filled with fun facts about bats,
just right for kids and adults too.
Speaker - Kathleen Bander
Founder of Bats Northwest
The Magic of Metamorphosis in Song & Dance
Join children’s gardeners Lisa and Sam in an exploration of how garden insects grow
and change. Learn about the magic of metamorphosis through songs, stories and
demonstrations. It’s simply amazing!
Speaker - Lisa Taylor
Seattle Tilth Children's Program Coordinator
02:00 PM - Build Your Own Plant
Learning How Plants Grow
Explore the magic and learn how plants grow as kid’s build their very own plant
sculpture from paper, pipe cleaners, toothpicks and more. They’ll learn discuss
the job of roots, leaves and stems as they build their plant. Then each child
can start a real plant from a small cutting to take home and watch grow!
Speaker - Melinda Myers
Milwaukee TV host & author, 'Small Space Gardening'
03:00 PM - Toad's Dilemma: A Garden
Musical
Exploring Nature in Song and Dance
Join Judith Jones & Company as they share the magical, musical story of
Toad and his friends. This is sure to delight children of all ages to the
wonders of nature!
Speaker - Judith Jones & Friends
Award-winning garden creator & nursery owner
Location:
Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Pl,
Seattle, WA 98101
Ticket Information:
5 Day Pass - $65
2 Day Pass - $28
Adult - $19
Early Bird (not available after February 19) - $16
Group Advance (minimum purchase of 20 tickets) - $15
Half Day (admission after 3pm, except Sunday after 2pm) - $13
Student (25 years and under with valid student ID, at door only) - $8
Youth ( Ages 6-17) - $3
Child (5 years and under) - Free!
