Inspiration & Deep Dives | Northwest Flower & Garden Festival

February 18-22, 2026

Seattle Convention Center

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Engage with the ideas and people shaping the future of gardening. From expert interviews and plant stories to design insight and creative discovery, these sessions offer fresh perspectives to inspire every gardener.

The Seminars by Category are listed in chronological order. Please check the Seminar Schedule for a full list of all our seminars. No ticket refunds for Speaker cancellation.

All seminars at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival are FREE with your ticket!

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Day-to-Day Floriography Teresa Sabankaya - Author, Floral Designer, Slow Flowers Advocate Teresa Sabankaya invites you on a floral adventure into the language of flowers... an art form where blooms speak volumes about love, friendship, and sentiment. She’ll demonstrate how to create modern-day posies inspired by the historical nosegay tradition, where each flower and herb carries meaning and emotion. Beginning in the garden, Teresa shares how inspiration grows from simple stems and blossoms into a personalized message of beauty and connection. Drawing from her newest book, Modern Floriography (The Countryman Press, 2026), she shows how to craft exquisite, heartfelt bouquets that express what words sometimes cannot. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 10:15am / DIY Stage	Day-to-Day Floriography Teresa Sabankaya invites you on a floral adventure into the language of flowers... an art form where blooms speak volumes about love, friendship, and sentiment. She’ll demonstrate how to create modern-day posies inspired by the historical nosegay tradition, where each flower and herb carries meaning and emotion. Beginning in the garden, Teresa shares how inspiration grows from simple stems and blossoms into a personalized message of beauty and connection. Drawing from her newest book, Modern Floriography (The Countryman Press, 2026), she shows how to craft exquisite, heartfelt bouquets that express what words sometimes cannot. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 10:15am

Futurescaping: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Technology Erica Grivas - Award-winning Garden Journalist Your garden can thrive in a changing climate... and be more beautiful, abundant, and healthy than ever. As innovations transform how we garden, we’re also rediscovering time-honored techniques that have sustained communities for centuries. What can ancient growing systems teach us that AI can't... and vice versa? From drones to food forests, gardeners are exploring modern tools and traditional approaches to create diverse, thriving landscapes. From water conservation to wildlife habitat, discover fresh ideas to make your garden resilient and future ready. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 12:00pm / Adams Room	Futurescaping: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Technology Your garden can thrive in a changing climate... and be more beautiful, abundant, and healthy than ever. As innovations transform how we garden, we’re also rediscovering time-honored techniques that have sustained communities for centuries. What can ancient growing systems teach us that AI can't... and vice versa? From drones to food forests, gardeners are exploring modern tools and traditional approaches to create diverse, thriving landscapes. From water conservation to wildlife habitat, discover fresh ideas to make your garden resilient and future ready. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 12:00pm

Native Plants in Flower Gardens: Beauty for Bouquets, Strength for Ecosystems Briana Bosch - Author, Founder of Blossom and Branch Farm Native plants offer gardeners the best of both worlds: stunning blooms for arrangements and vital ecological benefits for pollinators, birds, and soil health. In this session, attendees will learn how to weave native species into both cutting and ornamental gardens. The discussion highlights why natives matter, which varieties offer great vase life, and how to design plantings that blend them with traditional cut flowers. With insights from The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook (Storey Publishing, 2026), attendees will gain practical ideas for creating sustainable, pollinator-friendly gardens that thrive in every season. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 1:30pm / Adams Room	Native Plants in Flower Gardens: Beauty for Bouquets, Strength for Ecosystems Native plants offer gardeners the best of both worlds: stunning blooms for arrangements and vital ecological benefits for pollinators, birds, and soil health. In this session, attendees will learn how to weave native species into both cutting and ornamental gardens. The discussion highlights why natives matter, which varieties offer great vase life, and how to design plantings that blend them with traditional cut flowers. With insights from The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook (Storey Publishing, 2026), attendees will gain practical ideas for creating sustainable, pollinator-friendly gardens that thrive in every season. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 1:30pm

Plants and Their People: Don't Maim the Name! Daniel Sparler - Writer, Educator, NHS Board Member Botanical names often honor those who shaped horticultural history... usually in the genus, as in Forsythia; sometimes in the species, like Acer davidii; and occasionally in both, as with Washington State’s own Lewisia tweedyi. Get to know the faces and historical context behind the names of many widely grown plants and learn how to properly pronounce those derived from Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish botanists. Participants will gain confidence saying the likes of Amicia, Choisya, Echeveria, Heuchera, Kniphofia, and Weigela, plus glean a deeper appreciation for the people behind the plants. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 2:45pm / Hood Room	Plants and Their People: Don't Maim the Name! Botanical names often honor those who shaped horticultural history... usually in the genus, as in Forsythia; sometimes in the species, like Acer davidii; and occasionally in both, as with Washington State’s own Lewisia tweedyi. Get to know the faces and historical context behind the names of many widely grown plants and learn how to properly pronounce those derived from Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish botanists. Participants will gain confidence saying the likes of Amicia, Choisya, Echeveria, Heuchera, Kniphofia, and Weigela, plus glean a deeper appreciation for the people behind the plants. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2:45pm

Traveler's Tea: Mamma Mia! Gardens with Passion [additional ticket required] Marianne Binetti - Container Showdown Host, writer, speaker, world traveling tour leader Grab your ticket and join Festival favorite Marianne Binetti for a lively escape to the gardens of Italy! From Lake Como’s royal estates to the sun-soaked courtyards of Sicily, she shares creative ways to bring Italian flair to your own backyard—no plane ticket required. Discover how centuries of Mediterranean design have mastered water-wise gardening, blending beauty and sustainability through smart plant choices and bold focal points. With her trademark humor and storytelling, Marianne will transport you to Italy and inspire you to garden beautifully—and sustainably—la dolce vita style. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 3:30pm / Traveler's Tea	Traveler's Tea: Mamma Mia! Gardens with Passion [additional ticket required] Grab your ticket and join Festival favorite Marianne Binetti for a lively escape to the gardens of Italy! From Lake Como’s royal estates to the sun-soaked courtyards of Sicily, she shares creative ways to bring Italian flair to your own backyard—no plane ticket required. Discover how centuries of Mediterranean design have mastered water-wise gardening, blending beauty and sustainability through smart plant choices and bold focal points. With her trademark humor and storytelling, Marianne will transport you to Italy and inspire you to garden beautifully—and sustainably—la dolce vita style. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 3:30pm

Variegata! Dan Heims - Author, President of Terra Nova Nurseries Variegated plants are having a major moment... bringing bold pattern, contrast, and color to gardens everywhere. This dynamic seminar showcases extensive collections of variegated and colorful foliage plants from around the world, including stunning selections from New Zealand, Japan, and Europe. Learn how variegation develops, the difference between chimeras and viral patterns, and how foliage color is classified. The session also explores design techniques such as color echoes, repetition, contrast, and harmony... revealing how variegated plants can transform any garden into a living work of art. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 9:30am / Hood Room	Variegata! Variegated plants are having a major moment... bringing bold pattern, contrast, and color to gardens everywhere. This dynamic seminar showcases extensive collections of variegated and colorful foliage plants from around the world, including stunning selections from New Zealand, Japan, and Europe. Learn how variegation develops, the difference between chimeras and viral patterns, and how foliage color is classified. The session also explores design techniques such as color echoes, repetition, contrast, and harmony... revealing how variegated plants can transform any garden into a living work of art. Thursday, February 19, 2026 9:30am

20 Years of Rooftop Gardening at Portland's Noble Rot Marc Boucher-Colbert - Garden Specialist, Educator, Urban Agriculture Innovator High above Portland’s east side, rooftop gardener Marc Boucher-Colbert has spent two decades growing gourmet produce in just inches of soil. In this fascinating seminar, he shares the fundamentals of rooftop gardening—how to design productive systems in limited space and experiment successfully with shallow growing depths. Attendees will also learn how Marc’s collaboration with the chef team at Noble Rot demonstrates a forward-thinking model for sustainable, hyper-local food production. Practical, inspiring, and deliciously creative, this session reimagines what’s possible when innovation meets the urban skyline. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 10:30am / Adams Room	20 Years of Rooftop Gardening at Portland's Noble Rot High above Portland’s east side, rooftop gardener Marc Boucher-Colbert has spent two decades growing gourmet produce in just inches of soil. In this fascinating seminar, he shares the fundamentals of rooftop gardening—how to design productive systems in limited space and experiment successfully with shallow growing depths. Attendees will also learn how Marc’s collaboration with the chef team at Noble Rot demonstrates a forward-thinking model for sustainable, hyper-local food production. Practical, inspiring, and deliciously creative, this session reimagines what’s possible when innovation meets the urban skyline. Thursday, February 19, 2026 10:30am

Sedges Have Edges: Unlocking the Secrets of Carex in Your Garden John Coghlan - Award-Winning Landscape Designer, Owner of HomeGrown Organics Discover the quiet magic of sedges (Carex)... understated plants that bring texture, movement, and resilience to the garden. Often overlooked in favor of flashier blooms or showy grasses, sedges offer remarkable beauty and ecological value. In this thoughtful seminar, attendees will learn how to use Carex species to create dynamic plantings that support pollinators, stabilize soil, and thrive in challenging conditions. Garden designer John Coghlan shares design insights, practical growing tips, and a few of his favorite selections to help gardeners see sedges in a whole new light. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 10:45am / Hood Room	Sedges Have Edges: Unlocking the Secrets of Carex in Your Garden Discover the quiet magic of sedges (Carex)... understated plants that bring texture, movement, and resilience to the garden. Often overlooked in favor of flashier blooms or showy grasses, sedges offer remarkable beauty and ecological value. In this thoughtful seminar, attendees will learn how to use Carex species to create dynamic plantings that support pollinators, stabilize soil, and thrive in challenging conditions. Garden designer John Coghlan shares design insights, practical growing tips, and a few of his favorite selections to help gardeners see sedges in a whole new light. Thursday, February 19, 2026 10:45am

The Art of Ikebana: Beauty in Balance Nobuko Relnick - Ikebana Artist and Expert Experience the graceful art of ikebana... the traditional Japanese practice of flower arranging that celebrates balance, form, and simplicity. In this live demonstration, master ikebana artist, Nobuko Relnick, will create five to six unique arrangements using a variety of plant materials and containers. Attendees will enjoy watching familiar and unexpected elements come together in elegant harmony, each design revealing a new way to see nature’s beauty. This serene and inspiring session offers a view into an ancient art form that continues to bring calm and creativity to modern life. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 11:45am / DIY Stage	The Art of Ikebana: Beauty in Balance Experience the graceful art of ikebana... the traditional Japanese practice of flower arranging that celebrates balance, form, and simplicity. In this live demonstration, master ikebana artist, Nobuko Relnick, will create five to six unique arrangements using a variety of plant materials and containers. Attendees will enjoy watching familiar and unexpected elements come together in elegant harmony, each design revealing a new way to see nature’s beauty. This serene and inspiring session offers a view into an ancient art form that continues to bring calm and creativity to modern life. Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:45am

Smart Stormwater: Practical Solutions for a Resilient Future Brandy Hall - Author and Founder, Shades of Green Permaculture Imagine a landscape that slows, sinks, and stores every drop of rain—while restoring soil health and supporting native ecosystems. In this session, attendees will learn permaculture-based strategies for designing landscapes that treat water as a resource, not a runoff problem. The discussion covers how to restore the water cycle through smart design, use contouring techniques like swales and rain gardens, select diverse, site-appropriate plant communities, and build long-term soil fertility through water-wise systems. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to transform their own spaces into thriving, climate-resilient landscapes. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 12:00pm / Adams Room	Smart Stormwater: Practical Solutions for a Resilient Future Imagine a landscape that slows, sinks, and stores every drop of rain—while restoring soil health and supporting native ecosystems. In this session, attendees will learn permaculture-based strategies for designing landscapes that treat water as a resource, not a runoff problem. The discussion covers how to restore the water cycle through smart design, use contouring techniques like swales and rain gardens, select diverse, site-appropriate plant communities, and build long-term soil fertility through water-wise systems. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to transform their own spaces into thriving, climate-resilient landscapes. Thursday, February 19, 2026 12:00pm

Planting Awesome Every Day Lloyd Traven - Plantsman, Owner Peace Tree Farm Has gardening lost a little of its magic? In this provocative seminar, industry veteran Lloyd Travern shares a fresh look at how horticulture can rekindle excitement and creativity for both professionals and home gardeners. With humor and insight, he explores how sameness in plant offerings and the rise of digital advice have dulled the sense of discovery that once drew people to the garden. Attendees will rediscover what truly inspires connection—wonder, emotion, and personal meaning—and leave inspired to bring a sense of awesome back to their gardens, their work, and every day. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 1:15pm / Hood Room	Planting Awesome Every Day Has gardening lost a little of its magic? In this provocative seminar, industry veteran Lloyd Travern shares a fresh look at how horticulture can rekindle excitement and creativity for both professionals and home gardeners. With humor and insight, he explores how sameness in plant offerings and the rise of digital advice have dulled the sense of discovery that once drew people to the garden. Attendees will rediscover what truly inspires connection—wonder, emotion, and personal meaning—and leave inspired to bring a sense of awesome back to their gardens, their work, and every day. Thursday, February 19, 2026 1:15pm

Estate Gardens: Legacy & Future Jennifer Jewel - Host of NPR's Cultivating Place, Author In this Cultivating Place LIVE! panel, Jennifer Jewell leads a conversation with stewards of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic estate gardens with an added twist of global perspective provided by 2026 judge Wambui Ippolito. Together, they explore how grand landscapes evolve, balancing preservation with innovation to stay relevant in a changing and become catalysts for a more inclusive world. From regional treasures to international inspirations, the discussion celebrates how legacy gardens can honor their histories while welcoming new voices, new values, and new ideas for the future of gardening. Recorded for Cultivating Place, this is garden history with heart and vision. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 1:30pm / Adams Room	Estate Gardens: Legacy & Future In this Cultivating Place LIVE! panel, Jennifer Jewell leads a conversation with stewards of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic estate gardens with an added twist of global perspective provided by 2026 judge Wambui Ippolito. Together, they explore how grand landscapes evolve, balancing preservation with innovation to stay relevant in a changing and become catalysts for a more inclusive world. From regional treasures to international inspirations, the discussion celebrates how legacy gardens can honor their histories while welcoming new voices, new values, and new ideas for the future of gardening. Recorded for Cultivating Place, this is garden history with heart and vision. Thursday, February 19, 2026 1:30pm

High Lights from Soaring Heights; Reflections on Four Decades of Plant Hunting Dan Hinkley - Award-winning Plantsman, Collector, Author An hour seems inadequate to lucidly articulate the privilege Dan Hinkley feels to have been afforded the opportunity to observe, collect and introduce plants over the course of forty years. Join him as he takes you on a journey from Myanmar to Chile, Vietnam to South Africa, and beyond, and discover the process of observing, collecting processing and ultimately bringing into general cultivation what he considers to be his most choice of introductions. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 2:30pm / Rainier Room	High Lights from Soaring Heights; Reflections on Four Decades of Plant Hunting An hour seems inadequate to lucidly articulate the privilege Dan Hinkley feels to have been afforded the opportunity to observe, collect and introduce plants over the course of forty years. Join him as he takes you on a journey from Myanmar to Chile, Vietnam to South Africa, and beyond, and discover the process of observing, collecting processing and ultimately bringing into general cultivation what he considers to be his most choice of introductions. Thursday, February 19, 2026 2:30pm

Operating Instructions for the (Occasionally Overwhelmed) Gardener Lorene Edwards Forkner - Artist, Author, Garden Journalist Gardeners are dreamers, always brimming with ideas and inspiration. But with so many possibilities, enthusiasm can quickly turn into overwhelm and fatigue. In this thoughtful and practical session, Lorene shares three simple questions to ask before beginning your next project... questions that bring clarity, focus, and joy back to the process. Learn how to create personal, meaningful growing spaces that fit your llife like a favorite garden glove. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 2:45pm / Hood Room	Operating Instructions for the (Occasionally Overwhelmed) Gardener Gardeners are dreamers, always brimming with ideas and inspiration. But with so many possibilities, enthusiasm can quickly turn into overwhelm and fatigue. In this thoughtful and practical session, Lorene shares three simple questions to ask before beginning your next project... questions that bring clarity, focus, and joy back to the process. Learn how to create personal, meaningful growing spaces that fit your llife like a favorite garden glove. Thursday, February 19, 2026 2:45pm

Spiritual Lessons from the World of Plants Leo Carver - Author, Gardener, Ayurveda Practitioner What can plants teach us about living with greater awareness and connection? In this reflective seminar, Leo explores how plants experience their environment—responding to light, touch, rhythm, and relationship—and what those patterns reveal about our own lives. Attendees will discover how observing plant behavior can deepen mindfulness, inspire compassion, and renew a sense of belonging to the natural world. Blending science and spirituality, this session offers gentle insights into how we might grow, adapt, and connect more fully—just as plants do. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 3:00pm / Adams Room	Spiritual Lessons from the World of Plants What can plants teach us about living with greater awareness and connection? In this reflective seminar, Leo explores how plants experience their environment—responding to light, touch, rhythm, and relationship—and what those patterns reveal about our own lives. Attendees will discover how observing plant behavior can deepen mindfulness, inspire compassion, and renew a sense of belonging to the natural world. Blending science and spirituality, this session offers gentle insights into how we might grow, adapt, and connect more fully—just as plants do. Thursday, February 19, 2026 3:00pm

Traveler's Tea: Japan [additional ticket required] Ciscoe Morris - Author, Media Personality, National Treasure Beloved garden personality Ciscoe Morris brings his trademark humor and enthusiasm to this lively seminar inspired by his garden tours of Japan. After hosting his first trip in 2019, Ciscoe returns in 2025 with fresh stories and insights from Japan’s serene gardens, rich culture, high-speed trains, and unforgettable cuisine. Attendees will enjoy a virtual stroll through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes—complete with the mishaps, magic, and laughter only Ciscoe can deliver. And don’t worry—although karaoke was a tour favorite, Ciscoe promises not to sing this time! Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 3:30pm / Traveler's Tea	Traveler's Tea: Japan [additional ticket required] Beloved garden personality Ciscoe Morris brings his trademark humor and enthusiasm to this lively seminar inspired by his garden tours of Japan. After hosting his first trip in 2019, Ciscoe returns in 2025 with fresh stories and insights from Japan’s serene gardens, rich culture, high-speed trains, and unforgettable cuisine. Attendees will enjoy a virtual stroll through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes—complete with the mishaps, magic, and laughter only Ciscoe can deliver. And don’t worry—although karaoke was a tour favorite, Ciscoe promises not to sing this time! Thursday, February 19, 2026 3:30pm

Mounting Epiphytic Plants Jessica Scovel - Houseplant Expert, Owner of Buds Interior Plant Design Tropical plants like orchids and staghorn ferns have a unique way of growing - attached to the trunks and branches of trees rather than rooted in soil. In this live demonstration, watch how these remarkable epiphytes can be mounted onto wood to create striking, living works of art. The session highlights materials, techniques, and care tips for keeping mounted plants healthy and vibrant indoors. Inspiring and informative, it offers a glimpse into how nature’s most inventive growers can become beautiful, sustainable décor in any home. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 5:00pm / DIY Stage	Mounting Epiphytic Plants Tropical plants like orchids and staghorn ferns have a unique way of growing - attached to the trunks and branches of trees rather than rooted in soil. In this live demonstration, watch how these remarkable epiphytes can be mounted onto wood to create striking, living works of art. The session highlights materials, techniques, and care tips for keeping mounted plants healthy and vibrant indoors. Inspiring and informative, it offers a glimpse into how nature’s most inventive growers can become beautiful, sustainable décor in any home. Thursday, February 19, 2026 5:00pm

Heaths & Heathers: Color For All Seasons Karla Lortz - Owner of Heaths & Heathers, Heather Expert Discover the year-round charm and versatility of heaths and heathers—plants that offer a remarkable range of foliage colors and blooms. In this session, attendees will learn how to design with these resilient evergreens to create vibrant, low-maintenance displays that brighten the garden even in the quiet months of the year. Known for their drought tolerance and resistance to deer, heaths and heathers bring both color and reliability to the landscape. Thoughtful selection and placement can turn any space into a tapestry of texture and hue. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 5:15pm / Hood Room	Heaths & Heathers: Color For All Seasons Discover the year-round charm and versatility of heaths and heathers—plants that offer a remarkable range of foliage colors and blooms. In this session, attendees will learn how to design with these resilient evergreens to create vibrant, low-maintenance displays that brighten the garden even in the quiet months of the year. Known for their drought tolerance and resistance to deer, heaths and heathers bring both color and reliability to the landscape. Thoughtful selection and placement can turn any space into a tapestry of texture and hue. Thursday, February 19, 2026 5:15pm

Stressed Out: Recognizing, Treating, and Avoiding Drought Stress in Landscapes and Gardens Linda Chalker-Scott - Ph.D. Horticulturist, Researcher, Author Our gardens and landscapes are experiencing increasingly hot, dry summers due to a changing climate. Drought stress in trees and shrubs can result from environmental factors such as limited soil moisture, salinity, and poor aeration, as well as management issues like inadequate soil preparation, improper planting, and lack of aftercare. This seminar examines the physiological and morphological responses plants exhibit under chronic drought stress, helping gardeners recognize early symptoms, identify underlying causes, and implement corrective measures. Understanding and preventing drought stress reduces susceptibility to pests and disease, protecting the long-term health of our landscapes. Friday, February 20, 2026 / 10:45am / Hood Room	Stressed Out: Recognizing, Treating, and Avoiding Drought Stress in Landscapes and Gardens Our gardens and landscapes are experiencing increasingly hot, dry summers due to a changing climate. Drought stress in trees and shrubs can result from environmental factors such as limited soil moisture, salinity, and poor aeration, as well as management issues like inadequate soil preparation, improper planting, and lack of aftercare. This seminar examines the physiological and morphological responses plants exhibit under chronic drought stress, helping gardeners recognize early symptoms, identify underlying causes, and implement corrective measures. Understanding and preventing drought stress reduces susceptibility to pests and disease, protecting the long-term health of our landscapes. Friday, February 20, 2026 10:45am

Hydrangea Decor for Every Season Skye Hamilton - Content Creator, Founder of Hamilton House Designs Bring the beauty of hydrangeas indoors with creative ideas for using both fresh and dried blooms in your home décor. Discover how to craft wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, and other arrangements that showcase hydrangeas year-round. Learn how to dry and dye blooms for lasting color, explore seasonal styling tips, and see how these versatile flowers can add charm to any space—from everyday displays to holiday celebrations. Simple, stylish, and endlessly adaptable, hydrangeas prove that garden beauty belongs in every room. Friday, February 20, 2026 / 11:45am / DIY Stage	Hydrangea Decor for Every Season Bring the beauty of hydrangeas indoors with creative ideas for using both fresh and dried blooms in your home décor. Discover how to craft wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, and other arrangements that showcase hydrangeas year-round. Learn how to dry and dye blooms for lasting color, explore seasonal styling tips, and see how these versatile flowers can add charm to any space—from everyday displays to holiday celebrations. Simple, stylish, and endlessly adaptable, hydrangeas prove that garden beauty belongs in every room. Friday, February 20, 2026 11:45am