Gardening & Landscape Design | Northwest Flower & Garden Festival

February 18-22, 2026

Seattle Convention Center

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Discover design tips, color inspiration, and creative planting ideas from this year’s experts... practical, beautiful ways to refresh your landscape and make every season in your garden shine.

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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Clematis & Roses: Creating Horticultural Heaven Linda Beutler - Author, Educator, Curator of Rogerson Clematis Collection Roses and clematis are natural partners, creating garden displays that feel timeless, romantic, and effortlessly abundant. In this visually rich seminar, attendees will learn how to pair these two spectacular plant groups for stunning results. The session covers design ideas, variety selection, and maintenance tips to keep both vines and shrubs thriving together for years of color and fragrance. Drawing on decades of experience, Linda Beutler shares practical guidance and inspiration to help gardeners craft their own showstopping combinations—proof that some garden pairings really are made to last. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 9:30am / Hood Room	Clematis & Roses: Creating Horticultural Heaven Roses and clematis are natural partners, creating garden displays that feel timeless, romantic, and effortlessly abundant. In this visually rich seminar, attendees will learn how to pair these two spectacular plant groups for stunning results. The session covers design ideas, variety selection, and maintenance tips to keep both vines and shrubs thriving together for years of color and fragrance. Drawing on decades of experience, Linda Beutler shares practical guidance and inspiration to help gardeners craft their own showstopping combinations—proof that some garden pairings really are made to last. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 9:30am

50 Shades of Green Mark Turner - Photographer, Author, Native Plant Expert Flowers may steal the spotlight, but it’s foliage that gives a garden its lasting beauty. This inspiring seminar explores how to use the endless shades and textures of green to create depth, contrast, and year-round interest. Through vivid photographs of gardens from across the region and beyond, discover how to take cues from Mother Nature, experiment with the diversity of leaf shape and color, and blend native and non-native plants to craft dynamic, visually rich landscapes that stay vibrant long after the blooms fade. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 10:45am / Hood Room	50 Shades of Green Flowers may steal the spotlight, but it’s foliage that gives a garden its lasting beauty. This inspiring seminar explores how to use the endless shades and textures of green to create depth, contrast, and year-round interest. Through vivid photographs of gardens from across the region and beyond, discover how to take cues from Mother Nature, experiment with the diversity of leaf shape and color, and blend native and non-native plants to craft dynamic, visually rich landscapes that stay vibrant long after the blooms fade. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 10:45am

My Plant is Better Than Your Plant Nita-Jo Rountree - Garden Designer, Educator, Garden Celebrity Ciscoe Morris - Author, Media Personality, National Treasure When it comes to pollinator plants, even the best of friends can disagree! Beloved local garden personalities Ciscoe Morris and Nita-Jo Rountree share their favorite picks for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—each with their own spirited opinion, of course. Attendees will discover how to design pollinator-friendly gardens that burst with color, fragrance, and life while supporting a healthy ecosystem. Expect laughter, lively debate, and plenty of take-home ideas for creating a garden that both you and the pollinators will love. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 11:30am / Rainier Room	My Plant is Better Than Your Plant When it comes to pollinator plants, even the best of friends can disagree! Beloved local garden personalities Ciscoe Morris and Nita-Jo Rountree share their favorite picks for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—each with their own spirited opinion, of course. Attendees will discover how to design pollinator-friendly gardens that burst with color, fragrance, and life while supporting a healthy ecosystem. Expect laughter, lively debate, and plenty of take-home ideas for creating a garden that both you and the pollinators will love. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 11:30am

Pruning Shrubs, Simplified! Christina Pfeiffer - Horticulture Educator, Author, ISA Certified Arborist Pruning shrubs for natural beauty is simpler than it may sound. In this hands-on session, attendees will see how and when to use two essential pruning cuts that maintain shape, encourage healthy growth, and save time in the long run. The demo includes examples of popular deciduous and broadleaf evergreen shrubs, with clear guidance on how to prune according to each plant’s growth habit. Participants will leave with practical knowledge and renewed confidence to bring out the best in their garden’s shrubs... naturally and beautifully! Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 11:45am / DIY Stage	Pruning Shrubs, Simplified! Pruning shrubs for natural beauty is simpler than it may sound. In this hands-on session, attendees will see how and when to use two essential pruning cuts that maintain shape, encourage healthy growth, and save time in the long run. The demo includes examples of popular deciduous and broadleaf evergreen shrubs, with clear guidance on how to prune according to each plant’s growth habit. Participants will leave with practical knowledge and renewed confidence to bring out the best in their garden’s shrubs... naturally and beautifully! Wednesday, February 18, 2026 11:45am

Assisted Migration in the Garden: Adapting to Shifting Plant Hardiness Zones Jessi Bloom - Award-winning Author, Ecological Designer, Certified Arborist As climate zones shift, so do the rules of what thrives where. Explore the science and strategy behind assisted plant migration... the practice of intentionally planting species outside their historical ranges to adapt to a changing climate. Attendees will learn about climate modeling, plant selection, and how to weigh ecological risks while balancing biodiversity with bold experimentation. Whether you’re a plant geek, habitat builder, or climate-resilient gardener, this session offers the insight and tools to rethink your plant palette and design gardens that honor place while embracing the future. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 12:00pm / Hood Room	Assisted Migration in the Garden: Adapting to Shifting Plant Hardiness Zones As climate zones shift, so do the rules of what thrives where. Explore the science and strategy behind assisted plant migration... the practice of intentionally planting species outside their historical ranges to adapt to a changing climate. Attendees will learn about climate modeling, plant selection, and how to weigh ecological risks while balancing biodiversity with bold experimentation. Whether you’re a plant geek, habitat builder, or climate-resilient gardener, this session offers the insight and tools to rethink your plant palette and design gardens that honor place while embracing the future. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 12:00pm

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

Great Plant Picks - Water Wise Wonders: Drought-tolerant Plants for PNW Gardens Richie Steffen - Executive Director, Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden Do you hate paying those high water bills to keep your plants alive all summer? Great Plant Picks, a non-profit education program of the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden, has a great selection of drought-tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials that will thrive with minimal water. Learn the best choices for dry shade or blazing sun to create a beautiful garden that will look good in any season. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 1:00pm / Main Stage	Great Plant Picks - Water Wise Wonders: Drought-tolerant Plants for PNW Gardens Do you hate paying those high water bills to keep your plants alive all summer? Great Plant Picks, a non-profit education program of the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden, has a great selection of drought-tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials that will thrive with minimal water. Learn the best choices for dry shade or blazing sun to create a beautiful garden that will look good in any season. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 1:00pm

Beyond Right Plant Right Place Susan Calhoun - Award-winning Landscape Designer, Writer, Speaker Just because a plant is in the right place doesn’t mean it looks good. In this design-focused session, attendees will learn three simple techniques to ensure their gardens look their best year-round. Discover how to create impact through color—without relying on flowers—use light to shape mood and highlight form, and incorporate texture for depth and contrast. With clear examples and practical guidance, this session reveals how thoughtful choices in color, light, and texture can elevate any space from ordinary to stunning. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 2:30pm / Rainier Room	Beyond Right Plant Right Place Just because a plant is in the right place doesn’t mean it looks good. In this design-focused session, attendees will learn three simple techniques to ensure their gardens look their best year-round. Discover how to create impact through color—without relying on flowers—use light to shape mood and highlight form, and incorporate texture for depth and contrast. With clear examples and practical guidance, this session reveals how thoughtful choices in color, light, and texture can elevate any space from ordinary to stunning. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2:30pm

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

Wake up Sleepy Heads! Overwintering Fuchsias in Pots & Containers R. Theo Margelony - Fuchsia Authority, Writer, Speaker Don’t toss those potted fuchsias when winter arrives! They’re surprisingly easy to overwinter and bring back for another season of garden magic. In this practical and encouraging session, attendees will learn simple techniques to help fuchsias thrive year after year... from preparing plants for dormancy to waking them up for spring. The session also covers easy propagation methods to multiply your collection and fill the garden with even more of these eye-catching, elegant blooms. A little care now means months of color and charm to come. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 3:15pm / DIY Stage	Wake up Sleepy Heads! Overwintering Fuchsias in Pots & Containers Don’t toss those potted fuchsias when winter arrives! They’re surprisingly easy to overwinter and bring back for another season of garden magic. In this practical and encouraging session, attendees will learn simple techniques to help fuchsias thrive year after year... from preparing plants for dormancy to waking them up for spring. The session also covers easy propagation methods to multiply your collection and fill the garden with even more of these eye-catching, elegant blooms. A little care now means months of color and charm to come. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 3:15pm

Plant It Where the Sun Don’t Shine Greg Butler - BLA, ATA–Designer, Educator, Owner of Design of the Times In the land of tall timber, dry shade is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most common gardening challenges. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of plants that can thrive in it beautifully. This seminar explores how to assess and improve site conditions beneath conifers, in deciduous woodlands, or along north-facing walls. Attendees will discover a wide range of trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers that thrive in low light and limited moisture... proving that even the shadiest corners of the garden can be lush, colorful, and full of life. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 4:00pm / Hood Room	Plant It Where the Sun Don’t Shine In the land of tall timber, dry shade is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most common gardening challenges. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of plants that can thrive in it beautifully. This seminar explores how to assess and improve site conditions beneath conifers, in deciduous woodlands, or along north-facing walls. Attendees will discover a wide range of trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers that thrive in low light and limited moisture... proving that even the shadiest corners of the garden can be lush, colorful, and full of life. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 4:00pm

Living Mulch: Choose the Best Groundcovers Mary-Kate Mackey - Award-winning Garden Writer, Educator Discover how to make every inch of your garden work beautifully. In this informative seminar, author Mary-Kate Mackey introduces a variety of low-growing plants—both cultivars and natives—that weave between existing plantings without taking over. Acting as living mulch, these selections help retain soil moisture, reduce weeds, and support wildlife, all while adding texture and color. Attendees will gain inspiration and practical guidance for creating thriving plant communities that look natural, require less maintenance, and make gardening more enjoyable season after season. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 5:15pm / Hood Room	Living Mulch: Choose the Best Groundcovers Discover how to make every inch of your garden work beautifully. In this informative seminar, author Mary-Kate Mackey introduces a variety of low-growing plants—both cultivars and natives—that weave between existing plantings without taking over. Acting as living mulch, these selections help retain soil moisture, reduce weeds, and support wildlife, all while adding texture and color. Attendees will gain inspiration and practical guidance for creating thriving plant communities that look natural, require less maintenance, and make gardening more enjoyable season after season. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 5:15pm

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

Native or Not: Should We Be Growing Non-native plants? A Heronswood Perspective. Ross Bayton - Botanist, Author, Director of Heronswood Garden Debby Purser - Tribal Liaison at Heronswood Garden The Heronswood Garden in Kingston, Washington, is world-renowned as the creation of international plant collector Dan Hinkley. Home to an extraordinary array of plants from around the globe, it is also the only public botanical garden in the United States owned by a Native American tribe. In recent years, Heronswood has expanded its collections to include many native species, especially those venerated by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. Join Garden Director Dr. Ross Bayton and Tribal Liaison Debby Purser as they explore the complementary roles of native and non-native plants in Pacific Northwest gardens. Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 11:30am / Rainier Room	Native or Not: Should We Be Growing Non-native plants? A Heronswood Perspective. The Heronswood Garden in Kingston, Washington, is world-renowned as the creation of international plant collector Dan Hinkley. Home to an extraordinary array of plants from around the globe, it is also the only public botanical garden in the United States owned by a Native American tribe. In recent years, Heronswood has expanded its collections to include many native species, especially those venerated by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. Join Garden Director Dr. Ross Bayton and Tribal Liaison Debby Purser as they explore the complementary roles of native and non-native plants in Pacific Northwest gardens. Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:30am

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