NWFGF welcomes the best gardening voices from all over…
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
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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
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Container Showdown - Wednesday Kate David - Award-winning Garden Designer, Educator, Owner of Hello Garden
Claire Lidell Hanna - Award-winning Designer, Educator, Founder of Relish Gardens Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 11:00 am / Main Stage
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Early Season Edibles: Jump Into an Abundant Year Bill Thorness - Author, Educator, Master Gardener
As the soil warms and spring begins to stir, it’s time to bring the vegetable garden to life. In this session, attendees will learn proven techniques for jump-starting the growing season... from preparing the soil to planting early crops with confidence. Practical guidance covers when and how to start seeds and transplants, plus ways to extend the season using simple protective methods. Drawing from insights shared in Cool Season Gardener (Skipstone Press, 2013), this session offers inspiration and wisdom to help gardeners make the most of those first promising days in the garden.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 1:15pm / Hood Room
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Crevice Gardens: Moveable Mountains Chris Dixon - Award-winning Designer, Owner of Vescas Gardening
Discover the artistry of container crevice gardening... a striking, low-maintenance way to showcase alpine and drought-tolerant plants. In this live demonstration, attendees will learn how to design and construct a miniature rock garden in a container. The session covers selecting materials, arranging rocks to form natural-looking crevices, and choosing plants that thrive in lean, well-drained soil. Attendees will gain inspiration and practical insight for creating sculptural, space-saving displays that bring rugged mountain beauty to patios, decks, and small garden spaces.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 1:30pm / DIY Stage
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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
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Blooms & Bubbles: Designing with Roses [additional ticket required] Cory Webster - Floral Designer, Instructor, Slow Flower Advocate
Kick off the 2026 Blooms & Bubbles workshop series with floral designer Cory Webster, as she leads a hands-on exploration of one of the world’s most beloved blooms: the rose. Drawing on her experience with expert growers at the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, Cory will showcase the finest locally and American-grown hybrid tea and spray roses, paired with lush seasonal foliage and textural accents. Participants will create a romantic, early-spring hand-tied bouquet or small vase arrangement while learning design principles like color harmony, scale, and proportion. Cory will also share insider tips for selecting and caring for your blooms to ensure long-lasting beauty, whether as a gift or centerpiece. With a glass in hand and roses all around, this workshop sets the tone for a week of creativity, community, and Slow Flower inspiration.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 2:30pm / Main Stage
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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
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Virtual Garden Tours: Edible and Ecological Landscapes of the PNW Mary Marshall & Andrew Tuttle - Educators, Designers, Edge Perma & Redtail Edge Design Co-founders
Experience some of the nation’s most inspiring edible landscapes and regenerative farms through guided, immersive virtual tours. This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at leading gardens and farms across the U.S., showcasing how each integrates holistic practices in food production, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Through video walkthroughs, aerial perspectives, and expert insights, you’ll gain fresh ideas and inspiration for your own gardens, education programs, and design projects.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 3:00pm / Adams Room
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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
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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
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Delicious Edible Varieties from PNW Seed Companies Willi Galloway - Author, Award-winning Radio Host, Garden-to-Table Expert
The Pacific Northwest is home to an extraordinary array of seed companies of all sizes that offer flavorful, beautiful, and climate-adapted vegetable varieties. In this seminar, vegetable gardener and author of Grow Cook Eat: A Food-Lover’s Guide to Vegetable Gardening (Sasquatch Books, 2025) shares her favorite West Coast seed sources and highlights exceptional varieties you’ll never find in a supermarket. From rare heirlooms to regional specialties, discover vegetables that thrive in local gardens and elevate every meal. Celebrate the abundance of the Northwest and find inspiration to grow what truly tastes like home.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 4:00pm / Rainier Room
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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
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Gardening for Gut Health: Small Space Strategies to Improve Your Microbiome Grace Hensley - Certified Horticulturist, Photographer, Science Communicator
You don’t need a large garden to make a big impact on your health. In this inspiring seminar, attendees will learn how small spaces (kitchen counters, patios, balcony planters) can become thriving sources of nourishment. Microbiome gardening expert Grace Hensley shares practical ways to grow sprouts, herbs, and vegetables to support both soil health and personal well-being. Drawing from scientific insight and her own healing journey as a cancer survivor, Grace introduces powerhouse crops and easy fermenting techniques that boost gut health, resilience, and joy in every harvest—no matter the size of your garden.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 4:30pm / Adams Room
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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
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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
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All About Seeds Anza Muenchow - Educator, Farmer, Garden Community Advocate
Successful gardens begin with understanding seeds—their structure, timing, and potential. In this session, attendees will learn the fundamentals of seed anatomy and explore practical techniques for starting seeds both indoors and outdoors. From mastering the right timing to planning for early and late season crops, participants will gain strategies used by skilled growers to extend harvests and improve yields. Whether nurturing a few trays on a windowsill or preparing beds in the garden, this session offers the knowledge and confidence to start strong - and grow successfully - from seed to harvest.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 10:15am / DIY Stage
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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
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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
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Container Showdown - Thursday Richie Steffen - Executive Director, Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden
Justin Henderson - Executive Director and Head Gardener, Lakewold Gardens Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 11:00am / Main Stage
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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
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Garden Like a Flower Farmer Debra Prinzing - Writer, Speaker, Founder of Slow Flowers Society
Robin Avni - Creative Director, Author, Co-founder of BLOOM Imprint The soil welcomes everyone. Whether you’re seeking solace, sanctuary, or the satisfaction of flowering your world with what you grow -– draw inspiration from the people, farms, gardens, and studios featured in Debra Prinzing and Robin Avni’s new book, The Flower Farmers. The co-authors introduce you to the floral journeys of several of the 29 North American farmers, growers, and gardeners profiled in the book's pages. Their presentation highlights farmer-favorites to plant in your cutting garden and harvest for your own satisfaction and joy. Discover your story in their compelling profiles and learn how to bring the character of a flower farm into your own cutting garden.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 12:00pm / Hood Room
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The Resilient Gardener: Graceful Strategies for a Lifetime of Growing Jessi Bloom - Award-winning Author, Ecological Designer, Certified Arborist
As we age, our relationship with the garden evolves. This empowering seminar explores how to adapt gardening practices with accessible tools, ergonomic techniques, and thoughtful design that support both personal well-being and ecological health. Learn how to nurture yourself while nurturing the land—cultivating resilience, creativity, and connection through every season of life. With practical ideas and gentle inspiration, this session celebrates the enduring bond between gardener and garden, proving that the joy of growing never fades, only deepens.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 1:30pm / DIY Stage
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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
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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
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Floral Therapy: Designing with Feeling + Intention Kiara Hancock - Floral Artist, Creative Coach, Founder of K. Hancock Design
Flowers speak a language all their own—and sometimes they say what we cannot. In this soulful demonstration, floral artist and creative coach Kiara Hancock shares how to create arrangements rooted in emotion and intention. Attendees will see how color, form, and texture can express feeling and tell personal stories through design. Along the way, Kiara offers insights on intuitive creativity and the power of slowing down to connect with nature’s beauty. This session invites reflection and inspiration, showing how flowers can become vessels for meaning as well as art.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 3:15pm / DIY Stage
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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
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Growing a Garden with Soul, Soil & Science Anne Bikle - Soil Health Expert, Author, and Science Writer
The bond between gardener and garden is both real and essential, deepening through discovery and hands-on learning. In this session, attendees will learn why the symbiotic relationships plants form with soil organisms are foundational to more resilient, thriving gardens. Through using mulches to feed the soil microbes that support plant health and reducing soil disturbance, a gardener can join these ancient botanical networks and reap the benefits of wonder, beauty, and nourishment that begin with the soil in their garden.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 4:00pm / Rainier Room
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Gardening in Alaska’s Zone 4: Cultivating Success on the Kenai Peninsula Larry Opperman - Radio Host, Master Gardener, Educator
Gardening in Alaska comes with its own set of challenges... and rewards. This informative seminar focuses on growing successfully in USDA Zone 4 on the Kenai Peninsula, where short seasons, cool summers, and shifting daylight demand creativity and resilience. Attendees will learn about soil preparation for cold climates, extending the season with high tunnels and cold frames, and selecting hardy, early-maturing varieties. The session also explores microclimates, composting in cold regions, and integrating native and edible perennials. Whether new to the region or an experienced grower, participants will gain practical tools to help gardens thrive from spring to frost no matter where you grow.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 4:00pm / Hood Room
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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
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Top 10 Roses to Grow in the PNW Robin Jennings - Senior Brand Marketing Manager, Heirloom Roses
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know how precious those bursts of sunshine can be—and nothing celebrates them like a garden filled with roses. In this lively and informative session, rose expert Robin Jennings shares her top ten varieties for local gardens, from the bold blooms of Hybrid Teas to the easy elegance of Shrub Roses. Attendees will learn which types are easiest to grow, most rewarding to care for, and best suited to the region’s unique climate. With practical advice and inspiration, you’ll leave ready to grow roses that bring that extra touch of sunshine.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 9:30am / Hood Room
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If A Tree Falls, Leave It! Evan Meyer - President and CEO, Bloedel Reserve
Gardeners often strive for perfection by pulling every weed, pruning every branch, and covering every bare patch. But nature sometimes has other ideas. This thoughtful seminar explores how embracing nature’s unpredictability can bring unexpected rewards, from richer habitats to more dynamic garden features. Learn how working with nature, rather than against it, opens space for creativity, resilience, and connection. By co-designing with natural processes, gardeners can cultivate landscapes that thrive in partnership with the land—planting not only beauty, but also seeds of hope for a healthier future.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 10:00am / Rainier Room
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Grow Exotic Ingredients at Home Carissa Kasper - Founder of Seed & Nourish
Temperate climates offer the perfect opportunity to grow global flavors... no greenhouse required. Attendees will learn how to cultivate unique fruits and herbs at home, from hardy citrus and kiwi to pineapple guava, goji, mulberry, and serviceberry. The exploration continues with aromatic herbs like ginger and fenugreek, and nut trees such as hazelnut for homegrown treats. Even tea lovers can join in, harvesting leaves from their own Camellia sinensis. This session inspires gardeners to expand edible landscapes and enjoy a truly international harvest right from their own backyards.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 10:30am / Adams Room
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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
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Legendary Public Gardens that Define the Puget Sound Justin Henderson - Executive Director and Head Gardener, Lakewold Gardens
The beloved public gardens of the Puget Sound are more than places to admire plants... they’ve shaped how we garden, what we grow, and how we connect with the land around us. This visual tour celebrates the beauty and spirit of the region’s most influential gardens, spaces that have inspired, educated, and welcomed generations. Along the way, we’ll go behind the scenes to meet the passionate people who have helped these places flourish. With deep roots and lasting impact, these gardens continue to shape our region’s identity. This is a tribute to their beauty, their legacy, and the joy of celebrating our public gardens.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 11:30am / Rainier Room
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Succession in the Garden John McCallen - Ecologist, Garden Designer
Change isn’t something to fear... it’s what makes ecological gardens truly come to life. In this inspiring seminar, attendees will see how gardens evolve with time and how intentional design can work in harmony with nature’s shifts. Through stories and images from three of his own creations—spanning Zones 8, 9, and 10—the speaker reveals how soil-building, plant succession, and shifting climates influence each space. Attendees will leave with practical insight into designing gardens that age gracefully, adapt to warmer, drier conditions, and celebrate the beauty of continual renewal.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 12:00pm / Adams Room
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Reimagining Pansies Brenna Estrada - Flower Farmer, Author, Pansy Fan
Pansies are far more than cool-season color—they’re vibrant, resilient, and deserving of a fresh perspective. In this session, attendees will learn how to grow pansies successfully through summer and discover their surprising potential as cut flowers. The discussion explores the evolving future of this beloved bloom, including efforts to introduce extraordinary new varieties through collaborations with hybridizers in Italy and Japan. Drawing from Pansies: How to Grow, Reimagine, and Create Beauty with Pansies and Violas (Timber Press, 2025), attendees will gain inspiration and practical insight to see pansies not as seasonal accents, but as year-round stars.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 1:15pm / Hood Room
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Interview with Dan Hinkley: A Life in Plants Dan Hinkley - Award-winning Plantsman, Collector, Author
Recorded as part of Cultivating Place LIVE! with host Jennifer Jewell, this intimate conversation with renowned plantsman Dan Hinkley explores a lifetime devoted to discovering, growing, and sharing remarkable plants. From far-flung botanical expeditions to his beloved Heronswood and Windcliff gardens, Dan reflects on the beauty, curiosity, and conservation values that guide his work. A rare opportunity to hear one of horticulture’s most inspiring voices, recorded for broadcast on Jennifer Jewell’s acclaimed public radio podcast, Cultivating Place.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 1:30pm / Adams Room
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Natural Color from the Garden Janice Cox - Author, Natural Beauty Expert
Add a splash of color to your life... straight from the garden! This hands-on demo explores how to create beautiful, eco-friendly dyes and watercolor paints using common plants found right outside your door. From the golden glow of Oregon grape to the deep purples of hollyhock and the soft greens of yarrow, nature’s palette is vibrant and abundant. Learn simple techniques for making natural pigments to dye linens, paint garden-inspired art, or start a dye garden of your own. Author and floral craft expert Janice Cox brings color, creativity, and joy to every project.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 1:30pm / DIY Stage
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Garden Alchemy: Transforming Your Garden with Nature’s Wisdom Stephanie Rose - Award-winning Author, Master Gardener, Permaculture Designer
Forget everything you thought you knew about gardening! In this imaginative and hands-on seminar, Stephanie Rose - author of Garden Alchemy (Cool Springs Press, 2020) - invites attendees to rediscover the garden as a living laboratory. Learn to test and build soil, craft custom compost and fertilizers, propagate plants creatively, and support beneficial insects while observing how nature responds. Blending science, intuition, and experimentation, this session encourages gardeners to co-create with nature, transforming ordinary spaces into thriving ecosystems that evolve with care, curiosity, and a touch of alchemy.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 2:30pm / Rainier Room
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Blooms & Bubbles: Designing with Spring Flowering Bulbs [additional ticket required] Alanna Garcia - Florist, Owner Verde & Co
Alanna Garcia celebrates the joy of spring with a hands-on floral design session featuring locally grown tulips, daffodils, and other cheerful bulb flowers. Inspired by the greenhouse and garden, Alanna will guide participants in creating a hand-tied bouquet or small vase arrangement bursting with color and life. Along the way, she’ll share simple, practical tips for arranging, caring for, and selecting the best seasonal blooms for home or gifting. With her signature warmth and artistry, Alanna makes floral design feel fresh, fun, and full of possibility... an uplifting way to welcome the season.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 2:30pm / Main Stage
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More Than Just a Pretty Space: Designing Gardens That Work for Your Life Claire Lidell Hanna - Award-winning Designer, Educator, Founder of Relish Gardens
Do you ever feel torn between a beautiful garden and a functional one—between growing food and creating something intentional and inviting? This seminar explores how to design multi-functional spaces that reflect how you live and who you share them with. Attendees will learn how to assess their needs, plan with purpose, and blend ornamental and edible elements into cohesive, inspired designs. Be sure to visit the Relish Gardens 2026 show garden to see these ideas in action, presented by award-winning designer Claire Lidell Hanna.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 2:45pm / Hood Room
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Traveler's Tea: "Pinching" England [additional ticket required] Sue Goetz - Award-winning Garden Designer, Author, Speaker
In British slang, “pinching” means to steal—and this session is all about borrowing the best ideas from across the pond. Join Sue Goetz on a visual journey through some of England’s most inspiring gardens, from the sweeping landscapes of Cornwall and Wales to icons like Hidcote and Sissinghurst. Attendees will discover how to adapt classic British design elements—layered borders, garden rooms, and artful plant combinations—for their own spaces at home. Filled with humor, inspiration, and practical takeaways, Pinching England celebrates the joy of creative thievery in the name of great gardening.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 3:30pm / Traveler's Tea
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I Love Ferns and You Should Too! Richie Steffen - Executive Director, Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden
Ferns are awesome! These graceful, green companions bring texture, movement, and timeless beauty to any garden. In this engaging seminar, attendees will discover some of the best ferns for Pacific Northwest gardens and be surprised by their variety... from bold, colorful fronds to delicate, lacy mounds that can even tolerate dry conditions. The session also covers practical gardening tips and design ideas for incorporating ferns into beds, borders, and shaded spaces. Celebrate the quiet charm and versatility of these ancient plants and learn why every garden deserves a few ferns.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 4:00pm / Rainier Room
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Dried Floral Wreath Design Bethany Little - Floral Designer, Farmer, Co-Owner of Charles Little & Co.
Celebrate the lasting beauty of the garden with dried flowers, herbs, and foliage. In this creative demonstration, learn how to design with preserved botanicals to craft elegant wreaths that bring texture and color to any season. Discover tips for choosing and preparing materials, combining shapes and tones for natural harmony, and ensuring your finished design lasts beautifully. With easy, sustainable techniques, you’ll see how dried flowers can become timeless pieces of floral art—perfect for gift-giving or adding a touch of garden charm indoors.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 5:00pm / DIY Stage
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Beautiful Edible Centerpieces Rebecca Raymond - Internationally Accredited Floral Designer and Educator
Bring the beauty and flavor of the garden to your table. In this live demonstration, watch how to design an edible centerpiece using fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The arrangement blends form and function... creating something as practical as it is beautiful. With tips on plant selection, color pairing, and edible accents like flowers and foliage, this session shows how small patio or kitchen gardens can become stunning focal points indoors. Discover how to craft a centerpiece that’s fragrant, seasonal, and deliciously creative.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 10:15am / DIY stage
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The Power of Pots; Five Stories of Transformation, Function & Flair Cindy Funes - Container Designer, Educator, Owner of Garden Revelry
Container gardens have the power to completely transform a space. In this seminar, attendees will journey through five real-life installations that showcase creative problem-solving and design flair—from turning a bare patio into a welcoming retreat to reimagining a cluttered entryway as an inviting threshold. The presentation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the design process, from early challenges to stunning results. Along the way, attendees will gain practical tips and fresh ideas for using containers to bring beauty, life, and purpose to their own outdoor spaces.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 10:45am / Hood Room
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Grow This- Make That! Herb Gardens on a Theme Sue Goetz - Award-winning Garden Designer, Author, Speaker
Come for the show—and the smell! In this creative DIY session, attendees will explore themed herb gardens that awaken the senses and inspire everyday living. Learn how to grow and harvest easy, versatile herbs for aromatherapy, skincare, culinary creations, cocktails, smoothies, and edible flowers. With planting tips, simple recipes, and fresh ideas for mixing herbs by purpose, Grow This – Make That! celebrates the joy of growing for both beauty and function. Discover what your garden can do for you today!
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 11:45am / DIY stage
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The Garden Party: How to Grow and Throw Extraordinary Garden Dinners Carissa Kasper - Founder of Seed & Nourish
Inspired by the rooftop garden of Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront, this session brings the artistry of seed-to-table dining to life. Attendees will learn which versatile, high-impact ingredients make the biggest impression, how to plan a seasonal garden dinner menu, and ways to grow from garden to glass. With chef-tested insights and practical design ideas, participants will discover how thoughtful planting and presentation can turn any gathering into a celebration of flavor, freshness, and the beauty of the harvest.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 12:00pm / Hood Room
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The Wild & Free Garden: Zero Cost, Infinite Value Stephanie Rose - Award-winning Author, Master Gardener, Permaculture Designer
Discover how to grow a vibrant, abundant garden without spending a dime. This refreshing session celebrates creativity, resourcefulness, and the joy of working with nature... not against it. Through real-world examples and inspiring garden tours, find out how to make the most of what you already have, tap into the sharing economy, and apply simple permaculture ideas to reduce costs and waste. Filled with practical tips and heartfelt encouragement, this session proves that the most rewarding gardens aren’t the most expensive at all... they’re the ones grown with imagination, intention, and a deep connection to the earth.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 1:00pm / Rainier Room
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Creative Alternatives to the Classic Lawn Karen Chapman - Landscape Designer, Author, Owner of Le Jardinet
Many homeowners want to reduce the chemicals, water, and time spent on their lawns—but it can be hard to know what to do instead. In this inspiring seminar, landscape designer Karen Chapman shares a series of striking before-and-after transformations that reveal the possibilities of reducing or eliminating turf. Attendees will see design ideas for sun and shade, in styles ranging from contemporary to traditional, along with practical maintenance considerations. Whether your space is large or small, you’ll gain fresh inspiration and design strategies to reimagine your landscape with beauty and purpose.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 1:15pm / Hood Room
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Blooms & Bubbles: Designing with Dried Flowers [additional ticket required] Bethany Little - Floral Designer, Farmer, Co-Owner of Charles Little & Co.
In this lively, hands-on session, discover why dried botanicals - beautiful, sustainable, and endlessly creative - remain a favorite for modern floral design. Expert dried floral grower Bethany Little will introduce the benefits and unique qualities of dried flowers, herbs, and foliage, sharing her insider tricks for designing with these timeless materials. Participants will explore a colorful array of botanicals while learning techniques for crafting hand-tied bouquets or small vase arrangements. With Bethany’s guidance, you’ll gain insight into selecting and combining materials for texture, balance, and longevity—plus care and styling tips for gift-giving and home décor. Each design becomes a lasting celebration of nature’s color and form.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 2:30pm / Main Stage
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Container Geometry 101 Kate David - Award-winning Garden Designer, Educator, Owner of Hello Garden
A beautiful container design doesn’t happen by accident—and it’s about more than the old “thriller, filler, spiller” formula. In this engaging seminar, attendees will discover the design principles behind what Kate calls Container Geometry: the thoughtful balance of shape, proportion, line, and surface that turns a simple pot into a work of art. Through clear examples and creative inspiration, this session demystifies the process of composing containers that feel harmonious and dynamic, helping gardeners of every skill level bring elegance and structure to their designs.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 2:45pm / Hood Room
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Traveler's Tea: Wandering Through the Loire: A Garden Lover’s Dream [additional ticket required] JJ DeSousa - Award-winning Garden & Interior Designer
Take a visual journey through France’s Loire Valley and beyond, where châteaux, abbeys, and flower-filled villages showcase the country’s timeless love affair with gardens. From the formal grandeur of Château de Villandry and the riverside beauty of Chenonceau to the whimsical artistry of Chaumont-sur-Loire and hidden gems off the tourist path, each stop reveals a new layer of French garden charm. This relaxed, image-rich presentation celebrates the diversity of France’s landscapes—structured and wild, opulent and simple—and offers pure inspiration for anyone who loves gardens, history, or a touch of French fabulousness. Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 3:30pm / Traveler's Tea
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The Herbal Landscape Sue Goetz - Award-winning Garden Designer, Author, Speaker
Herbs aren’t just for the kitchen... they’re some of the hardest-working plants in the landscape. In this informative seminar, Sue Goetz highlights herbs that thrive with low maintenance, conserve water, resist deer, and support pollinators with nectar and shelter. Attendees will discover herbs that shine as hedges, groundcovers, and container plants, along with design tips for blending them beautifully with ornamentals. From meadow makers to pollinator magnets, this session reveals how versatile herbs can add fragrance, texture, and purpose to any garden... proving they’re as functional as they are beautiful.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 4:00pm / Rainier Room
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Regenerative Flower Farming: How Beauty Can Heal the Earth Jennifer Gulizia - Flower Farmer, Educator, Podcast Host
What if your flower garden could do more than just look beautiful? What if it could help restore soil, support pollinators, and play a role in healing the planet? In this inspiring seminar, attendees will follow Jennifer Gulizia’s journey of transforming 20 acres of depleted land into a thriving regenerative flower farm. The session explores what regenerative gardening really means, why soil health matters even in small spaces, and how to begin with simple, sustainable steps like composting, cover cropping, and planting with purpose. Every garden, no matter its size, can make a lasting difference.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 10:30am / Adams Room
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Designing Regenerative Homesteads & Urban Farms Mary Marshall & Andrew Tuttle - Educators, Designers, Edge Perma & Redtail Edge Design Co-founders
Learn how to design productive, resilient spaces that nourish people while regenerating ecosystems. This session guides you through the principles and practices of regenerative design to create homesteads and farms that work with nature, not against it. You’ll explore site planning, water harvesting, soil building, perennial food systems, and climate-smart strategies tailored to properties of all sizes. Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard food forest, abundant homestead, or production farm, this seminar provides the tools and inspiration to bring your vision to life.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 10:45am / Hood Room
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Container Showdown - Sunday Dee Montpetit - Garden Designer, Founder of Ma Petite Gardens
Susan Browne - Award-winning Landscape Designer, Educator Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 11:00am / Main Stage
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Vertical Gardening with Strings Colin McCrate - Author, Founder of Seattle Urban Farm Company
Vertical gardening makes it possible to grow more food without expanding your garden’s footprint—while adding structure and layers of beauty. This seminar explores how vegetables and flowers thrive with vertical support and why professional growers rely on string trellising for healthy, productive plants. Attendees will learn simple techniques for using vertical strings, horizontal lines, and string nets to train, prune, and harvest with ease. The result is a more efficient, organized, and visually dynamic garden that maximizes space and turns every inch into growing potential.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 11:30am / Rainier Room
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Edible Landscaping in the PNW Hailey Lampe - Garden Coach, Founder of Cruising Climate
Imagine stepping outside your door into a garden that feeds both you and the local ecosystem. Learn how to design and grow a Pacific Northwest–style food forest using native plants that are as beautiful as they are productive. Learn how to select the right mix of trees, shrubs, and perennials, and determine how much food you want to grow while designing a space that fits your lifestyle. Attendees will leave inspired to create a thriving, edible landscape at home.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 12:00pm / Hood Room
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Demystifying Soil Testing: Turning Numbers Into Knowledge Matt Williams - Plant & Soil Scientist, Educator, Researcher
Ever looked at a soil test report and thought, “Now what?” This session takes the guesswork out of soil testing, from proper sampling techniques to interpreting results with confidence. Learn how to read and compare reports from different labs, identify key indicators like pH and nutrient levels, and make informed choices about fertilizers and amendments. With practical guidance on timing, tools, and next steps, this clear, approachable session will help you transform your soil data into a thriving, sustainable garden. Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 2:45pm / Hood Room
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Care and Management of Happy Fruit Trees Allen Taylor - Master Arborist, Educator, Owner Conservation Tree Care
Successful orchardists know that growing fruit is equal parts gardening and cooking. This session explores the full cycle of fruit tree care—from planting and pruning to harvesting and enjoying the results. Attendees will learn key techniques for cultivating healthy, productive trees and see a live demonstration of pruning and harvest methods in action. Whether you’re tending a backyard tree or dreaming of a home orchard, this session offers practical insight into growing, maintaining, and savoring fruit straight from your garden.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 3:15pm / DIY Stage
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