These seminars are approved for WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer continuing education credits.
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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Judge Session Descriptions Released In November Frances Tophill - TV Presenter, Author, Educator
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 10:00am / Rainier 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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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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Judge Session Descriptions Released In November Wambui Ipolito - Horticulturalist, Award-winning Landscape Designer, Author
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 1:00pm / Rainier 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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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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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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Stop Killing Houseplants: Shop Based on Your Plant Parent Personality Maria Failla - Podcast Host, Author, Plant Educator
Killed a houseplant before? You’re not alone. The number-one reason people fail with plants isn’t light, water, or lack of knowledge—it’s choosing plants that don’t fit their personality or lifestyle. In this fun and relatable seminar, Maria Failla, host of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast, helps attendees discover their Plant Parent Personality and choose houseplants that are almost foolproof to grow. You’ll learn your strengths and challenges as a plant parent and leave with a personalized list of plants to match your style... just in time to shop the Festival!
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 4:00pm / Main Stage
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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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Judge Session Descriptions Released In November Wambui Ipolito - Horticulturalist, Award-winning Landscape Designer, Author
Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 10:00am / Rainier 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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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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Judge Session Descriptions Released In November Frances Tophill - TV Presenter, Author, Educator
Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 1:00pm / Rainier Room
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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
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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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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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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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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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Hugelkultur Gardening in the PNW Sarah Wagstaff - Flower Farmer, Educator, Owner of SUOT Farm
Discover the art and science of Hugelkultur... a centuries-old gardening technique that turns woody debris and organic matter into thriving, self-sustaining garden beds. In this practical seminar, local grower Sarah Wagstaff explains how Hugelkultur works and why it’s an ideal solution for building soil health, conserving water, and creating long-term fertility. Attendees will learn step-by-step how to design and build their own beds, choose the right materials, and select plants that flourish in this living system. A sustainable practice with timeless roots, Hugelkultur transforms waste into abundance.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 5:30pm / Rainier 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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Glass Gardens: Build Your Own Terrarium Two Ways Kamili Bell Hill - Plant Stylist, Best-selling Author, Creator of PlantBlerd
Discover how to turn glass vessels into miniature worlds of living art. This demonstration guides attendees through creating two distinctive, low-maintenance terrariums—one lush and enclosed, the other airy and open. The session covers plant selection, layering techniques, and container styles that keep terrariums thriving long after they’re built. Attendees will also learn how humidity-loving plants can flourish in these self-contained environments, avoiding the pitfalls of constant misting or humidifiers. With creative styling tips and practical care advice, this session brings science, design, and a touch of nostalgia together under glass.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 10:15am / DIY Stage
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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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Summer & Autumn Bulbs Jennifer Rose Carey - Author, Horticulturist, Garden Educator
Plan ahead now for a spectacular summer and autumn bulb display. Learn how to use The Essential Guide to Bulbs (Timber Press, 2025) as a roadmap for creating gardens that bloom beautifully long after spring. Dahlias and other summer bulbs take center stage as the session covers planning, planting, and pairing techniques for vibrant color and lasting impact. Attendees will leave ready to design gardens that transition seamlessly from one season to the next—alive with texture, energy, and the dazzling drama of bulbs in full bloom.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 12:00pm / Hood 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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Pollinators and Food Gardens: A Community Connection David Mizejewski - Naturalist, Author, Television Personality
Community food gardens offer a host of benefits... from combating urban blight to increasing food sovereignty to supporting declining pollinators. While food gardens focus on produce, incorporating native plants can boost productivity by attracting pollinators, improving soil health, and reducing runoff pollution into local watersheds. Native plants also enhance the beauty of community gardens and require no additional water or fertilizer once established, making them low-maintenance additions. Learn more about native plants, the pollinators they support, and how they can enhance your food gardens from National Wildlife Federation naturalist David Mizejewski.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 1:00pm / Rainier 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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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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Strange Garden Follies and Obsessions of the Victorian Gardener Felicia Feaster - Journalist, Author, Former HGTV Editor
The Victorian era (1820–1914) was a time of extraordinary botanical discovery that forever changed how we garden today. Fueled by plant hunters scouring Asia and South America for exotic specimens, this period ushered houseplants into living rooms, popularized terrariums and glasshouses, and transformed gardens into theatrical experiences filled with ferneries, grottos, and follies. Dive into the Victorians’ curious plant obsessions - how they blended science, art, and spectacle - and reveals how passion for the rare and unusual continues to inspire today’s “gothic gardeners” and modern botanical dreamers alike.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 3:00pm / Adams Room
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Advanced Houseplant Propagation Lindsay Sisti - Author, Plant Shop Owner, Houseplant Hybridizer
Ready to level up your propagation game? This in-depth demonstration goes beyond basic cuttings to explore advanced techniques such as air and ground layering, and the setup of efficient propagation boxes to produce more plants... faster! Learn how substrates such as LECA, perlite, and Fluval Stratum promote strong root growth and how to use self-watering pots and semi-hydro systems to your advantage. Perfect for the curious houseplant lover ready to take propagation methods up a notch, this workshop offers practical methods to multiply your collection with confidence and success.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 3:15pm / DIY Stage
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Cut Flower Garden 101: The Best Blooms to Grow for Beginners Kara Jamison - Cut Flower Grower, Designer, Educator
Ready to grow your first cutting garden? This welcoming seminar takes the mystery out of growing flowers for the vase, focusing on varieties that reward beginners with abundance and color. Attendees will learn how to plan, plant, and harvest blooms that keep on giving throughout the season. With down-to-earth advice from Kara Jamison of Blooming Joy Flower Co., this session celebrates the joy of growing beauty from seed to centerpiece—proving that anyone can fill their home (and their heart) with flowers grown by their own hands.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 4:00pm / Hood Room
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Are “Alien” Plants “Bad”? Doug Tallamy - T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture, University of Delaware
Some argue that non-native plants benefiting certain pollinators or birds should be embraced, but what is the full ecological cost? Tallamy presents research comparing the impact of introduced species versus native ones, showing that the latter support far richer and more stable food webs, making a compelling case for prioritizing native plants. Some argue that non-native plants benefiting certain pollinators or birds should be embraced, but what is the full ecological cost? Tallamy presents research comparing the impact of introduced species versus native ones, showing that the latter support far richer and more stable food webs, making a compelling case for prioritizing native plants. Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 10:00am / Rainier Room
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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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The Continuous Vegetable Garden Charlie Nardozzi - Author, Emmy Winning TV Personality
Many gardeners love growing vegetables but struggle with the “boom and bust” cycle of harvests, the cost of new seeds and transplants, and the constant reset each spring. This session introduces the idea of a Continuous Vegetable Garden... one designed for steady production with less effort. Attendees will learn how to include perennial vegetables and herbs, encourage self-sowing crops, and save their own seeds. You'll also learn about compact fruit options, ecological gardening methods, and design strategies for a harvest that lasts from early spring through fall. Charlie's talk is sponsored by Velcro.com.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 11:30am / 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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The Joy of Garden Breaks After Dark Perla Curbelo-Santiago - Award-winning Gardening Communicator, Author, Wellness Advocate
Step into The Joy of Garden Breaks After Dark and rediscover your outdoor space under the stars. In this immersive session, author Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago (¡Verdura!, Quarto, 2024) invites attendees to experience the garden after sunset through storytelling, tropical Caribbean soundscapes, and creative inspiration. Discover how evening nature breaks can restore well-being, how plants and wildlife transform at night, and what you can do to protect the beauty of darkness from light pollution. Blending science, art, and mindfulness, this sensory journey celebrates the wonder and renewal found only in the nighttime garden.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 1:30pm / DIY stage
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Spring Bulbs & Their Herbaceous Companions Jennifer Rose Carey - Author, Horticulturist, Garden Educator
Celebrate the joy of spring’s first blooms in this uplifting seminar devoted to early bulbs and their perfect companions. Learn how to layer tulips, snowdrops, daffodils, and other seasonal favorites to create displays that awaken the garden after winter’s rest. The session explores combinations of textures, colors, and forms that bring vibrancy to borders, containers, and naturalized plantings alike. With expert guidance and fresh inspiration, participants will leave ready to design gardens that sparkle with life and color from the very first days of spring.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 2:30pm / Rainier Room
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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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Grow a Goth Garden Felicia Feaster - Journalist, Author, Former HGTV Editor
Looking to create an enchanting, iconoclastic garden unlike anything else on the block? This seminar, led by a former HGTV.com editor, explores the art of designing moody, dramatic spaces that celebrate the darker side of beauty. Discover richly hued plants and flowers paired with their ghostly white counterparts, creating contrast and atmosphere in every season. Delve into accessories, textures, and lighting techniques that give gothic gardens their spellbinding allure. Learn to channel mystery and romance into a landscape that’s hauntingly beautiful—and entirely your own.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 3:00pm / Adams room
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Prune Like the Pros Charlie Nardozzi - Author, Emmy Winning TV Personality
Pruning doesn’t have to be intimidating... with the right tools and techniques, gardeners can prune with confidence. In this live demonstration, attendees will learn the essentials of pruning trees, shrubs, and vines for health, structure, and beauty. The session covers selecting and using proper tools, making clean cuts, and understanding when and how to prune for the best results. Participants will also explore how to shape young trees, rejuvenate overgrown shrubs, and encourage abundant blooms and fruit through skillful, timely pruning. Charlie's talk is sponsored by Velcro.com.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 3:15pm / DIY stage
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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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How Can Italians Grow Great Tomatoes While Yours Crap Out Every Year? Frank Hyman - Award-winning Garden Designer, Author, Horticulturist
You’re probably not a terrible gardener... but your tomatoes might disagree. Uncover the surprising science behind why some plants thrive while others struggle, all through the concept of “Sister Regions.” Just as human sisters can share a wardrobe, certain global regions can grow the same plants (like tomatoes) successfully. Attendees will trace the tomato’s journey from its origins to its starring role in modern gardens and learn unconventional techniques... think tomato houses, straw bale patios, and compost bins on wheels. Expect laughs, revelations, and a radical new approach to growing everyone’s favorite fruit (or is it a vegetable?).
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 4:00pm / Hood Room
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Next Steps for Nature: Questions (and Answers) for How to Save Nature in Our Yards Doug Tallamy, T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture, University of Delaware
Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces. Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces. Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 10:00am / Rainier 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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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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Designing a Life in Full Bloom Nick Cutsumpas - NWFG26 Judge, Plant Coach, Award-winning Designer, Environmentalist
What happens when a corporate career gives way to a calling rooted in nature? Nick tells how his passion for growing food and designing with plants sparked a coast-to-coast transformation... from a New York City sales job to operating a nationwide landscape design firm with the outcome... a 10-acre Michigan "forever" homestead. Learn how his experiences with native plants and ecosystem gardening now guide his personal projects and inspire a more sustainable approach to modern living.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 1:00pm / Rainier Room
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Organic Farmer Techniques for Thriving Backyard Gardens Scott Pessarra - Farmer, Educator, Founder of Mindful Farmer
Discover how regenerative farming principles can turn any backyard into a thriving, low-input food system. In this practical and inspiring seminar, organic grower and educator Sean Pessarra, founder of Mindful Farmer, shares techniques adapted from professional agriculture for the home garden. Attendees will learn about no-till bed preparation, targeted organic fertilization, cover cropping, and natural pest and weed management, along with ways to attract beneficial wildlife through native habitat design. Grounded in sustainability and simplicity, this session offers clear guidance to help gardeners grow more while giving back to the land.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 1:15pm / 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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Trending Houseplant Propagation Techniques Lindsay Sisti - Author, Plant Shop Owner, Houseplant Hybridizer
As certain plants rise in popularity, so do the propagation techniques gardeners use to multiply them. This informative seminar reviews the anatomy of three favorite houseplants—the ZZ plant, string of hearts, and alocasia—as it relates to successful propagation. Attendees will observe step-by-step demonstrations of three effective methods: ZZ plant leaflet propagation, the string of hearts “butterfly technique,” and alocasia corm propagation. Each example highlights how understanding plant structure leads to greater success in growing new specimens, offering attendees practical knowledge to expand their collections with confidence and precision.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 4:00pm / Main Stage
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