February 17-21, 2027

Seattle Convention Center

Booth Quote

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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

Buy Tickets Early and Save

Seminar schedule subject to change, so we recommend checking back closer to the Festival for the most current schedule.

Download the Daily Seminar Guide

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Book Signing Add to Calendar

Rainier Room

(All seminars 60 minutes unless noted)

10:00am	Reawakening Connections to Ancestral Landscapes Wambui Ipolito - Horticulturalist, Award-winning Landscape Designer, Author View More Victorian plant collecting is the “original sin” on which much of Western garden practice is built. The resulting commoditization of plants, homogenized landscapes, and formulaic “design by template” has disconnected many gardeners from deeper cultural and ecological roots. In this thought-provoking session, Wambui explores how reconnecting with your own ancestral landscapes - whether through memory, heritage, or lived experience -can restore meaning, authenticity, and intention to the garden.	Reawakening Connections to Ancestral Landscapes Victorian plant collecting is the “original sin” on which much of Western garden practice is built. The resulting commoditization of plants, homogenized landscapes, and formulaic “design by template” has disconnected many gardeners from deeper cultural and ecological roots. In this thought-provoking session, Wambui explores how reconnecting with your own ancestral landscapes - whether through memory, heritage, or lived experience -can restore meaning, authenticity, and intention to the garden. Thursday, February 19, 2026 10:00am
11:30am	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 View More 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.	Native or Not: Should We Be Growing Non-native plants? A Heronswood Perspective. The Heronswood Garden in Kingston, Washington, is world-renowned as the creation of international plant collector Dan Hinkley. Home to an extraordinary array of plants from around the globe, it is also the only public botanical garden in the United States owned by a Native American tribe. In recent years, Heronswood has expanded its collections to include many native species, especially those venerated by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. Join Garden Director Dr. Ross Bayton and Tribal Liaison Debby Purser as they explore the complementary roles of native and non-native plants in Pacific Northwest gardens. Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:30am
1:00pm	The Gardener’s Mindset: Concepts to Connect More Closely with Nature Stephen Orr - Garden Writer, Editor, Cultural Observer View More From adapting to sudden sunlight after a Nor’easter felled a giant maple, to refining color schemes and learning to work with the natural water systems of a maritime landscape, this session traces the lessons learned across four very different gardens. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Stephen Orr reflects on what time, change, and observation have taught him, and shares the design ideas and emerging trends that continue to spark curiosity and joy after forty years of gardening.	The Gardener’s Mindset: Concepts to Connect More Closely with Nature From adapting to sudden sunlight after a Nor’easter felled a giant maple, to refining color schemes and learning to work with the natural water systems of a maritime landscape, this session traces the lessons learned across four very different gardens. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Stephen Orr reflects on what time, change, and observation have taught him, and shares the design ideas and emerging trends that continue to spark curiosity and joy after forty years of gardening. Thursday, February 19, 2026 1:00pm
2:30pm	High Lights from Soaring Heights; Reflections on Four Decades of Plant Hunting Dan Hinkley - Award-winning Plantsman, Collector, Author View More An hour seems inadequate to lucidly articulate the privilege Dan Hinkley feels to have been afforded the opportunity to observe, collect and introduce plants over the course of forty years. Join him as he takes you on a journey from Myanmar to Chile, Vietnam to South Africa, and beyond, and discover the process of observing, collecting processing and ultimately bringing into general cultivation what he considers to be his most choice of introductions.	High Lights from Soaring Heights; Reflections on Four Decades of Plant Hunting An hour seems inadequate to lucidly articulate the privilege Dan Hinkley feels to have been afforded the opportunity to observe, collect and introduce plants over the course of forty years. Join him as he takes you on a journey from Myanmar to Chile, Vietnam to South Africa, and beyond, and discover the process of observing, collecting processing and ultimately bringing into general cultivation what he considers to be his most choice of introductions. Thursday, February 19, 2026 2:30pm
4:00pm	Growing a Garden with Soul, Soil & Science Anne Bikle - Soil Health Expert, Author, and Science Writer View More 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.	Growing a Garden with Soul, Soil & Science 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
5:30pm	Hugelkultur Gardening in the PNW Sarah Wagstaff - Flower Farmer, Educator, Owner of SUOT Farm View More 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.	Hugelkultur Gardening in the PNW 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

Hood Room

(All seminars 60 minutes unless noted)

9:30am	Variegata! Dan Heims - Author, President of Terra Nova Nurseries View More 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.	Variegata! Variegated plants are having a major moment... bringing bold pattern, contrast, and color to gardens everywhere. This dynamic seminar showcases extensive collections of variegated and colorful foliage plants from around the world, including stunning selections from New Zealand, Japan, and Europe. Learn how variegation develops, the difference between chimeras and viral patterns, and how foliage color is classified. The session also explores design techniques such as color echoes, repetition, contrast, and harmony... revealing how variegated plants can transform any garden into a living work of art. Thursday, February 19, 2026 9:30am
10:45am	Sedges Have Edges: Unlocking the Secrets of Carex in Your Garden John Coghlan - Award-Winning Landscape Designer, Owner of HomeGrown Organics View More 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.	Sedges Have Edges: Unlocking the Secrets of Carex in Your Garden Discover the quiet magic of sedges (Carex)... understated plants that bring texture, movement, and resilience to the garden. Often overlooked in favor of flashier blooms or showy grasses, sedges offer remarkable beauty and ecological value. In this thoughtful seminar, attendees will learn how to use Carex species to create dynamic plantings that support pollinators, stabilize soil, and thrive in challenging conditions. Garden designer John Coghlan shares design insights, practical growing tips, and a few of his favorite selections to help gardeners see sedges in a whole new light. Thursday, February 19, 2026 10:45am
12:00pm	Garden Like a Flower Farmer Debra Prinzing - Writer, Speaker, Founder of Slow Flowers Society Robin Avni - Creative Director, Author, Co-founder of BLOOM Imprint View More 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.	Garden Like a Flower Farmer 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
1:15pm	Grow to New Heights Patrick Ryan - Garden Writer, Educator, Alaska Master Gardener View More Look up and discover a whole new layer of gardening possibility. This session introduces a variety of easy-to-grow, often-overlooked vines that add beauty, interest, and productivity to vertical spaces in the garden. Learn how to transform fences, trellises, arches, and other underused structures into living features that soften spaces, increase growing area, and create seasonal impact. From flowering vines to edible and ornamental climbers, this talk offers practical ideas and plant inspiration to help gardeners make the most of every square foot... especially when space is limited.	Grow to New Heights Look up and discover a whole new layer of gardening possibility. This session introduces a variety of easy-to-grow, often-overlooked vines that add beauty, interest, and productivity to vertical spaces in the garden. Learn how to transform fences, trellises, arches, and other underused structures into living features that soften spaces, increase growing area, and create seasonal impact. From flowering vines to edible and ornamental climbers, this talk offers practical ideas and plant inspiration to help gardeners make the most of every square foot... especially when space is limited. Thursday, February 19, 2026 1:15pm
2:45pm	Operating Instructions for the (Occasionally Overwhelmed) Gardener Lorene Edwards Forkner - Artist, Author, Garden Journalist View More 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.	Operating Instructions for the (Occasionally Overwhelmed) Gardener Gardeners are dreamers, always brimming with ideas and inspiration. But with so many possibilities, enthusiasm can quickly turn into overwhelm and fatigue. In this thoughtful and practical session, Lorene shares three simple questions to ask before beginning your next project... questions that bring clarity, focus, and joy back to the process. Learn how to create personal, meaningful growing spaces that fit your llife like a favorite garden glove. Thursday, February 19, 2026 2:45pm
4:00pm	Gardening in Alaska’s Zone 4: Cultivating Success on the Kenai Peninsula Larry Opperman - Radio Host, Master Gardener, Educator View More 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.	Gardening in Alaska’s Zone 4: Cultivating Success on the Kenai Peninsula 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
5:15pm	Heaths & Heathers: Color For All Seasons Karla Lortz - Owner of Heaths & Heathers, Heather Expert View More 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.	Heaths & Heathers: Color For All Seasons Discover the year-round charm and versatility of heaths and heathers—plants that offer a remarkable range of foliage colors and blooms. In this session, attendees will learn how to design with these resilient evergreens to create vibrant, low-maintenance displays that brighten the garden even in the quiet months of the year. Known for their drought tolerance and resistance to deer, heaths and heathers bring both color and reliability to the landscape. Thoughtful selection and placement can turn any space into a tapestry of texture and hue. Thursday, February 19, 2026 5:15pm

Main Stage

11:00am	Container Showdown - Thursday Richie Steffen - Executive Director, Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden Justin Henderson - Executive Director and Head Gardener, Lakewold Gardens	Container Showdown - Thursday Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:00am
1:00pm	Container Showdown: Celebrity Edition Thursday Nick Cutsumpas - Plant Coach, Award-winning Designer, Environmentalist Ryan McEnaney - Fifth-Generation Nurseryman	Container Showdown: Celebrity Edition Thursday Thursday, February 19, 2026 1:00pm
2:30pm	Blooms & Bubbles: Designing With Helebores [additional ticket required] Teresa Sabankaya - Author, Floral Designer, Slow Flowers Advocate View More Join floral designer Teresa Sabankaya for a hands-on workshop celebrating one of the first blooms of spring... the hellebore. In this session, Teresa shares design techniques for showcasing the natural grace and structure of these harbingers of spring while exploring their meaning in the Language of Flowers. You’ll then create your own hand-tied posy or centerpiece that captures the beauty of the season and celebrates locally grown blooms.	Blooms & Bubbles: Designing With Helebores [additional ticket required] Join floral designer Teresa Sabankaya for a hands-on workshop celebrating one of the first blooms of spring... the hellebore. In this session, Teresa shares design techniques for showcasing the natural grace and structure of these harbingers of spring while exploring their meaning in the Language of Flowers. You’ll then create your own hand-tied posy or centerpiece that captures the beauty of the season and celebrates locally grown blooms. Thursday, February 19, 2026 2:30pm
4:00pm	From Concrete Jungle to Green Living Nick Cutsumpas - NWFG26 Judge, Plant Coach, Award-winning Designer, Environmentalist View More Discover how a passion for plants transformed one man’s life... and inspired countless others to grow greener, too. Nick shares his journey from tending vegetables in his parents’ backyard to filling a New York City apartment with 125 thriving houseplants, becoming one of the first “houseplant designers” in the city. With humor and honesty, he reflects on the challenges, client adventures, and lessons that turned a love of plants into a lifelong mission for environmental change.	From Concrete Jungle to Green Living Discover how a passion for plants transformed one man’s life... and inspired countless others to grow greener, too. Nick shares his journey from tending vegetables in his parents’ backyard to filling a New York City apartment with 125 thriving houseplants, becoming one of the first “houseplant designers” in the city. With humor and honesty, he reflects on the challenges, client adventures, and lessons that turned a love of plants into a lifelong mission for environmental change. Thursday, February 19, 2026 4:00pm

DIY Stage

(All seminars 60 minutes unless noted)

10:15am	All About Seeds Anza Muenchow - Educator, Farmer, Garden Community Advocate View More 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.	All About Seeds 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
11:45am	The Art of Ikebana: Beauty in Balance Nobuko Relnick - Ikebana Artist and Expert View More Experience the graceful art of ikebana... the traditional Japanese practice of flower arranging that celebrates balance, form, and simplicity. In this live demonstration, master ikebana artist, Nobuko Relnick, will create five to six unique arrangements using a variety of plant materials and containers. Attendees will enjoy watching familiar and unexpected elements come together in elegant harmony, each design revealing a new way to see nature’s beauty. This serene and inspiring session offers a view into an ancient art form that continues to bring calm and creativity to modern life.	The Art of Ikebana: Beauty in Balance Experience the graceful art of ikebana... the traditional Japanese practice of flower arranging that celebrates balance, form, and simplicity. In this live demonstration, master ikebana artist, Nobuko Relnick, will create five to six unique arrangements using a variety of plant materials and containers. Attendees will enjoy watching familiar and unexpected elements come together in elegant harmony, each design revealing a new way to see nature’s beauty. This serene and inspiring session offers a view into an ancient art form that continues to bring calm and creativity to modern life. Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:45am
1:30pm	The Resilient Gardener: Graceful Strategies for a Lifetime of Growing Jessi Bloom - Award-winning Author, Ecological Designer, Certified Arborist View More 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.	The Resilient Gardener: Graceful Strategies for a Lifetime of Growing 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
3:15pm	Mounting Epiphytic Plants Jessica Scovel - Houseplant Expert, Owner of Buds Interior Plant Design View More Tropical plants like orchids and staghorn ferns have a unique way of growing - attached to the trunks and branches of trees rather than rooted in soil. In this live demonstration, watch how these remarkable epiphytes can be mounted onto wood to create striking, living works of art. The session highlights materials, techniques, and care tips for keeping mounted plants healthy and vibrant indoors. Inspiring and informative, it offers a glimpse into how nature’s most inventive growers can become beautiful, sustainable décor in any home.	Mounting Epiphytic Plants Tropical plants like orchids and staghorn ferns have a unique way of growing - attached to the trunks and branches of trees rather than rooted in soil. In this live demonstration, watch how these remarkable epiphytes can be mounted onto wood to create striking, living works of art. The session highlights materials, techniques, and care tips for keeping mounted plants healthy and vibrant indoors. Inspiring and informative, it offers a glimpse into how nature’s most inventive growers can become beautiful, sustainable décor in any home. Thursday, February 19, 2026 3:15pm
5:00pm	Floral Therapy: Designing with Feeling + Intention Kiara Hancock - Floral Artist, Creative Coach, Founder of K. Hancock Design View More 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.	Floral Therapy: Designing with Feeling + Intention 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 5:00pm

Adams Room

10:30am	20 Years of Rooftop Gardening at Portland's Noble Rot Marc Boucher-Colbert - Garden Specialist, Educator, Urban Agriculture Innovator View More 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.	20 Years of Rooftop Gardening at Portland's Noble Rot High above Portland’s east side, rooftop gardener Marc Boucher-Colbert has spent two decades growing gourmet produce in just inches of soil. In this fascinating seminar, he shares the fundamentals of rooftop gardening—how to design productive systems in limited space and experiment successfully with shallow growing depths. Attendees will also learn how Marc’s collaboration with the chef team at Noble Rot demonstrates a forward-thinking model for sustainable, hyper-local food production. Practical, inspiring, and deliciously creative, this session reimagines what’s possible when innovation meets the urban skyline. Thursday, February 19, 2026 10:30am
12:00pm	Smart Stormwater: Practical Solutions for a Resilient Future Brandy Hall - Author and Founder, Shades of Green Permaculture View More Imagine a landscape that slows, sinks, and stores every drop of rain—while restoring soil health and supporting native ecosystems. In this session, attendees will learn permaculture-based strategies for designing landscapes that treat water as a resource, not a runoff problem. The discussion covers how to restore the water cycle through smart design, use contouring techniques like swales and rain gardens, select diverse, site-appropriate plant communities, and build long-term soil fertility through water-wise systems. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to transform their own spaces into thriving, climate-resilient landscapes.	Smart Stormwater: Practical Solutions for a Resilient Future Imagine a landscape that slows, sinks, and stores every drop of rain—while restoring soil health and supporting native ecosystems. In this session, attendees will learn permaculture-based strategies for designing landscapes that treat water as a resource, not a runoff problem. The discussion covers how to restore the water cycle through smart design, use contouring techniques like swales and rain gardens, select diverse, site-appropriate plant communities, and build long-term soil fertility through water-wise systems. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to transform their own spaces into thriving, climate-resilient landscapes. Thursday, February 19, 2026 12:00pm
1:30pm	Interview with Rochelle Greayer Jennifer Jewel - Host of NPR's Cultivating Place, Author Rochelle Greayer Editor, Designer & Garden Culture Writer View More Recorded as part of Cultivating Place LIVE! with host Jennifer Jewell, this thoughtful conversation with Rochelle Greayer explores the intersection of garden design, culture, and storytelling. As Editor of American Gardener and a longtime designer and writer, Rochelle reflects on how plants shape our lives, landscapes, and shared sense of place — and how garden media is evolving to meet the moment. Insightful and wide-ranging, this interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at how design, ecology, and lived experience come together to tell more meaningful garden stories, recorded for broadcast on Jennifer Jewell’s acclaimed public radio podcast, Cultivating Place.	Interview with Rochelle Greayer Recorded as part of Cultivating Place LIVE! with host Jennifer Jewell, this thoughtful conversation with Rochelle Greayer explores the intersection of garden design, culture, and storytelling. As Editor of American Gardener and a longtime designer and writer, Rochelle reflects on how plants shape our lives, landscapes, and shared sense of place — and how garden media is evolving to meet the moment. Insightful and wide-ranging, this interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at how design, ecology, and lived experience come together to tell more meaningful garden stories, recorded for broadcast on Jennifer Jewell’s acclaimed public radio podcast, Cultivating Place. Thursday, February 19, 2026 1:30pm
3:00pm	Spiritual Lessons from the World of Plants Leo Carver - Author, Gardener, Ayurveda Practitioner View More What can plants teach us about living with greater awareness and connection? In this reflective seminar, Leo explores how plants experience their environment—responding to light, touch, rhythm, and relationship—and what those patterns reveal about our own lives. Attendees will discover how observing plant behavior can deepen mindfulness, inspire compassion, and renew a sense of belonging to the natural world. Blending science and spirituality, this session offers gentle insights into how we might grow, adapt, and connect more fully—just as plants do.	Spiritual Lessons from the World of Plants What can plants teach us about living with greater awareness and connection? In this reflective seminar, Leo explores how plants experience their environment—responding to light, touch, rhythm, and relationship—and what those patterns reveal about our own lives. Attendees will discover how observing plant behavior can deepen mindfulness, inspire compassion, and renew a sense of belonging to the natural world. Blending science and spirituality, this session offers gentle insights into how we might grow, adapt, and connect more fully—just as plants do. Thursday, February 19, 2026 3:00pm
4:30pm	Bird-Friendly Gardening: How to Make Your Garden Attractive to Birds Jen McGuinness - Award-winning Journalist and Author View More Even as many bird populations face decline, every backyard garden has the power to make a difference. In this hopeful and practical seminar, learn what birds need to thrive, how to use organic practices and native plants to meet those needs, and which trees, shrubs, and flowers attract specific species. With inspiring ideas and easy actions, this session shows how helping birds also helps create more balanced, life-filled gardens for us all.	Bird-Friendly Gardening: How to Make Your Garden Attractive to Birds Even as many bird populations face decline, every backyard garden has the power to make a difference. In this hopeful and practical seminar, learn what birds need to thrive, how to use organic practices and native plants to meet those needs, and which trees, shrubs, and flowers attract specific species. With inspiring ideas and easy actions, this session shows how helping birds also helps create more balanced, life-filled gardens for us all. Thursday, February 19, 2026 4:30pm

Traveler's Tea

3:30pm

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!