February 14-18, 2024

Seattle Convention Center

705 Pike Street, Seattle, WA

Seminar schedule subject to change, so we recommend checking back closer to the show for the current schedule. No ticket refunds in the event of Speaker cancellations.

Useful Information

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Name: Official Northwest Flower & Garden Festival
Start: 0001-01-01
End: 0001-01-01
Location: Seattle Convention Center

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

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LEGEND

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What’s a ProTip? Some speakers provide a handout for their sessions. We post them each evening of the show for you to download - just click the icon. They are available for three months post show.

Rainier Room

(All seminars 60 minutes unless noted)

10:00 AM	Translating the Wild Into Designed Landscapes Thomas Rainer - Landscape architect, horticulture futurist, and principal at Phyto Studio View More Nature has long inspired designers, but creating garden-scale replicas of natural plant communities is surprisingly hard. Landscape architect Thomas Rainer explores the best and most relevant planting strategies for today’s aesthetic and environmental challenges. Learn how Phyto Studio applies different tools from naturalistic design tradition to inform their projects.	Translating the Wild Into Designed Landscapes Nature has long inspired designers, but creating garden-scale replicas of natural plant communities is surprisingly hard. Landscape architect Thomas Rainer explores the best and most relevant planting strategies for today’s aesthetic and environmental challenges. Learn how Phyto Studio applies different tools from naturalistic design tradition to inform their projects. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 10:00 AM
11:30 AM	Gardens with Atmosphere Jo Thompson - Landscape and garden designer, speaker, and author, The Gardener's Palette View More One of the very best compliments you can have is when someone says your garden is romantic, full of that magical atmosphere which is the sum of many parts. In this talk, I’ll be going through what these parts are and how you can bring in different elements to create a magical atmosphere in your garden.	Gardens with Atmosphere One of the very best compliments you can have is when someone says your garden is romantic, full of that magical atmosphere which is the sum of many parts. In this talk, I’ll be going through what these parts are and how you can bring in different elements to create a magical atmosphere in your garden. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 11:30 AM
1:00 PM	American Roots Allison McCullough - Garden designer and co-author, American Roots Nick McCullough - Landscape designer, owner of McCullough's Landscape & Nursery, LLC, and author, American Roots View More Follow the journey across the US and take a closer look at gardens that designer Nick McCullough captured on his quest to celebrate the American garden in his new book AMERICAN ROOTS (Timber Press). You will explore a selection of gardens created by 20 creative gardeners across our vast land from Big Sur, California to the shores of Rhode Island. Gain inspiration, planting tips, and an expanded notion of what an American garden is.	American Roots Follow the journey across the US and take a closer look at gardens that designer Nick McCullough captured on his quest to celebrate the American garden in his new book AMERICAN ROOTS (Timber Press). You will explore a selection of gardens created by 20 creative gardeners across our vast land from Big Sur, California to the shores of Rhode Island. Gain inspiration, planting tips, and an expanded notion of what an American garden is. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 1:00 PM
2:30 PM	Plant People Panels: Inside the Landscape Designer's Mind Moderator: Jen Szabo - Director of Molbak's Landscape Design + Build Sue Goetz - Owner, Creative Gardener, Washington State APLD president and author, Complete Container Herb Gardening and A Taste for Herbs Nick McCullough - Landscape designer, owner of McCullough's Landscape & Nursery, LLC, and author, American Roots Thomas Rainer - Landscape architect, horticulture futurist, and principal at Phyto Studio Jo Thompson - Landscape and garden designer, speaker, and author, The Gardener's Palette View More With a roster of exceptional NWFGF judges that are all renown landscape designers plus Washington state's Association of Landscape Design Professionals (APLD) president all in one place, we couldn't miss the opportunity to get "under the hood" and understand the thought processes, observations and trend predictions for the landscape world of this stellar group of people. Hosted by Jen Szabo, Director of Molbak's Landscape Design + Build, this session is great for those embarking on a landscape project and looking for the perfect landscape design collaborator or the professionals wanting to be inspired by the leading thinkers in landscape design. Each panel is 90 minutes - 60 minutes for the panel, a quick break then 30 minutes to answer attendee questions.	Plant People Panels: Inside the Landscape Designer's Mind With a roster of exceptional NWFGF judges that are all renown landscape designers plus Washington state's Association of Landscape Design Professionals (APLD) president all in one place, we couldn't miss the opportunity to get "under the hood" and understand the thought processes, observations and trend predictions for the landscape world of this stellar group of people. Hosted by Jen Szabo, Director of Molbak's Landscape Design + Build, this session is great for those embarking on a landscape project and looking for the perfect landscape design collaborator or the professionals wanting to be inspired by the leading thinkers in landscape design. Each panel is 90 minutes - 60 minutes for the panel, a quick break then 30 minutes to answer attendee questions. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 2:30 PM
4:30 PM	Garden Jeopardy Ciscoe Morris - Radio, TV host, columnist & best-selling author, Ask Ciscoe and Oh, La La! View More ANSWER: An outrageously fun time! QUESTION: What is "Garden Jeopardy?" Ciscoe Morris is taking your favorite game show to a whole new level with "Garden Jeopardy," live and only on the NWFGF seminar stage! He'll be challenging 2 teams, each with 3 avid gardeners, to answer garden-related questions in the usual Jeopardy format: He'll provide the answer, and the contestants provide the question. So be prepared for Ciscoe's usual hijinks as he tries to stump his contestants and learn about gardening at the same time! Note: This is not a canned program and does not rely on the internet.	Garden Jeopardy ANSWER: An outrageously fun time! QUESTION: What is "Garden Jeopardy?" Ciscoe Morris is taking your favorite game show to a whole new level with "Garden Jeopardy," live and only on the NWFGF seminar stage! He'll be challenging 2 teams, each with 3 avid gardeners, to answer garden-related questions in the usual Jeopardy format: He'll provide the answer, and the contestants provide the question. So be prepared for Ciscoe's usual hijinks as he tries to stump his contestants and learn about gardening at the same time! Note: This is not a canned program and does not rely on the internet. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 4:30 PM
6:00 PM	Fruits: A Colorful History of the Those We Grow and Eat in the PNW Joseph Seals - World-traveled horticulturist and speaker View More 20,000 years of discovery, selection, and breeding of the more common along with some uncommon fruiting plants. The origins and the many amazing and often surprising stories behind them. Everything from the first fig orchards more than 11,000 years ago to the discovery of the 'Olympian" fig discovered in a backyard in Olympia and introduced in 2014.	Fruits: A Colorful History of the Those We Grow and Eat in the PNW 20,000 years of discovery, selection, and breeding of the more common along with some uncommon fruiting plants. The origins and the many amazing and often surprising stories behind them. Everything from the first fig orchards more than 11,000 years ago to the discovery of the 'Olympian" fig discovered in a backyard in Olympia and introduced in 2014. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 6:00 PM

Hood Room

(All seminars 60 minutes)

9:30 AM	Rare, Unusual and Underused Ground Covers and How to Use Them Gary Lewis - Award-winning owner, Phoenix Perennials and author, The Complete Book of Ground Covers View More In his encyclopedia The Complete Book of Ground Covers, Gary profiled 4000 different species and cultivars of this most useful group of small but mighty plants. Amongst the usual characters are many lesser known, rare and underused ground covers that could be used to great effect to add botanical intrigue, surprise, and creativity to the garden. In this talk youíll discover some of Garyís favourite rare, unusual and underused ground covers and how to use them in the garden to take your personal outdoor space to the next level.	Rare, Unusual and Underused Ground Covers and How to Use Them In his encyclopedia The Complete Book of Ground Covers, Gary profiled 4000 different species and cultivars of this most useful group of small but mighty plants. Amongst the usual characters are many lesser known, rare and underused ground covers that could be used to great effect to add botanical intrigue, surprise, and creativity to the garden. In this talk youíll discover some of Garyís favourite rare, unusual and underused ground covers and how to use them in the garden to take your personal outdoor space to the next level. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 9:30 AM
10:45 AM	The Dynamic Garden: Planning for a year of visual interest in the garden Kate David - Award-winning owner and designer of Hello Garden View More A garden with year-round interest is no accident. In fact, it’s one of the most challenging aspects in any garden. Learn how to think of a garden as a symphony. Not all the instruments are playing at once. Sometimes you hear the strings, other times you hear the strength of the percussion, but when done well, each plant gets it’s moment to sing. During this talk, we will walk through favorite seasonal heavy hitters, provide helpful tips and tricks to hide the less attractive points of seasonal florals and provide a framework for planning your year of interest.	The Dynamic Garden: Planning for a year of visual interest in the garden A garden with year-round interest is no accident. In fact, it’s one of the most challenging aspects in any garden. Learn how to think of a garden as a symphony. Not all the instruments are playing at once. Sometimes you hear the strings, other times you hear the strength of the percussion, but when done well, each plant gets it’s moment to sing. During this talk, we will walk through favorite seasonal heavy hitters, provide helpful tips and tricks to hide the less attractive points of seasonal florals and provide a framework for planning your year of interest. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 10:45 AM
12:00 PM	The Beauty of Weeds Mark Turner - Co-author and photographer of Weeds of the Pacific Northwest, Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest, and Trees and Shrubs of the Pacific Northwest; owner of Turner Photographics, LLC in Bellingham View More Maybe they just showed up in your garden, or you notice them as you walk your neighborhood or drive down the road. Theyíre the plants we call weeds, the ones we didnít ask to join our gardens. But just because theyíre weeds doesnít mean theyíre ugly. In fact, some of our weeds are quite beautiful. Come on a journey showcasing some of our most unwelcome plants and get a few tips on controlling them, too.	The Beauty of Weeds Maybe they just showed up in your garden, or you notice them as you walk your neighborhood or drive down the road. Theyíre the plants we call weeds, the ones we didnít ask to join our gardens. But just because theyíre weeds doesnít mean theyíre ugly. In fact, some of our weeds are quite beautiful. Come on a journey showcasing some of our most unwelcome plants and get a few tips on controlling them, too. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 12:00 PM
1:15 PM	Creating a Fantasy Woodland Garden Justin Henderson - Garden Director at PowellsWood Garden View More In search of deep shade solutions? You've come to the right place. Learn steps to create a magical, fern-filled, mossy, woodland wonderland. The understory of the large conifers of the PNW can provide ideal conditions for a fantasy garden experience. In this talk, we will discuss the plants and proper care that can help you create a space that utilizes the iconic evergreen tree canopy of our region.	Creating a Fantasy Woodland Garden In search of deep shade solutions? You've come to the right place. Learn steps to create a magical, fern-filled, mossy, woodland wonderland. The understory of the large conifers of the PNW can provide ideal conditions for a fantasy garden experience. In this talk, we will discuss the plants and proper care that can help you create a space that utilizes the iconic evergreen tree canopy of our region. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 1:15 PM
2:45 PM	Native by Design: Gardening for Biodiversity Eileen Stark - Eco-landscape designer, consultant, and author, Real Gardens Grow Natives: Design, Plant, and Enjoy a Healthy Northwest Garden View More In the face of disappearing biodiversity, our gardens - even small ones - can play a crucial role in slowing the rate of extinction and supporting vibrant, functional, and complex systems. Leave the traditional plant palette behind and learn how to garden with an ecological focus by utilizing basic eco-design principles, by choosing and arranging local native plants in their natural associations and according to site conditions, and by gentle cultivation methods. Discover how to plan a beautiful, vital, and rewarding space that supports wildlife, sequesters carbon, and protects soil and water.	Native by Design: Gardening for Biodiversity In the face of disappearing biodiversity, our gardens - even small ones - can play a crucial role in slowing the rate of extinction and supporting vibrant, functional, and complex systems. Leave the traditional plant palette behind and learn how to garden with an ecological focus by utilizing basic eco-design principles, by choosing and arranging local native plants in their natural associations and according to site conditions, and by gentle cultivation methods. Discover how to plan a beautiful, vital, and rewarding space that supports wildlife, sequesters carbon, and protects soil and water. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 2:45 PM
4:00 PM	A Container for All Seasons - Container Garden Designs that Transport You Through the Seasons Cindy Funes - Container garden designer and owner of Garden Revelry LLC View More Learn about designs and planting combinations that transition a container planting through-out the seasons in the Pacific Northwest. Discover the flexibility of container gardening as you design for all seasons by incorporating evergreens perennials and annuals in plantings, planter selection consideration, how to prepare containers for winter, maintenance and care for plantings through the different seasons including those sweltering hot days of summer.	A Container for All Seasons - Container Garden Designs that Transport You Through the Seasons Learn about designs and planting combinations that transition a container planting through-out the seasons in the Pacific Northwest. Discover the flexibility of container gardening as you design for all seasons by incorporating evergreens perennials and annuals in plantings, planter selection consideration, how to prepare containers for winter, maintenance and care for plantings through the different seasons including those sweltering hot days of summer. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 4:00 PM
5:15 PM	Bundle Up! Late Winter is A Great Time to Garden Susan Papanikolas - Garden coach, designer, and founder of How Does Your Garden Grow View More Late winter can be an unexpectedly exciting and satisfying time to garden. Cold fingers aside, this is a great time to clear the decks and get the garden ready for the spring growth that's right around the corner. The pruning, cleanup, and soil care you do at this time of year can make the upcoming growing season more successful and much easier. We will discuss what to do, how to do it, and why you do it so you¬íll be all set to go home, bundle up, and get your garden ready for spring.	Bundle Up! Late Winter is A Great Time to Garden Late winter can be an unexpectedly exciting and satisfying time to garden. Cold fingers aside, this is a great time to clear the decks and get the garden ready for the spring growth that's right around the corner. The pruning, cleanup, and soil care you do at this time of year can make the upcoming growing season more successful and much easier. We will discuss what to do, how to do it, and why you do it so you¬íll be all set to go home, bundle up, and get your garden ready for spring. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 5:15 PM

DIY Stage

(All seminars 60 minutes)

11:45 AM

Blooming Gifts: Unleashing the Magic of Plant Medicine Creations

Jessi Bloom - Award-winning author and ecological landscape designer, and owner of N.W. Bloom EcoLogical Services

1:30 PM

Get to the "Root" of Your Problems: How To Transplant and Root Prune for Healthier Container Plants

Sean and Allison McManus - Co-owner and host of Spoken Garden, and co-author, The First-time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers

3:15 PM

Fragrance in the Garden

Rizanino Reyes - Owner of RHR Horticulture

Main Stage

11:00 AM

Container War: Wednesday

Host: Marianne Binetti

Richie Steffen - Executive Director, Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden and co-author, Plant Lover’s Guide to Ferns

Barbara Wise - Horticulturist and author, Container Gardening for All Seasons

1:00 PM

Great Plant Picks: Flora Romantica, Plants for a Beautiful Garden

Richie Steffen - Executive Director, Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden and co-author, Plant Lover’s Guide to Ferns