Growing Resilience: Soil, Sustainability, Garden Health and Water Conservation

“Sustainability” and "resiliance" are vital concepts, but what does it mean for home gardeners? It’s very simple: take care of the earth, and it will take care of you. We have some exceptional seminars that will help you get started on gardening for future climate change, for sustainability and less reliance on watering. It all starts with the soil.

If you make small changes to create a more resilient and sustainable garden, you will soon reap the benefits of spending less time and money, for a garden that is more rewarding—to you and the environment around you. It’s never too late to start, and it starts with the soil.

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 cancellations.

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

Buy Tickets Early and Save!

Four Steps to Create a Fire-Smart Landscape

Toni Gattone–Award-winning speaker and author, The Lifelong Gardener

The western half of the U.S. is at a turning point. How do you adapt your landscape to be fire-smart and climate-resilient? What can you do to design a healthy, aesthetically pleasing landscape, while creating a defensible barrier from fire for your family and home, along with safety for firefighters? Discover the essential things to plan and maintain a fire-safe landscape and “harden” your home for protection, plus plant choices to avoid, tasks to do, and tools to get the job done.

Wednesday, Feb 15 at 9:30 am / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Nature as Nurture: Can Gardens Heal the World?

Arit Anderson–2023 Show Judge, BBC ‘Gardeners World’ presenter and co-founder, Sustainable Landscape Foundation

As we continue to live in a fast-paced world that is driven by technology and commerce, we are increasingly facing nature deficit as we disconnect from the natural rhythms of the world. British garden and landscape designer Arit Anderson is a Trustee of the National Garden Scheme in the UK, a charity that is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for nursing and health charities. This talk will explore why gardens should be an essential part of patient care plans in the health sector, and how community gardens can be the life and soul of towns and cities. 

Wednesday, Feb 15 at 10:00 am / Rainier Room

Arit Anderson’s appearance sponsored by the Northwest Horticultural Society

NHS-Logo-wide

https://northwesthort.org/


 

Nature As Gardener: Working with Natural Process for Beauty and Reduced Maintenance

C. Colston Burrell–Garden designer, photographer, lecturer and award-winning author, Hellebores: A Comprehensive Guide

Picture-perfect plant combinations make for beautiful gardens, yet keeping every plant in its place is a lot of work. If you grow native and site adapted plants, and long to lower your maintenance time and budget, this seminar is for you. Learn tips and techniques for working with Mother Nature to create a beautiful, reduced maintenance garden by augmenting and editing. Using layering, under planting, free seeding perennials and annuals, and a little benign neglect, you can reduce the amount of time spent working in your garden.

Wednesday, Feb 15 at 4:00 pm / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Climate Change in Your Garden: Building Resilience Now

Kim StoddartU.K. garden journalist and co-author, The Climate Change Garden

Sally Morgan–U.K. co-author, The Climate Change Garden and author, The Healthy Vegetable Garden

Join the U.K.’s Sally Morgan and Kim Stoddart for a look at how climate may bring extreme weather challenges, changing seasons and greater risk of pest and disease in U.S. gardens. How will this affect trees, bulbs, flowers, shrubs and edibles on the ground for everyone? This is a solution focused presentation with accessible, savvy ideas and inspiration to help gardeners make their outside spaces more climate resilient for the future (water conservation, storm water management, soil management, looking at plant selection and much more besides). The importance of soil, encouraging wildlife for biodiversity and natural pest control and many more hands-on easy-to-employ ideas.

Wednesday, Feb 15 at 6:00 pm / Rainier Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Edible Growing for Person, Plate and Planet

Kim StoddartU.K. garden journalist and co-author, The Climate Change Garden

Sally Morgan–U.K. co-author, The Climate Change Garden and author, The Healthy Vegetable Garden

With the myriad of challenges we now face, growing some of your own food is arguably more important than ever. With an emphasis on building resilience in the gardener as much as the garden, this seminar will look at simple but effective ways to work with the natural world to grow truly planet-friendly food year-round. Designed for gardens of all sizes, this is satisfying and effective grow-your-own edible gardening that boosts confidence, success, saves time and also lowers your carbon footprint overall.

Thursday, Feb 16 at 10:45 am / Hood Room / Book signing to follow


 

Finding Common Ground: Good Communication is Like Mycorrhizal Fungi

Arit Anderson–2023 Show Judge, BBC ‘Gardeners World’ presenter and co-founder, Sustainable Landscape Foundation

Arit Anderson is a British garden and landscaper designer, but she also presents on TV, writes for magazines, has a podcast and is co-founder of the Sustainable Landscape Foundation. A well-known figure in the UK garden media, Arit wants to share why she has a passion for communication and how she is using it to inspire gardeners and landscape professionals to think and be greener. Just like mycorrhizal fungi helps plant communicate, she will share her experience on why talking and collaborating is crucial for the future health of gardens and planet.

Thursday, Feb 16 at 11:30 am / Rainier Room

Arit Anderson’s appearance sponsored by the Northwest Horticultural Society

NHS-Logo-wide

https://northwesthort.org/


 

What Your Food Ate: The Roots to Human Health Begin in the Soil

Anne Biklé­ Biologist, science writer and co-author, What Your Food Ate and The Hidden Half of Nature

David R. Montgomery, PhD­Award-winning University of Washington professor and co-author, What Your Food Ate and The Hidden Half of Nature

We know that what we eat matters to our health, but one aspect remains underappreciated—what the plants and animals that land on our dinner plates eat. It turns out that the roots of human health begin in the soil, with how we grow crops and raise livestock. Weaving history, science, and visits with innovative farmers reveals the links between soil health and human health become clear, and practices to improve soil health come into focus. Whether you are a conventional, organic, or regenerative gardener, everyone can improve their practices to improve their soil health.

Thursday, Feb 16 at 1:00 pm / Rainier Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Garden Design Makeovers for a Changing Climate

Sue Goetz CPH, EcoProOwner, Creative Gardener and author, Complete Container Herb Gardening and A Taste for Herbs

Wet winters, dry summers, heat domes, and atmospheric rivers, whatever the terminologyhow does all this fit the puzzle of garden design? Learn tips, techniques, and stylizing for the real world. Healthy soil, drought-tolerant plants, micro-climates, rain gardens, no lawns, and more! Before and after makeover ideas for sustainability and adaptability.

Thursday, Feb 16 at 6:30 pm / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Ecological Gardening and Companion Planting

Charlie Nardozzi–Regional Emmy award-winning radio, TV host and author, Gardening Complete and No-Dig Gardening

Ecological gardening is a way of gardening that enhances life under the soil and in our gardens. In this seminar you’ll discover the key elements of an ecological garden, including garden practices that build healthy soil, preserve pollinators, create habitats for birds and wildlife and protect and enhance plant growth through finding the right plant partners. Charlie will focus on new advice about companion planting, including information on flower, herb and vegetable combinations that have been proven to work. Sponsored by Gardeners Supply Company & Velcro USA.

Friday, Feb 16 at 10:00 am / Rainier Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Climate Change in Your Garden: Building Resilience Now

Kim StoddartU.K. garden journalist and co-author, The Climate Change Garden

Sally Morgan–U.K. co-author, The Climate Change Garden and author, The Healthy Vegetable Garden

Join the U.K.’s Sally Morgan and Kim Stoddart for a look at how climate may bring extreme weather challenges, changing seasons and greater risk of pest and disease in U.S. gardens. How will this affect trees, bulbs, flowers, shrubs and edibles on the ground for everyone? This is a solution focused presentation with accessible, savvy ideas and inspiration to help gardeners make their outside spaces more climate resilient for the future (water conservation, storm water management, soil management, looking at plant selection and much more besides). The importance of soil, encouraging wildlife for biodiversity and natural pest control and many more hands-on easy-to-employ ideas.

Friday, Feb 17 at 12:00 pm / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Five Easy Elements for a Healthy Garden

Mary-Kate MackeyAward-winning garden writer, speaker and co-author, The Healthy Garden: Simple Steps for a Greener World

A healthy garden is one where plants grow well without massive infusions of chemicals or major continual upkeep. Garden author Mary-Kate Mackey focuses on five steps you can take to boost your garden’s resilience and vigor, while supporting a wide diversity of wildlife. The bonus? Less work and more time for enjoyment of your outdoor space—whether you’re caring for a collection of containers or acres of beds and borders.

Friday, Feb 17 at 2:45 pm / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Groundcovers: Great Alternatives to Turf Grass

Kathy Jentz–Award-winning author, Groundcover Revolution, co-author, The Urban Garden and editor/publisher, Washington Gardener

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that serve many different purposes in the landscape from limiting weed growth to stabilizing slopes to adding texture to your garden. Kathy Jentz, author of the forthcoming book, Groundcover Revolution, will cover several of these beautiful, hard-working plants and the best kinds to use for your region.

Friday, Feb 17 at 4:00 pm / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Foraging 101: Discover the Bounty of Nature’s Pantry

Ellen Zachos Award-winning co-host, Plantrama Podcast, and author, The Forager’s Pantry, Backyard Foraging and The Wildcrafted Cocktail

Foraging is hot! Blame it on the pandemic, or on the fact that it’s good, clean, delicious fun…either way, it’s a great way to learn your plants and local eco-system. We’ll focus on easy-to-identify edible plants that have NO poisonous look-alikes. I’ll explain relevant habitats, how to harvest sustainably, and what you can do with your wild edibles. Once the fear factor is gone, you’ll revel in the unbuyable flavors foraging has to offer.

Saturday, Feb 18 at 10:45 am / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

What Your Food Ate: The Roots to Human Health Begin in the Soil

Anne Biklé­-Biologist, science writer and co-author, What Your Food Ate and The Hidden Half of Nature

David R. Montgomery, PhD­Award-winning University of Washington professor and co-author, What Your Food Ate and The Hidden Half of Nature

We know that what we eat matters to our health, but one aspect remains underappreciated—what the plants and animals that land on our dinner plates eat. It turns out that the roots of human health begin in the soil, with how we grow crops and raise livestock. Weaving history, science, and visits with innovative farmers reveals the links between soil health and human health become clear, and practices to improve soil health come into focus. Whether you are a conventional, organic, or regenerative gardener, everyone can improve their practices to improve their soil health.

Saturday, Feb 18 at 11:30 am / Rainier Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Garden Alchemy: Soil Building, Compost, and Pest Management Using the Power of Plants!

Stephanie RoseAward-winning author, The Regenerative Garden, Garden Made and Garden Alchemy and founder of GardenTherapy.ca

This importance of having healthy soil to feed our plants—and ourselves—is becoming more and more clear. This seminar guides you through four easy pieces to growing an organic garden, with recipes and projects for building soil, composting, natural fertilizers, and managing insects/pests. Experienced and beginner gardeners who want to have more control over their garden’s care will love the practical DIY recipes using herbs, plants, and common household materials. 

Saturday, Feb 18 at 1:00 pm / Rainier Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

A Case for Trees: A Positive Solution to the Negative Effects of Climate Change

Dan Lambe–Award-winning Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation and co-author, Now is the Time for Trees

Dan Lambe wants to talk trees—how they oxygenate the planet, purify water and air, lower city temperatures, provide habitat, nurture the soul, and provide essential food sources. He will leave you with simple and straightforward tips about how to become a tree lover and, more importantly, a tree planter. He will deliver a simple, powerful, and POSITIVE message: trees are the number one nature-based solution for reversing the negative effects of a changing climate. Each of us can make an impact by planting the world’s most valuable resource.

Saturday, Feb 18 at 1:15 pm / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Water-Savvy Garden Design

Karen Chapman–Owner, Le Jardinet, award-winning co-author, Fine Foliage, Gardening with Foliage First and author, Deer-Resistant Design

Rather than pining for the “greener grass” on the other side of the proverbial fence, learn to make the most of what you have while conserving both water and your time. This seminar will discuss how to maximize your garden’s potential by assessing the site conditions, determining key design criteria, then combining suitable plants with similar needs for a professional look that balances beauty and efficiency with good stewardship.

Saturday, Feb 18 at 4:00 pm / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Composting for a Bountiful Garden and Planet

Christy WilhelmiAward-winning blogger, Gardenerd and author, Gardening for Geeks and Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden

Composting is one of the best ways to build better soil, solve pest problems, and grow more vibrant plants year after year. Learn the difference between hot and cold composting, how to do both, and why composting makes a difference for both people and planet. Find out what you can really put in that bin, how to use the finished product, and how to get over the “ick” factor in the process.

Saturday, Feb 18 at 5:15 pm / Hood Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Saving Nature One Yard at a Time

David Deardorff, PhD–Award-winning co-author, Saving Nature: One Yard at a Time and What’s Wrong With My Houseplant?

What if we could save nature one neighborhood, one project, one yard at a time? We can, even if our yards are under street trees, in a community garden, or in the rough of a golf course. Discover how native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs are perfectly adapted to our local climate, and how they provide the best habitats for wildlife, including native bee species. All of us can help save nature. It’s easy, fun, and educational for the whole family as well as a huge benefit to Mother Nature.

Saturday, Feb 18 at 6:00 pm / Rainier Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

100% Success with Your New Vegetable Garden

Bill ThornessAuthor, Cool Season Gardener and Edible Heirlooms and Master Gardener

New home? Tired old lawn? Bitten by the gardening bug? Want to provide healthy home-grown food for your family? Great! There are tried-and-true ways to start a vegetable garden and have success in the first year and beyond. Author and Master Gardener Bill Thorness provides a guide from the ground up: creating new beds, building soil, acquiring the most essential tools and gear, creating a planting plan, choosing the right crops, joyfully tending your garden, and feeding yourself and others from the bountiful harvest.

Sunday, Feb 19 at 11:00 am / Rainier Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

The Regenerative Garden: Small Scale Permaculture for the Home Garden

Stephanie RoseAward-winning author, The Regenerative Garden, Garden Made and Garden Alchemy and founder of GardenTherapy.ca

A regenerative garden is so much more than sustainable. It’s more than resilient. Learn how and why you should transform your garden into a self-sustaining ecosystem that follows the path of nature. Stephanie will share the key components of a regenerative garden, including how to turn your space into a functioning ecosystem and help you become a better, more eco-conscious gardener.

Sunday, Feb 19 at 12:30 pm / Rainier Room / Book signing to follow

 

 

Gardeners vs the Apocalypse: 10 Ways Your Garden Can Fend Off the End of the World

Greg Butler,BLA, ATA–Designer, educator and owner, Design of the Times

Are you tired of waking up in the morning, checking the news, and feeling overwhelmed? Fight back by learning how your garden can stave off the apocalypse blues. Even a small garden can help slow climate change, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve our physical and mental well-being. Every little action we take matters, and time and effort spent in the garden is the best antidote for a world gone crazy.

Sunday, Feb 19 at 1:30 pm / Hood Room