From container design in extremes, top tools that the pros use to the ever-popular Container Showdown, be inspired to create the containers of your dreams…
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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Container Showdown - Wednesday Kate David - Award-winning Garden Designer, Educator, Owner of Hello Garden
Claire Lidell Hanna - Award-winning Designer, Educator, Founder of Relish Gardens Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 11:00 am / Main Stage
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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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Rock Solid Patrick Ryan - Garden Writer, Educator, Alaska Master Gardener
Discover the timeless appeal of hypertufa—the lightweight, stone-like material perfect for crafting garden troughs and containers. In this live demonstration, Patrick will share step-by-step techniques for mixing, molding, and finishing hypertufa to create durable planters that look like natural stone. Attendees will learn about texture and curing. Combining creativity and craftsmanship, this session offers inspiration for adding a rustic, handmade touch to any garden space.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 5:00pm / DIY Stage
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Container Showdown - Thursday Richie Steffen - Executive Director, Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden
Justin Henderson - Executive Director and Head Gardener, Lakewold Gardens Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 11:00am / Main Stage
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Container Showdown: Celebrity Edition Thursday Nick Cutsumpas - NWFG26 Judge, Plant Coach, Award-winning Designer, Environmentalist
Ryan McEnaney - Fifth-Generation Nurseryman Thursday, February 19, 2026 / 1:00pm / Main Stage
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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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Container Showdown - Friday Perla Curbelo-Santiago - Award-winning Gardening Communicator, Author, Wellness Advocate
Kamili Bell Hill - Plant Stylist, Best-selling Author, Creator of PlantBlerd Friday, February 20, 2026 / 11:00am / Main Stage
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Hydrangea Decor for Every Season Skye Hamilton - Content Creator, Founder of Hamilton House Designs
Bring the beauty of hydrangeas indoors with creative ideas for using both fresh and dried blooms in your home décor. Discover how to craft wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, and other arrangements that showcase hydrangeas year-round. Learn how to dry and dye blooms for lasting color, explore seasonal styling tips, and see how these versatile flowers can add charm to any space—from everyday displays to holiday celebrations. Simple, stylish, and endlessly adaptable, hydrangeas prove that garden beauty belongs in every room.
Friday, February 20, 2026 / 11:45am / DIY Stage
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Container Showdown: Celebrity Edition Friday Friday, February 20, 2026 / 1:00pm / Main Stage
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The Power of Pots; Five Stories of Transformation, Function & Flair Cindy Funes - Container Designer, Educator, Owner of Garden Revelry
Container gardens have the power to completely transform a space. In this seminar, attendees will journey through five real-life installations that showcase creative problem-solving and design flair—from turning a bare patio into a welcoming retreat to reimagining a cluttered entryway as an inviting threshold. The presentation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the design process, from early challenges to stunning results. Along the way, attendees will gain practical tips and fresh ideas for using containers to bring beauty, life, and purpose to their own outdoor spaces.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 10:45am / Hood Room
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Container Showdown - Saturday Skye Hamilton - Content Creator, Founder of Hamilton House Designs
Rhonda Kaiser - Author, Designer, Creator of Southern Home & Farm Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 11:00am / Main Stage
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Grow This- Make That! Herb Gardens on a Theme Sue Goetz - Award-winning Garden Designer, Author, Speaker
Come for the show—and the smell! In this creative DIY session, attendees will explore themed herb gardens that awaken the senses and inspire everyday living. Learn how to grow and harvest easy, versatile herbs for aromatherapy, skincare, culinary creations, cocktails, smoothies, and edible flowers. With planting tips, simple recipes, and fresh ideas for mixing herbs by purpose, Grow This – Make That! celebrates the joy of growing for both beauty and function. Discover what your garden can do for you today!
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 11:45am / DIY stage
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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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Container Showdown - Sunday Dee Montpetit - Garden Designer, Founder of Ma Petite Gardens
Susan Browne - Award-winning Landscape Designer, Educator Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 11:00am / Main Stage
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