Want to learn how to grow the best tomatoes? Find some new seed secrets? Trellis like the pros? Discover what gardeners grow in other parts of the world? Join our seminar leaders to get all your tasty questions answered…
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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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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Virtual Garden Tours: Edible and Ecological Landscapes of the PNW Andrew & Mary Tuttle & Marshall- Educators, Designers, Edge Perma & Redtail Edge Design Co-founders
Take a virtual journey through some of the nation’s most inspiring edible and ecological landscapes. This immersive seminar offers a behind-the-scenes look at visionary gardens and farms that blend food production, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Through video tours, aerial perspectives, and practical insights, attendees will gather fresh ideas for their own gardens, design projects, or education programs. Discover how creativity, collaboration, and care for the land come together to grow both abundance and connection.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 3:00pm / Adams Room
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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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Small Space Gut Gardening: A Kitchen Counter to Patio Garden Guide for Supporting Your Gut 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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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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Gardening in Alaska’s Zone 4: Cultivating Success on the Kenai Peninsula Larry Opperman - Radio Host, Master Gardener, Educator
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 / 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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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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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.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 11:30am / Rainier Room
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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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The Garden Party: How to Grow and Throw Extraordinary Garden Dinners Carissa Kasper - Founder of Seed & Nourish
Inspired by the rooftop garden of Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront, this session brings the artistry of seed-to-table dining to life. Attendees will learn which versatile, high-impact ingredients make the biggest impression, how to plan a seasonal garden dinner menu, and ways to grow from garden to glass. With chef-tested insights and practical design ideas, participants will discover how thoughtful planting and presentation can turn any gathering into a celebration of flavor, freshness, and the beauty of the harvest.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 12:00pm / Hood Room
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The Modern Potager: Blending Food, Flowers & Function Chia-Ming Ro - Garden Designer, Founder of Coastal Homestead
Step into the world of the modern potager—a garden that’s as beautiful as it is bountiful. This seminar explores how to weave edibles, herbs, and flowers into intentional, visually striking layouts that nourish both body and spirit. Attendees will learn how to plan raised beds, pair plants for beauty and productivity, and create pollinator-friendly borders that thrive across the seasons. With practical inspiration and timeless design ideas, this session invites gardeners to bring farm-to-table flair and artistry to their own backyards.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 12:00pm / Adams room
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Must-Have Plants of 2026! A Sneak Peek at the Hottest New Varieties... Diane Blazek - Executive Director of National Garden Bureau
Get ready to ignite your 2026 garden with dazzling new plant varieties from top breeders around the world! This lively presentation showcases the most exciting introductions poised to transform outdoor spaces. From vibrant annuals bursting with color to mouthwatering vegetables for the kitchen garden and long-blooming perennials for lasting beauty, attendees will discover plants that combine performance and style. Prepare to be inspired, energized, and ready to choose the perfect new additions to make your 2026 growing season the most colorful yet.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 1:00pm / Main Stage
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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.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 / 2:30pm / 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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Designing Regenerative Homesteads & Urban Farms Andrew & Mary Tuttle & Marshall - Educators, Designers, Edge Perma & Redtail Edge Design Co-founders
Discover how regenerative design can transform your garden, homestead, or farm into a thriving, resilient ecosystem. This session introduces practical strategies for working with nature to restore soil health, harvest water efficiently, and build perennial food systems that endure. Attendees will explore climate-smart techniques for properties of all sizes, from backyard food forests to productive farms. With an emphasis on harmony, abundance, and long-term stewardship, this seminar offers both inspiration and the tools to design spaces that nourish people while regenerating the land.
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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Soil Health Simplified with Epic Gardening Join Kevin Espiritu and Jacques Lyakov of Epic Gardening for a fast-paced, myth-busting look at what really makes healthy soil. Watch as they demonstrate how to build life below the surface through composting, microbial activity, and simple regenerative practices that boost everything from flavor to yield. With clear, practical tips and a dash of humor, Kevin and Jacques break down soil science into steps anyone can follow—whether you’re tending a backyard micro-farm or a few raised beds. This dynamic demo proves that thriving gardens start from the ground up.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 11:45am / DIY Stage
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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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More Than Canning: Creative and Easy Ways to Preserve the Harvest Meagan Lloyd - Gardening Creator, Sustainable Living Advocate
Your garden has given you abundance... now what? This practical, flavor-filled seminar explores both modern and traditional ways to preserve the harvest long after the season ends. Go beyond water bath and pressure canning to discover fermentation, dehydrating, freezing, infusing, and shelf-stable meal-making. Learn which methods best protect flavor and nutrients, how to store homegrown produce safely, and clever tricks for using every last bit (yes, even carrot tops). Whether you’re overflowing with tomatoes or buried in basil, this session will help you save - and savor - the season all year long.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 12:00pm / Adams 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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The Journey of 1000 Plants Begins With One Seed Geoffrey Johnson - Seed Enthusiast, Founder of D.O.P.E.
Seeds carry stories—of people, places, and traditions that connect generations of growers. In this engaging seminar, Southern seed expert Geoffrey Johnson shares his most trusted strategies for successful seed starting, paired with inspiring tales from the communities that keep heirloom varieties alive. Learn practical techniques for starting strong, healthy plants while gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage behind the seeds we sow. With a blend of down-to-earth wisdom and contagious enthusiasm, this session celebrates the art, science, and soul of growing from seed.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 1:30pm / DIY Stage
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Why Succession Planting Matters for Preservers Staci & Jeremy Hill - Authors, Owners of Gooseberry Bridge Farm
Turn harvest chaos into calm with smart garden planning. This practical session shows how strategic planting can transform the growing season into a steady, manageable flow of fresh food. Attendees will learn how to maximize garden space, boost produce quality, and time plantings for easy, efficient preserving sessions. Designed for home gardeners who love to can, freeze, or ferment their harvests, this seminar offers realistic techniques to balance productivity with enjoyment—so you can spend less time scrambling and more time savoring the fruits of your labor.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 / 2:30pm / Rainier Room
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