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Our two-day Plant Academy is a deep dive into twelve popular plants that you want to know more about! Free to the general public, the roster of experts will amaze you. Feeling really creative for 2025? Join Mike Gibson from the Pearl Freyer Topiary Garden to give your environment a new perspective…
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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Disease and Death in the Garden: Pathological Musings from a Plant Doctor’s Perspective Jerry Weiland - PhD, plant pathologist at Oregon State University
Just as every single human on this planet has gotten sick at one point or another, so has every single plant. Disease and death are a fact of life in our gardens whether we like it or not. But, what exactly are plant diseases and what can we do about them? Join Jerry as he discusses the causes of plant disease, the ecological role that disease plays in the environment, evaluating the impact of disease on plant health, as well as tips for minimizing disease in your own home garden.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / 10:45 AM / Hood Room
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Magical Mixes Jacqueline van der Kloet - Author, landscape designer, "Bulb Queen of the Netherlands"
Magical Mixes is the story of Jacqueline’s own trial garden in Weesp, a small city in The Netherlands, just east of Amsterdam. Here she has been experimenting with combinations of spring flowering bulbs for more than 30 years.
Learn about spring bulb combos, examples of best (and easiest!) bulbs for naturalizing, the “lasagna system” for container plantings and a special, insider tour through her work at Keukenhof - the famous bulb garden of the Netherlands. Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / 11:30 AM / Rainier Room
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Basic Propagation Ann M Amato - Horticulturist
Much like cooking, the craft of propagation can be engaging, performative AND recipes are often used and, sometimes, altered. Come watch and learn more about this green thumb skillset from a professional propagator who’s propagated thousands of plants for regional nurseries we all know and love. From seeds to cuttings, spores to simple grafts, air layering to division—to answering questions about tissue culture—Ann has seen it all! Please bring your questions. Tools and techniques will be highlighted as well.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / 11:45 AM / DIY Stage
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Small Space Solutions with Epic Gardening: Trellis Tricks Wendi Phan - Founder It's Wendiland on social media
Join the team from Epic Gardening and their friends for a daily dose of Small Space Solutions. Each day at 4pm on the Main Stage, tips and tricks will be provided to gardeners working with limited gardening space. From growing your own groceries to grow bags to trellising, smart seed starting for smaller plants to containers that go-go-go... join this fun, interactive session daily and enjoy new ideas and insights from the experts at Epic Gardening! Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / 4:00 PM / Main Stage
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What Do Designers Know That You Might Not Phillip Waite - Author, educator University of Idaho, Washington State University, Utah State University
Have you ever looked at a beautiful landscape in a magazine or book and wondered “how in the world did the designer come up with such ingenious and beautiful ideas?” Have you ever wanted to hang out in a designer’s studio to watch how they come up with their ideas? How would a designer’s approach to your project differ from your own approach? What does a trained and experienced landscape designer know that you might not know? This session will explore the ‘rules of thumb’ and ‘guiding theories’ that landscape designers are trained in and use in creating functional, sustainable, and beautiful landscapes. This session will share the lessons and guiding theories from the worlds of art, design, sociology, psychology, and horticulture that influence a designer’s approach to problem solving and creating landscapes that are functional and beautiful. Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / 4:30 PM / Rainier Room
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PNW Month-by-Month Gardening: Tips for Cultivating a More Resilient Garden Christina Pfeiffer - Seattle based author and horticulture educator
In gardening, as with many things in life, timing can be everything. Some of our long time “tried and true” methods may no longer be as effective as in the past. Long time favorite garden plants and native species may now struggle. This talk will highlight how to optimize key garden tasks and timing for more sustainable and healthy landscapes.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / 5:00 PM / Hood Room
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Dream Garden Terrariums Robin Haglund - Educator, Writer & Founder/President Garden Mentors®
If you’ve ever dreamed of growing your own forest, beach or even desert garden, a terrarium is the perfect place to start — even if you don’t have an outdoor garden plot of your own. In this lively session, Robin will demonstrate her favorite techniques, plants, and material combinations to craft gardening houseplant wonderlands that bring your dream garden indoors in even the tiniest home. Come away ready to quickly start designing and growing your own terrarium for bright or shadier indoor spots. Get ready to liven up your home with a tiny garden wonderland of your own imagining!
Thursday, February 20, 2025 / 11:45 AM / DIY Stage
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Clipping Time: Exploring The Gibson Technique Mike P. Gibson - World renowned topiary artist
Experience the art of topiary like never before! Join Mike Gibson, a world-renowned topiary artist who will guide you through the entire process of creating a stunning topiary masterpiece. From the initial shaping to the final touches, you'll see firsthand the precision and creativity involved in this remarkable craft.
As Gibson works, he'll also deliver an engaging lecture about his unique approach and the innovative Gibson Technique that sets his work apart. This is a rare chance to gain insider knowledge, learn valuable techniques, and be inspired by one of the leading figures in the world on topiary art.
Thursday, February 20, 2025 / 2:30 PM / Rainier Room
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DIY Flower Seed Paper Janice Cox - Author Natural Beauty at Home, natural cosmetics expert
Seed paper is a popular trend right now. Companies and garden enthusiasts are using recycled paper with seeds, herbs, and dried botanicals embedded in it as postcards, invitations and business cards. Imagine sending someone a beautiful card that also grows flowers. In this session, learn how to upcycle scrap paper such as junk mail, newspaper, shopping bags and computer documents into beautiful and useable seed paper creations.
Thursday, February 20, 2025 / 3:15 PM / DIY Stage
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Strolling the Garden Camera in Hand Doreen Wynja - Author, Eye of the Lady inc professional garden photographer
Get inside the professional garden photographer's mind! This rapid-paced presentation is loaded with side-by-side examples of how you might take a different approach to what you’re really seeing, leading to better, more dynamic and dramatic photos. Loaded with options and professional approaches to your subject, this session gives you tools on important photographic elements like light, and the way it falls on a subject, finding other angles, time of day, and what's beyond what you think you see. [Note, this can pertain to more than just a garden!] Doreen covers everything from landscapes to close ups. You will walk away with new skills to use with your camera or your phone. The principles work no matter what device you're using to snap the photo... Thursday, February 20, 2025 / 5:00 PM / Hood Room
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Anemone and Ranunculus 101 Anne Long - Owner of The Dahlia House, Skagit Valley Washington
Enter the wonderful worlds of anemone and ranunculus - the cool weather harbingers of spring! Learn about the array of varieties available and all the tips and tricks you need to know to plant, tend and successfully harvest these cherished beauties.
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 10:00 AM / Plant Academy
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Mythic Plants Ellen Zachos - award-winning author, speaker, and podcaster
In Greek mythology, plants were used for magic, medicine, and all kinds of rituals. Many of these plants still exist today: Monkshood was used by witches to help them fly; Prometheus brought fire to mankind hidden in a stalk of giant fennel; a quince started the Trojan War. The gardens of mythology are full of love, deceit, bribery, betrayal, and a lot of great plants. In this presentation you’ll learn about their history, as well as how to grow these plants in your gardens at home.
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 10:00 AM / Rainier Room
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#fernsarethenewsucculents Loree L. Bohl - Author and blogger at theDangerGarden.com
Succulents have been the “it” plant for many years now, and their popularity shows no signs of fading. However, Loree suggests that ferns should rightfully be just as popular, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Thus, one of her favorite Instagram hashtags: #fernsarethenewsucculents. There are nearly 13,000 recognized species of ferns. This includes everything from tropical tree ferns, small epiphytic ferns that grow like dragon scales on tree bark, and ferns that require a dry sunny location. There are ferns with single fronds (looking like a large leaf), and ferns with black fuzzy stems (stipes in fern talk). Think about that the next time you hear someone dismiss ferns saying “but they all look the same! In this seminar Loree will share many of her favorite garden-worthy ferns—both in her own garden and others she’s visited—and then show how she manages to grow fabulous species that aren’t technically hardy in her Zone 8 garden. Just as varied and spectacular as succulents, ferns can be grown in your garden soil, in containers and yes, epiphytically. Loree approaches ferns from a plant lover’s perspective, not a professional one—and she promises to butcher many of the hard to pronounce fern names in this talk! Friday, February 21, 2025 / 11:15 AM / Plant Academy
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How to Build a Miniature Garden to Last for Years Janit Calvo - Building & Serving the Miniature Garden Hobby, Since 2001
Jump-start your miniature garden adventure with Janit Calvo as she demonstrates how to build your own tiny living world in a container. Learn about the basics of the hobby: the right dwarf and miniature plants and trees, realistic miniature accessories that last, and authentic patio materials that you can use to create a truly enchanting, tiny garden world of your very own.
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 11:45 AM / DIY Stage
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The Happiest Hydrangeas Ryan McEnaney - Author of Field Guide to Outdoor Style and spokesperson for First Editions® Shrubs & Trees
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 1: 45 PM / Plant Academy
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Ten Roses You Should be Growing in the PNW Robin Jennings - Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Heirloom Roses
In the wide world of roses, how can you pick the best variety for your PNW garden? Join Robin as she breaks down the ten essential roses for PNW gardens.
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 3:00 PM / Plant Academy
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Traveling with Plants Riz Reyes - Horticulturist, Floral Designer, and owner of RHR Horticulture
Are you moving or traveling and want to take plants with you? Do you want to send a start of a plant to a friend far away? Learn about the general guidelines and rules for shipping or transporting plants so you don't get in trouble and learn to process and pack your new babies so they come through and recover quickly once you get them safely home.
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 3:15 PM / DIY Stage
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Aging Gracefully in the Garden Patrick R. Ryan - Master Gardener, musician and education specialist at Alaska Botanical Garden
Gardening is a healthy, stimulating physical activity that can be enjoyed by older people. The garden, equipment and tools can all be modified to suit the needs of older people. Gardening increases levels of physical activity, and maintains mobility and flexibility. Having to adjust physical activities due to aging can be a difficult pill to swallow, so come see an actual living senior citizen/gardener who is still learning to adapt to his changing abilities. With practical advice and a nod to gravity, you will leave with new ideas to help you continue doing what you love." Friday, February 21, 2025 / 4:30 PM / Rainier Room
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Oaks for the Future! Evergreen Oaks for Climate Resilience and Beauty in Our Gardens John Coghlan - Garden designer Vashon Island, Washington
Evergreen Oaks have so much to offer: they thrive in our cold winters and our hot, dry summers. They are magnets for wildlife, and they create year-round beauty for our gardens. This seminar will dovetail with my Show Garden for 2025 which will feature unique and wonderful botanical treasures, many sourced from Sean Hogan of Cistus Nursery near Portland. Friday, February 21, 2025 / 4:45 PM / Plant Academy
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New Directions for Clematis: Up is Not the Only Option Linda Beutler - Author, Educator, Curator Rogerson Clematis Garden
Clematis as ground cover? Yes! Clematis knitting perennials together? Yes! Clematis as container plants? Yes! Let's explore the other ways clematis may be used in gardens besides growing relentlessly up. There is more to life than growing clematis only on your built environment. Each new clematis does not require a new trellis.
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 12:30 PM / Plant Academy
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Leveraging the Power of Lavenders Lloyd R. Traven - Plantsman, owner Peacetree Farm
The use and production of lavender has exploded massively in the last decade, becoming easily the fastest growing part of perennial production world-wide. What is causing this movement and how can YOU participate? The world's foremost breeder and introducer of new lavenders takes you on a journey to illuminate getting onboard and sharing the joys of a plant that thrives right here in the Pacific Northwest. So many uses, so many reasons, and so many choices!! Let's see the options and help you make the best choices for your own requirements.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 10:00 AM / Plant Academy
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Vegetable Garden Journaling Willi Galloway - Author of Grow Cook Eat: A Food Lover's Guide to Vegetable Gardening and the upcoming cookbook Veggies for Breakfast (Spring 2026)
Keep better track of the edible plants you grow with a garden journal! Learn about what information to keep track of, options for laying out your journal, and recommendations for journaling tools, including photo stickers, waterproof pens, and specific journal recommendations.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 10:00 AM / DIY Stage
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Fuchsia-La! The Hidden Empire of Fuchsia Species for the Garden & Greenhouse. R. Theo Margelony - Blogger at Fuchsietum.com, President of the Oregon Fuchsia Society. PNW
While we're all familiar with the many, many fuchsia hybrids bred for our gardening pleasure over the last 225 years, there are a number of little-known fuchsia species. Besides Fuchsia magellanica, the classic hardy fuchsia of our garden beds in the Pacific Northwest, there are a number of other species that can be grown in the ground or in the greenhouse. Take a trip of discovery through the hidden empire of these uncelebrated beauties.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 11:15 AM / Plant Academy
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Excellent Epiphytes Ellen Zachos - award-winning author, speaker, and podcaster
What is an epiphyte? In nature, epiphytes grow on other plants. But epiphytes aren’t parasites; they don’t steal nutrition from their host plants. Because of their unusual growth habit, many epiphytes make exceptional, drought-tolerant, low maintenance house plants. Discover several groups of epiphytes recommended for in-home growing, including Hoyas (fragrant flowering vines), Rhipsalis (flowering cacti), bromeliads, and some surprisingly tough ferns and orchids.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 1:45 PM / Plant Academy
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History in Bloom: Finding Harmony in Your Home's Architecture and Garden Design Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein - Authors, HGTV stars, founders of Cheap Old Houses
The aesthetics of a historic home's exterior can inform our approach to landscape design. Together, let's explore common historical architectural styles found in and around Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, and discuss how plantings can be used to enhance their character-defining features.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 2:30 PM / Rainier Room
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Crazy About Coral Bells! (And Their Allies…) Dan Heims - Award-winning author, president Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
Dan presents a brief history of this group of plants (the Saxifragaceae), followed by slides of native populations and the breeding programs that have transformed this quiet woodland group into some of the most sought-after perennials today.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 3:00 PM / Plant Academy
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Vermicomposting Ann M. Amato - Horticulturist
Composting with worms turns household food and paper waste into something far more valuable for your garden. In addition to being a soil amendment that improves your soil, it’s also a rich fertilizer. This presentation will present the differences between traditional compost and vermicompost, as well as different ways to incorporate vermicomposting systems into your living spaces. This can be a great way to produce less waste, and it may even inspire some to eat better so you’ll be better able to provide your worm bin with the best possible scraps to keep it productive and healthy. We’ll also discuss common mistakes to avoid losing worm colonies.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 3:15 PM / DIY Stage
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From Clove to Bulb: How to Grow Your Own Garlic! Kristin Graves - Award-winning owner of Fifth Gen Gardens
Dive deep into the fascinating world of garlic! The rich flavour of homegrown garlic just can’t be beat and it comes as no surprise why the bulbs are favored amongst gardeners and garlic enthusiasts. Learn tips and tricks to grow your own, as well as the origins and history of the pungent bulbs. Discover seasonal eating and uses as you gain a better understanding about the full life cycle of a garlic plant.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 4:45 PM / Plant Academy
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Captivating Camellias Nita-Jo Rountree - Speaker, Author Growing Roses in the Pacific NW
Discover and or discover again these underused versatile shrubs that come in a variety of colors, sizes, and flower shapes. Nita-Jo explains how these plants are great for PNW gardeners and highlights some of her favorites as well as tips and tricks for the happiest camellias.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 12:30 PM / Plant Academy
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All-America Selections Winners for 2025 Diane Blazek - Executive Director National Garden Bureau and All-American Selections
Ever wonder what the AAS logo means on plants? Wondered about what "Tested Nationally & Proven Locally" really means? This 90 year-old non-profit organization tests plants all over North American and promotes only the ones with superior garden performance to ensure success in your garden. Diane is here to present the latest AAS Winners and give some sneak peeks into how the AAS Judges are trialing plants.
Sunday, February 23, 2025 / 1:00 PM / Main Stage
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Ikebana - Communication With Plant Materials Nobuko Relnick - Teacher of Sogetsu School of IKEBANA (Japanese flower arrangement) for 30+ years
Do you communicate with plant materials? Ikebana does. When we make ikebana, we have to know the characteristics of the plants you are handling. Not all plants make a great ikebana. We become very aware of the plants around us. In this session, Nobuku demostrates the principles of Ikebana for the beginner. Develop a deeper connection with plant materials in this introduction to an ancient plant-based art form. Sunday, February 23, 2025 / 1:30 PM / DIY Stage
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