Experience the joys of travel from England to Philadelphia, Japan to Morocco at this year’s inaugural Traveler’s Tea (additional tickets required). Travel the world of plants and gardening with Gastro Obscura and learn exciting trends and design concepts from Europe… the (gardening) world awaits!

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!

Buy Tickets Early and Save!

Dreamy English Gardens [additional ticket required]

Justin Henderson -  Executive Director and Head Gardener at Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood, Washington

Come along for this journey through England as Lakewold Executive Director, Justin Henderson, shares his experience at several of the most fabulous gardens in the UK. Be enchanted with a late summer exploration to see Great Dixter, Sissinghurst, Gravetye Manor, Hidcote, and more. The stories of these gardens and gardeners that Justin encountered are sure to inspire and bring horticulture delight.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / 3:30 PM / Traveler’s Tea
  

Hidden Gardens of Japan  [additional ticket required]

Lois Moss - Owner, Tour 2 Explore More

In this talk, Lois Moss (owner of Tour 2 Explore More) shares beautiful, visit-worthy Japanese gardens that you won't want to miss on your next garden tour of Japan. You've heard of the major garden destinations - Shinjuku Gyoen, Kenroku-en and Imperial Palace East Gardens. In this engaging talk, Lois will take us on a brief visual tour of these popular destinations then lead us off the beaten tourist path to focus on other amazing gardens you may have never heard of or seen. Get ready to be delighted... and plan your next visit to Japan!
Thursday, February 20, 2025 / 3:30 PM / Traveler’s Tea
  

Exciting Garden Trends and Design Concepts from Europe

Brian Minter - Recipient of the Order of Canada, horticulturist, writers and co-founder, along with his wife Faye, of Country Garden Ltd.

Get a first-hand report on fresh and exciting new garden trends, ideas, plants and design concepts from IPM Essen - Europe's largest and most innovative horticultural show.

Discover the future of horticulture from a highly creative European plant culture which is noted as being at least three years ahead of North America in terms of trends and innovation.

Fast track your garden style with this insightful look at how other parts of the world are innovating in the garden space.
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 1:00 PM / Rainier Room
  

Explore the Gardening World with Gastro Obscura

Cecily Wong - New York Times Best Selling Author and Co-author of Gastro Obscura

Dylan Thuras - Co-author of Gastro Obscura and Co-founder and Creative Director of AtlasObscura.com

Called a captivating book that “celebrates the incredible global diversity of food, ingredients, and cooking practices” by Alice Waters, Gastro Obscura is an immersive cabinet of culinary, floral, and agricultural curiosities that span all seven continents and fifty states, from the curious minds behind the #1 New York Times bestseller Atlas Obscura and Atlas Obscura.com. In this talk, we'll travel to the rainforests of southern Nigeria, where you’ll find a berry that’s a thousand times sweeter than table sugar, get to know the flowers that make Turkey's psychedelic honey and visit the planet's last wild apple forests in Kazakhstan. Designed as a passport to some of the world's non-garden-variety flowers and produce, this is a talk for anyone who eats, grows, and longs to explore our world of edible wonders.
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 2:30 PM / Rainier Room
  

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – A Floral Legacy  [additional ticket required]

Andrew Bunting - Vice President of Horticulture at Pennsylvania Horticulture Society

Join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s VP of Horticulture, Andrew Bunting, as he dives into the history of the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show and get a sneak preview of the 2025 Show. 

Started in 1829 as a one-day exhibition of fruits, flowers, local and exotic plants from around the world, the Flower Show has grown into an award winning and internationally acclaimed event well-known for setting trends in gardening and floral design while delivering a captivating and educational experience. 

Learn about the fascinating evolution of Philadelphia Flower Show over the past 194 years to become the beloved and largest floral event in the world and get a behind-the-scenes peek at the highly anticipated 2025 Flower Show,
Friday, February 21, 2025 / 3:30 PM / Traveler’s Tea
  

The Gardens of Marrakech  [additional ticket required]

JJ De Sousa - award-winning garden and interior designer

Join JJ in Marrakech, an ancient Moroccan city known for the bustling rose colored Medina and its lush, beautiful gardens. Many are hidden within the walls of palaces and Riads while others are out in the open, but all of which are a treat for all the senses. This delightful seminar explores in detail three large traditional and exotic gardens. Examine the rich plant life, cultural history, architectural details and color palettes as well as how you can incorporate these ideas into your own spaces. JJ adores Marrakech she's excited to share her experiences with you!
Saturday, February 22, 2025 / 3:30 PM / Traveler’s Tea