How do public gardens respond to the realities of a changing climate? Join us for a timely and thought-provoking conversation with three leading horticulturists—Todd Greenberg (PHS), Leirion Sorensen (Chanticleer), and Patrick McGinty (Stoneleigh)—as they discuss how shifting weather patterns, warmer winters, and extreme conditions are transforming how and what we plant.

From introducing southern natives and experimenting with tropicals that can now overwinter, to prioritizing resilient, climate-adaptable species, the panel will share insights from their work across public gardens in the region. You’ll hear firsthand how these changes are influencing plant choices, garden management, and long-term design strategies.

PHS members receive a $5 discount for this class.

Following the discussion, take a short walk to nearby Logan Square for a guided tour of PHS-managed plantings that showcase climate-conscious approaches in action.

Meet the Speakers

Todd Greenberg is a Project Manager of Public Gardens and Landscapes for The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Todd oversees the site management, horticultural care and teams of gardeners responsible for the gardens at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Logan Square, The Philadelphia Navy Yard, Subaru of America, and Eastern State Penitentiary amongst many other gardens throughout the city and region. Prior to joining PHS, Todd served as Head Gardener of Bartram’s Garden for 14 years. Todd received his B.S. in Horticulture from Temple University, Ambler. He has been working in public gardens in Philadelphia for the last 20+ years. Todd is an avid urban gardener both personally and professionally. 

Leirion Sorensen brings over 30 years of horticultural expertise to her role as Horticulture Manager at Chanticleer, with extensive experience spanning public and private gardens, plant and nursery production, floristry, and land management. Her strategic and collaborative leadership approach, honed through more than 10 years in senior positions, has been instrumental in advancing ecological gardening practices and landscape resiliency. Prior to joining Chanticleer, Leirion spent three years in a similar role at Mt. Cuba Center, where she deepened her expertise in native plants and sustainable gardening practices. She is a passionate advocate for horticultural education and career advancement, with a particular focus on environmental stewardship and inclusivity in the field. Leirion views gardeners as essential ecological stewards and works to promote this perspective throughout her professional endeavors. She holds a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley University. 

Patrick McGinty is a landscape designer and the garden manager at Stoneleigh: a natural garden in Villanova, the 42-acre public garden of the conservation nonprofit Natural Lands. Patrick leads Stoneleigh's horticulture team in the continued transformation of a former private estate into an innovative landscape highlighting the beauty and diversity of native plants. Previously, Patrick owned and operated Leo Garden Design in Philadelphia and was a seasonal gardener at Wave Hill in New York. He holds a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has completed coursework at Longwood Gardens and New York Botanical Garden. He has served on the landscape committee of historic Stenton, in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, since 2020.