Presentation and Speaker Coming Soon!

In this era of purposeful and thoughtful gardening, planting is a powerful verb. Planting gardens inspired by nature promotes authentic connections with land, environment, and humanity. Why not make a garden that works and looks good doing it? Landscapes at home and in the public realm can be beautiful and ecologically functional if we deepen our understanding of plants and places. In this presentation, especially tailored to garden enthusiasts with examples from around the world, plantsman and author Kelly Norris challenges audiences to plant the world a more beautiful, functional place.

Symbolic, colorful, and historical — African American Gardens and Yard Art are a tradition worthy of understanding and celebration. Rooted at the crossroads of the African diaspora, burial sites, and plants left behind after the Civil War, we will explore how these meaningful designs emerged in the American landscape.

Gardening in Philadelphia has a deep history that long predates European settlement in the region. Join us to learn about how archaeology reveals Native American gardening practices spanning over 10,000 years of Lenape history in the Delaware Valley. Explore examples from Penn Museum’s new Native North America Gallery to discover how relationships between people and plants had to change during forced removal after colonization, as well as how contemporary communities are working to revive and reunite with some of the plants that were so important to their ancestors.

Learn how to find and explore pockets of interstitial wilderness, the charismatic ecologies they harbor, and the lessons they teach about how to rewild the future, in this presentation based on the author's acclaimed recent book, A Natural History of Empty Lots: Field Notes from Urban Edgelands, Back Alleys and Other Wild Places.

Learn the seven steps to creating a lovely garden in the English cottage garden style while taking into account such challenges as pollution, unpredictable weather events, and the stresses we all face in today’s world. Gardeners at any stage of their gardening journey will learn valuable techniques for cottage gardening with a contemporary flair. Pamela illustrates her talk with Rob Cardillo's beautiful photographs.

Craig and Russ reflect on their forty-year history of garden-making across the Midwest and beyond. Rooted in a deeply plant-centric philosophy, CBLD designs begin with what the land and architecture communicate, always “thinking like a plant” to ensure long-term establishment. Their work shows that a garden reaches into the soil and requires patience, insight, and collaboration. Whether in their native Chicagoland or farther afield, their craft remains the same: cultivating enduring relationships between people, plants, and place.

Thomas Jefferson had a vision for his home and plantation that was as revolutionary as his political ideas. His love of Monticello resulted in a lifelong dedication to the gardens, landscapes, and views of his iconic Palladian villa. Restoring Jefferson’s gardens requires rigorous research and careful preservation. The heirlooms of the garden, like priceless antiques, can tell us important and fascinating stories about our past. Peggy Cornett’s presentation features the many plant varieties — from historic tulips and ancient roses to heirloom fruits and vegetables — that have been collected, propagated, and preserved in the gardens at Monticello today.

In this presentation, Jenny Rose Carey will take you inside her latest book, The Essential Guide to Bulbs. Explore with Jenny Rose the extremely diverse world of bulbs with many their varieties from which to choose. Discover that beyond the early show of spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips or the late show of gladiolus, there are so many more to choose from that provide three-season color, drama, and spontaneity in the garden.

Quality landscaping not only adds aesthetic value to a property, but also supports biodiversity and wildlife needs. Converting barren turf and asphalt into immersive gardens, meadows and forests builds natural abundance and enriches the lives of employees and the greater community. Naturally, corporate landowners looking to integrate ecological landscapes into their properties will have questions about installing and maintaining sustainable landscaping on a commercial scale. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Vice President of Horticulture Andrew Bunting brings his perspectives on planting maintenance, financial commitments, aesthetic concerns, community response, and more. Participants are invited to bring their landscaping questions for the presenter to address during the presentation.

A fresh look at the ecological and horticultural roles of non-native plants! Have you ever gotten into a discussion about the “goodness” or “badness” of a non-native plant? How about a lecture on why native-only landscapes are the only correct direction for horticulture to go? Join horticulturist David McKinney for a thoughtful discussion on the value and complexity of non-native plants in our landscapes. While native plants are essential to ecosystem health, many non-native species also provide important benefits including supporting pollinators and offering habitat for wildlife.

Join native plant expert Kevin Zuidervliet as he shares standout choices for home landscapes like snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), a large shrub with bright white berries, and bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), a medium sized tree with unique seed pods.

André Michaux was one of the most accomplished scientific explorers of North America before Lewis and Clark, known for his major contributions to botany and horticulture. During his decade-long American sojourn, he established a botanical garden and introduced countless native plants to Europe. Yet Michaux also found himself thrust into the middle of a vast international conspiracy. This fascinating talk blends political intrigue with botany and highlights a little-known chapter where early American horticulture and global ambition intersected.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with floral designer and urban flower farmer Dee Hall Goodwin as she shares how growing native flowers can transform your cutting garden and strengthen your community. Learn practical tips for cultivating seasonal blooms that support local ecosystems and combine beauty and purpose in every bouquet.

Meet the pawpaw! With custard-like fruit that tastes like mango, banana, and melon all in one bite, this native North American tree is a hidden gem grown across USDA Zones 5–8. Join pawpaw grower and expert Andra Nus to learn how to grow, care for, and enjoy this unique fruit tree. You’ll get practical tips on everything from planting to harvesting.

Learn about how everyday people can help restore nature in their own backyards, parks, and neighborhoods. From planting native trees to removing invasive species and rallying volunteers, Andrew shares simple, powerful ways to make a real ecological impact in communities, both online and in real life.

Learn how to fertilize, re-pot, and choose the best soil and lighting to bring out the healthiest growth in your indoor plants, especially those that need a little extra attention. This inspiring mother-daughter duo will share their favorite techniques and time-tested tips for improving plant health and vitality so you can enjoy happier, longer-living plants at home.