Saturday, March 2, 2024 Schedule
Everything is Edible in My Garden! The Experience of a French Gourmet Gardener
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Speaker: Pascal Garbe is currently regarded as Europe's leading edible plant specialist. He works with many of the world's leading chefs, including Hugo Roelinger (Europe's chef of the year 2022), Michel Bras, Anne-Sphie Pic, Osman Sezener, and so on. He has written numerous books on the subject, including an encyclopedia of beautiful and edible plants. Pascal Garbe is also a member of the judging panel for the Philadelphia Flower Show.
Presentation: An acclaimed gardener with a passion for cooking, Pascal Garbe naturally does his shopping in his garden. Daily, he uses herbs, leaves, and flowers from his garden to punctuate his cooking. In his garden, all the plants are eaten! In this talk -- which will be given for the first time in North America -- Pascal will introduce you to the most interesting plants to grow and cook. He'll suggest some simple recipes (including the famous Flowers burger) using plants we know and may grow, but don't necessarily know enough about. A moment of sharing with a gourmet gardener who will give you the chance to grow unique plants in your garden or on your terrace!
Unity in the Community: Connecting Through Plants
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Speaker: Cherron Thomas and Amma Thomas
Established in 2020 by the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Cherron and Amma, Plant and People is a thriving initiative born out of their shared commitment to making plants and wellness accessible to their community. As the pandemic unfolded, their daily immersion in the garden and dedicated care for house plants evolved from a mere side passion into a full-time self-care practice centered around plant care. Amidst the heightened unrest affecting Black and brown communities, there was a desire for a meaningful way to support the wellness needs of the community. Plant and People is located in West Philly and they take pride in helping their guests find the right plant and tools to support their plant journey. As a testament to their dedication, Plant and People has earned acclaim as Metro Philadelphia Philly's Best Nursery for two consecutive years and received Philadelphia magazine's Best of Philly award in 2022. Beyond accolades, they've become a beloved community fixture, hosting engaging events such as their annual Big Ass Pot Sale (BAPS), workshops, and outreach initiatives. Amma's connection with gardening dates back to the age of 3, while both have been integral parts of the Hansberry Garden and Nature Center (HGNC) since 2000. Complementing this venture, Cherron serves as the owner of Green Dandelion Marketing, a wellness products brokerage specializing in managing plant-based brands within the natural retail sector. Together, their combined expertise and passion form the foundation of Plant and People, a beacon of wellness and community spirit.
Presentation: Unity in the Community: Connecting Through Plants is designed to foster a sense of unity among the audience with an activity while emphasizing the importance of ecological awareness and well-being. The workshop combines elements of plant care, practical sustainable practices, and wellness to create a balanced experience.
The Art and Science of Terrariums
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Speaker: Holden Ohl is originally from the woods of the New York Catskills, OhI ventured to Philadelphia in 2016 to pursue a degree in biomedical sciences at the University of the Sciences. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of his childhood, his creations are a homage to those cherished scenes. For him, art and science are not separate but rather complementary faces, offering tools to enhance our understanding of ourselves, the world, and our interconnected place within it. In 2019, Holden realized a dream by opening his storefront, establishing a space for fostering community curiosity about the natural world. Through hands-on workshops, captivating displays featuring bioactive terrariums that capture the wildness of nature, and giving local artists a place to showcase their work, Holden's space welcomes people who, like him, share a deep passion for the intersection of art, science, and the wonders of the natural world.
Presentation: Embark on an immersive journey with Holden Ohl from Pretty Green Terrariums (PGT) as we dive into the fascinating world of bioactive terrariums, uncovering their profound influence on global history and exploring the intricate ecology of microenvironments. Join us for a live demonstration while you pick up valuable insights into the care of these tiny green spaces. Holden, with over two decades of expertise and a background in biomedical research, blends art and science as the founder of PGT. This will be an engaging session showcasing how terrarium creation is a harmonious union of artistic expression and scientific precision.
