Seminars on Saturday, February 18, 2012

Our towering native trees are stunning but their shade can create a challenge to the gardener. Fortunately, there are many beautiful perennials that can add texture, light and color to the darker sections of the garden. Jim and Fran explore the different varieties, their features and cultural needs that work best in our Pacific Northwest shady gardens.

Great Plant Picks (GPP) is an educational plant awards program that selects and distributes information about outstanding plants for the maritime Pacific Northwest. As a member of the GPP selection committee, Maurice shares information about the best plants for our area, including useful information on superior qualities, culture, growing habit, and hardiness. The GPP is administered by the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden and relies on the expertise of horticultural experts from throughout the region.

A concise introduction to the natural elements, spirit, and design principles used in making a Japanese style garden. Mr. Sadafumi Uchiyama, Curator of the Portland Japanese Garden, discusses the interaction between typical Japanese garden elements, the spirit of garden making, and historic design principles. No matter the size or location of your garden, this presentation inspires you to quietly look to nature and to incorporate time honored fundamentals as you create your Japanese style garden.

An engaging workshop demonstrating three easy DIY projects that covert basic hardware store materials into distinctive garden features. These projects are excerpts from Lorene's recent book, Handmade Garden Projects: Step-by-step Instructions for Creative Garden Features, Containers, Lighting & More (Timber Press 2011).

Anne and Dave team-up to talk about dwarf conifers, both the specifics of the plants and how-to successfully incorporate them into your garden environment.

Learn about selecting and growing delicious and unique varieties of apples, pears, figs, kiwis, goji berries, pawpaw and more!

You can't really understand sustainable and organic gardening until you learn the fascinating science of the soil food web, nature's system that enables all plants to grow without chemicals. This is "THE" who, what and how to garden without chemicals, updated with the latest from the world of science.

A panel of expert gardeners discuss their picks for the hot new plants we will all want to have….from shrubs to trees to perennials. These four wise garden folks, all involved in the nursery business, have much to tell and share. Find out the recommended plants for this year and why they are good choices for the Northwest garden.

As everything to maintain the perfect lawn becomes more expensive and continues to be unsustainable, more people are clamoring for alternatives. Learn how to manage a lawn in an eco-conscious manner or get fabulous ideas to replace it and make your garden better than ever.

Whether you are starting a new or refreshing a tired border, you'll get ideas for your project in views from dozens of gardeners, plus tips for planning, design plant selection and soil preparation.

A fascinating discussion on how weather affects the garden, as understanding our climate brings an important perspective on what plants to grow, where to grow them, and how to tend to them in relationship to weather. Tips from a geography buff on how to watch the weather to understand how it interacts with the garden.

Working with a diverse selection of plants and natural materials, learn how to make your own unique terrarium.

A close look at how to add interesting elements to your garden, featuring garden art, containers and the plants that make it happen.

Gardeners make daily decision about plant selection, soil preparation, equipment use, and many other aspects of cultivating their land. Most of these choices affect only their enjoyment of their gardens, but many may also have impact far outside the garden gate. Drawing from scientific information we will explore gardening practices that have become common, whether they have unintended impacts, and what more sustainable alternatives exist.

An overview of considerations when planning a home greenhouse, including location, materials, heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation.

Soil is a complex matrix of minerals, organic matter, teaming with an abundant community of organisms, decomposition, nutrients, air, water and time. It takes 500 years to create about an inch of soil. This presentation shows ways to care for your soils in a holistic manner by the use of composts, natural and organic fertility programs, liquid fertility and mulching. Learn some easy, impactful ways to care for your garden soils.