Symposium and Silent Auction

Richard G. Hawke

Proving their Worth - Director of Ornamental Plant Research, Chicago Botanic Garden. Richard evaluates and trials perennials, vines, and shrubs over long time periods to find quality plants that perform well and thrive. He will focus on new, promising trialed perennials.

Jennifer Petritz

Garden Is a Verb - Horticulturist who writes, designs, and coaches about gardening. Jennifer is the current President of the American Hydrangea Society and a self-professed plant nut who admits to being a plant hoarder. Jennifer will focus on how to organize garden work, how to stay ahead of the horticultural curve and how to deal with the curveballs that Mother Nature throws.

Thomas Rainer

The Plant Systems Revolution: Creating Adaptive Plantings - Landscape architect, author, and teacher, Thomas is a leading voice in the ecological landscape movement, incorporating wild and cultivated aspects in garden design to create more ecologically beneficial landscapes. Co-author of "Planting in a Post-Wild World” with Claudia West.

Check-in begins at 8:30 am

First Speaker starts at 9:30 am

Lunch Break at Noon

Final Speaker ends about 3:00 pm

Checkout begins at 3:15-3:30 pm

Box Lunches from Alon's Available for Pre-purchase