2022 Agenda
From the 2022 festival • March 11–20, 2022
Original schedule. All times Eastern (ET).
This archive preserves schedules, speakers, and session descriptions; it is not a video library.Descriptions reflect the original event. Invitations to join, tune in, or check social media refer to 2022.
Ten days to grow something new.
From March 11–20, 2022, the festival unfolds over ten consecutive days of online talks, virtual garden tours, and houseplant happy hours. Themed days explore small-space growing, sustainability, DIY projects, wildlife gardening, and flowers, leading up to the spring equinox.
Event sponsors include Gardening Know How, Crescent Garden, Cool Springs Press, and National Wildlife Federation. Day sponsors include Back to the Roots for Small Space Saturday, Garden for Wildlife for Wildlife Wednesday, and Park Seed for the second Small Space Saturday.
Meet our sponsors & partners
Great Grow Along Kickoff
Speakers: Marcus Bridgewater & Khalid Williams
Session title: Get Pumped About Plants & Cocktail Hour
Session description: Garden Marcus kicks off our week with a great pep talk for gardeners of all kinds.
Small Space Saturday
Speaker: Kevin Espiritu
Session title: Soil Secrets: Building Great Soil for Beginners
Session description: Host of popular YouTube channel Epic Gardening walks through how to make your soil not only good, but great. For gardeners of all levels, this session will get you growing from the ground up.
Speaker: Wendi Phan
Session title: Grow Your Garden Up: Tips & Tricks for Trellising to Maximize Your Space
Session description: Wendi Phan is here to help you grow up, literally! She has tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your space no matter what the size of your garden.
Speaker: Brie Arthur
Session title: Foodscaping in Containers
Session description: Container gardening meets food gardening in this unique spin on growing good food with limited area. Brie Arthur takes you through how to plan for and implement interesting containers that taste good, too.
Speakers: Kamili Bell Hill & Khalid Williams
Session title: Houseplant Happy Hour: New Plant Care Starter Pack & Cocktail Hour
Session description: Houseplants have grown greatly in popularity in the last couple of years and Kamili Bell Hill of Plant Blerd has curated a collection of houseplants for those just starting out. This session is for those who may be just beginning to collect houseplants or who need ideas on what plant to get next. Khalid of The Barrel Age has curated cocktails for each houseplant happy hour session. Join in the fun by checking Instagram in the morning to find the recipe so you can mix-along with our house mixologist.
Sustainability Sunday
Speaker: Kelly Norris
Session title: New Naturalism: Designing & Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden
Session description: Using native plants can be an attractive way to create a garden that works with the environment and Kelly Norris shows his own garden as an example of how to grow a very natural space with a design eye. Learn how to set up a garden that is great for wildlife and looks great too.
Speaker: Heather Andrews
Session title: Gardening for Butterflies
Session description: Butterflies serve many purposes in the garden during their various life cycles and Heather Andrews shares how her gardening has transformed since she has been catering to these beneficial insects. If you’re a vegetable grower looking for ways to incorporate more pollinators or just want to attract more color into your outdoor spaces, you’re sure to gain from this session.
Speaker: Stephanie Rose
Session title: Regenerative Gardening
Session description: If you’re looking for ways to maintain beautiful gardens year after year, Stephanie Rose sets you up for success in this session on managing the ecosystem in your space. This session provides all-natural tactics for gardeners that want to work smarter and not harder.
Speakers: Maria Failla & Khalid Williams
Session title: Houseplant Happy Hour: Eight Ways to Grow More Joy in Your Work Day with Plants & Cocktail Hour
Session description: Join Bloom & Grow Radio Podcast host Maria Failla for tips on how to cultivate joy in your work space using plants and what they can teach us. Gain new perspective on how to breathe life back into your workday. Khalid of The Barrel Age has curated cocktails for each houseplant happy hour session. Join in the fun by checking Instagram in the morning to find the recipe so you can mix-along with our house mixologist.
Make It Monday (DIY)
Program credit: Virtual Garden Tour
Session title: Chanticleer Garden
Session description: Set on a historic estate in the Philadelphia region, Chanticleer is a garden designed by Thomas Seers in the early 20th century. The garden doesn’t open for the season until March 30th, so you’ll get a front row seat to check it out from the comfort of your home.
Speaker: Tyler Baras
Session title: Fun DIY Hydro Systems for Under $100
Session description: Hydroponics have gained in popularity over the last few years with countertop kitchen gardens that can provide herbs year-round. Learn how to dabble in this hobby no matter your budget, Tyler Baras walks you through what you need, what you might want, and what you can aspire to do with hydroponics.
Speaker: Marco Thomas
Session title: Homemade Fertilizer Hacks: "Do as Nature Does"
Session description: Working with nature is the way to go when it comes to fertilizers. Marco Thomas shows us how to do as nature does to create fertilizer that will boost your garden to new levels.
Speaker: Brandon Lark Roberts
Session title: DIY topiary
Session description: Topiary can seem intimidating but Brandon Lark Roberts breaks down what tools and ideas you need to create topiary in your very own garden. Join for a demonstration from what plants to choose to how and when to prune.
Speakers: Lisa Eldred Steinkopf & Khalid Williams
Session title: Houseplant Happy Hour: How to Become a Succ-essful Gardener & Cocktail Hour
Session description: Houseplant Guru Lisa Eldred Steinkopf walks you through a collection of succulents that will have you inspired and in awe. If you’ve historically not had luck, tune in to get tips that will help you not “succ”. Khalid of The Barrel Age has curated cocktails for each houseplant happy hour session. Join in the fun by checking Instagram in the morning to find the recipe so you can mix-along with our house mixologist.
Transformation Tuesday
Program credit: Virtual Garden Tour
Session title: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Session description: This Nashville, Tennessee estate is set on 55 acres that started as a private property in 1929 and turned into a public art museum and botanic garden in 1960. Enjoy the mix of gardens and trees at this botanic garden and arboretum.
Speaker: Linda Vater
Session title: Edible Landscaping
Session description: Potager blog writer Linda Vater inspires with her creative garden design, making use of edible plants that can look great too. For those who love brilliant design but have always wanted to grow herbs and produce, this session is for you.
Speaker: Toni Gattone
Session title: Adaptive Gardening: Tips & Tools for Lifelong Gardening
Session description: With so much movement and muscle involved, gardening can seem a limiting hobby and Toni Gattone walks us through things she has implemented through the years to ensure gardening is for every body. Learn tips and tools to ensure as your body changes, gardening can still remain part of your lifestyle.
Speakers: Darryl Cheng & Khalid Williams
Session title: Houseplant Happy Hour: Secrets to a Lasting (Plant) Relationship & Cocktail Hour
Session description: With an engineering background, Darryl Cheng approaches houseplants a bit differently. Check out the science behind the ideal in-home conditions to make your houseplants thrive. Khalid of The Barrel Age has curated cocktails for each houseplant happy hour session. Join in the fun by checking Instagram in the morning to find the recipe so you can mix-along with our house mixologist.
Garden For Wildlife Wednesday
Program credit: Virtual Garden Tour
Session title: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Session description: A virtual tour of Caribbean Gardens at the Naples Zoo
Speakers: Mary Phillips & Teri Speight & Katharine vonRueden & Justin Clemens & Susannah Lerman & Dee Hall
Session title: Wildlife Gardeners Panel: If You Build It They Will Come
Session description: Garden for Wildlife panel curated by Mary Phillips from the National Wildlife Federation is a panel of gardeners who have experience catering their gardens to the ecosystems in which they thrive. Sure to be a wealth of knowledge, come listen to gardeners talk about their experience.
Speaker: David Mizejewski
Session title: Everything You Know About Bees Is Wrong
Session description: Join Dave Mizejewski of the National Wildlife Federation for a chat about how to care for our native bees. If you think of honeybees straightaway, think again, because this talk is about native varieties and how to bee a better neighbor to these pollinator powerhouses.
Speaker: Doug Tallamy
Session title: All About Oaks
Session description: Oaks of multiple varieties get covered in this wildlife-focused chat by Doug Tallamy. Perhaps Oaks have seemed daunting or overwhelming, but Doug breaks down why they’re an important cornerstone to any good ecosystem and why you might consider making an Oak your next garden investment.
Speakers: Debbie Wolfe & Khalid Williams
Session title: Houseplant Happy Hour: Growing Herbs Indoors and Out & Cocktail Hour
Session description: Herbs are often a first choice when starting a garden, and Debbie Wolfe covers a variety of herbs that can work both indoors and outside. Those with small spaces or big ideas may want to tune in for some inspiration on how to use these multi-functional, often-fragrant plants. Khalid of The Barrel Age has curated cocktails for each houseplant happy hour session. Join in the fun by checking Instagram in the morning to find the recipe so you can mix-along with our house mixologist.
Tiny Thursday
Program credit: Virtual Garden Tour
Session title: Franklin Park Conservatory
Session description: Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio offers a rich landscape of plants of all varieties. In this garden tour, the focus will be on their children’s garden and showing how they incorporate littles into their garden design.
Speaker: Em Shipman
Session title: Lessons to Grow On: Three STEAM Activities for Kids of All Ages
Session description: Utilizing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) educational techniques, Em walks us through how to apply these to kids’ gardening activities. If you’re looking for new ways to engage kids outside, you’ve come to the right place.
Speakers: Te'Lario Watkins & Nikhil Arora
Session title: Fun with Fungi
Session description: Nikhil Arora from Back to The Roots interviews young Te’lario Watkins who has ignited a passion for growing mushrooms and sharing it with others. Join if you’ve been curious about how to grow functional fungus.
Speakers: Brittany Gowan & Khalid Williams
Session title: Houseplant Happy Hour: Pause with Plants & Cocktail Hour
Session description: We all can use a deep breath sometimes and Brittany Gowan walks us through taking a moment to ourselves among our greenery and what plants can teach us about meditation. For those who have difficulty sitting still or need a breath to themselves, this session is for you. Khalid of The Barrel Age has curated cocktails for each houseplant happy hour session. Join in the fun by checking Instagram in the morning to find the recipe so you can mix-along with our house mixologist.
Flower Friday
Program credit: Virtual Garden Tour
Session title: Filoli Historic House & Garden Tour
Session description: With acres of English Renaissance-style gardens, an orchard, and a nature preserve, Filoli gardens in Woodside, California has much to look at. Be inspired by the colors and seamless integration of landscaping on this beautiful property.
Speaker: Mara Tyler
Session title: Five Tips to Gorgeous Dahlias
Session description: Dahlias are Mara Tyler’s farming specialty and she is here to make them accessible to everyone. If you’re thinking of trying these gorgeous blooms this season or have had trouble in the past, come get some great tips for success.
Speakers: Debra Prinzing & Felicia Alvarez & Jennifer & Adam O'Neal
Session title: Panel: DIY Flower Arranging & Trends
Session description: A collection of flower presentations curated by the Slow Flowers Society to have you growing your best this season and for seasons to come. If you’re looking for solutions to growing your best plus a design lesson on how to put them together when you bring collections indoors, this session has lots in store.
Speakers: Christopher Satch & Khalid Williams
Session title: Houseplant Happy Hour: Secrets to Orchid Success & Cocktail Hour
Session description: Orchids are often the first indoor flowers or even houseplant that many people try, and Chris Satch is here to help clarify why some are easier to care for than your average grocery store Orchid. For those looking to grow gorgeous showy blooms indoors, this session is for you. Khalid of The Barrel Age has curated cocktails for each houseplant happy hour session. Join in the fun by checking Instagram in the morning to find the recipe so you can mix-along with our house mixologist.
Small Space Saturday II
Speaker: Ashlie Thomas
Session title: Edibles for Three Seasons
Session description: Ashlie Thomas, aka The Mocha Gardener, walks us through how she saves space and grows vegetables and herbs in spring, summer, and fall in order to get the most out of her small spaces. For those looking for tips, tricks, and tools on how to grow food in any size space.
Speakers: Carrie and Dale Spoonemore
Session title: Seed Starting
Session description: Time to get those seeds started! Carrie and Dale Spoonemore show us best practices for turning seeds and seedlings into mature plants to be enjoyed.
Speakers: Jerome Kellerhals and Mariannjely Marval
Session title: Bonsai 101
Session description: Bonsai is an ancient art form and practice. Jerome Kellerhals walks us through how he got started, what tools he uses, and how you can begin your bonsai journey today.
Speaker: Nicole Burke
Session title: Kitchen Garden Revival
Session description: Nicole Burke has an impressive vegetable garden and she walks you through how to achieve a kitchen garden of your own. For those wishing to grow the food you put on your plate.
Speakers: Michael Perry & Khalid Williams
Session title: Houseplant Happy Hour: Wild & Wacky Plants plus European Trends & Cocktail Hour
Session description: In this unique twofold chat, Michael Perry walks us through European garden trends and then shifts into wild and wacky plants, a few of which you may want to add to your collection at home. Join for an engaging presentation while you sip your beverage of choice. Khalid of The Barrel Age has curated cocktails for each houseplant happy hour session. Join in the fun by checking Instagram in the morning to find the recipe so you can mix-along with our house mixologist.
Spring Equinox
Speaker: Elizabeth Licata
Session title: Zone Talk - Northeast, Midwest
Session description: Offering suggestions for the Northeast and Midwest regions of the US, Elizabeth Licata offers suggestions from her own garden.
Speakers: Sean & Allison McManus
Session title: Zone Talk - Pacific Northwest
Session description: Joining us from the Pacific Northwest in the US, Sean and Allison McManus offer suggestions from their own garden.
Speaker: Teri Speight
Session title: Zone Talk - Southeast
Session description: Offering suggestions for the southeast regions of the US, Teri Speight offers suggestions from her own garden, including pruning and care tips.
Presenters: LaManda Joy & The Charles Henry Chapman Memorial Community Garden Restoration Project & Heroic Gardens & Signal Hill Elementary Healing Through Harvest Garden & Backyard Growers & DIGA Garden at GF Strong Rehab Center
Session title: Community Garden Panel
Session description: Learn about five mission-driven community gardens in this panel hosted by LaManda Joy, author of Start a Community Food Garden: The Essential Handbook. The highlighted gardens are all recipients of Gardening Know How's community garden sponsorship program and demonstrate how growing food, and community, has a lasting impact on neighborhoods nationwide.
Speaker: Noelle Johnson
Session title: Zone Talk - West, Southwest
Session description: Offering suggestions for the west and southwest regions of the US, Noelle Johnson offers suggestions from her own garden.
Program credit: Virtual Garden Tour
Session title: BONUS SESSION - Filoli Historic House & Garden Tour
Session description: With acres of English Renaissance-style gardens, an orchard, and a nature preserve, Filoli gardens in Woodside, California has much to look at. Be inspired by the colors and seamless integration of landscaping on this beautiful property.
Speaker: Armen Adamjan
Session title: Let's Keep Growing! Event Wrap-up
Session description: Closes out our week leaving gardeners excited and inspired to get out there and grow!