2026 Speakers - To be updated as confirmed:10:00AM - No-Fuss Roses: Blooms Without the Drama
Lorraine Ballato, Expert Horticulturist
Think roses are too fussy or time-consuming? Think again! In this lively and practical talk, you’ll discover how today’s modern rose varieties deliver stunning color, fragrance, and repeat blooms—with far less work than you might imagine. As time to purchase roses comes around, learn which roses thrive with minimal care, how to choose varieties suited to your garden, and simple tips for planting, pruning, and maintenance that keep your roses looking their best all season long. Whether you’re a longtime gardener ready to simplify or a beginner eager to grow your first rose, this presentation will show you how easy—and rewarding—roses can be.
11:00AM - New or Unusual Annuals and Vegetables
Kristi Stromberg Wright, Sleepy Cat Farm
Experimenting with unfamiliar plants can often be daunting when you have tried and true plants guaranteed to produce a bountiful harvest or lush flowering display. For those looking to change routine, consider some alternatives that have been become regulars at Sleepy Cat Farm and are new, unusual, but all-around great additions to your containers, vegetable gardens, or perennial borders!
12:00PM -Spring Container Garden Demonstration
Sandy Lindh, English Gardens & Designs, LLC
May is the peak of spring planting season, and Sandy will demonstrate how to design a beautiful container using cool-season flowers that thrive in early spring. Guests will watch the planting demonstration, gather ideas for their own containers at home, and enjoy a Q&A session at the end.
During the session you will learn:
• How to design a balanced container using the thriller–filler–spiller method
• Which spring annuals and early perennials work best in containers
• Tips for creating a planter that looks beautiful through the season and perfect for Mothers Day
