2023 Lecture Series Schedule
If you are interested in presenting for our 2023 Show, please contact Matt Dawson, Natural Creations/Samara Farms. The Nashville Lawn and Garden Foundation and Matt Dawson (Lecture Programmer) wish to thank Samara Farms and Natural Creations for becoming this year’s Lecture Hall Sponsor.
Please visit our YouTube channel to view some lectures from previous years.
Please note: Schedule is subject to change; each day's schedule will be posted near the Show entrance.
Attention Landscape & Nursery Professionals: Economically earn six pesticide points (approved by the TN Dept. of Agriculture) by attending our free-with-Show-Ticket Lecture Series, Thursday, March 2. 6 points in categories 3, 10, 12 / and 5 points in category 2 (Forestry). The School number is KBOR-CP2PQM. And come enjoy the Show!
Thursday, March 2
10:00 a.m. "How Do Trees Live and Why Do They Die?" presented by Dr. David Mercker, Extension Forester, University of Tennessee
In a very simple way, this presentation discusses the major physiological process that allow a tree to grow, and by extension, what causes them to die. Participants will learn basic concepts of tree care based on these processes, that include: photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and translocation.
11:00 a.m. "Turfgrass Weed Science," presented by Greg Breeden, Extension Specialist, website
12:00 p.m. “Proper Planting: Your Best Defense is a Well-Dug Hole,” presented by Taylor Reeder, Williamson County Extension Agent
The lecture will focus on proper planting techniques for trees and shrubs in Tennessee. The best defense against common landscape pests is choosing the right plant and making sure you plant it correctly. This will be especially timely due to all of the freeze damage our landscape plants endured over the winter.
1:00 p.m. "Boxwood Blight: Sanitation and Nursery Practices," presented by Dr. Fulya Baysal-Gurel, associate professor at the Tennessee State University Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center
This presentation addresses boxwood blight, why you should use sanitation practices at boxwood production and improved sanitation/hygiene practices for boxwood blight management.
2:00 p.m. "On Site Insect Diagnosis – Aiming for Accuracy” presented by Amy Dunlap, Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Agent
Proper insect pest identification is critical for treatment. The aim of this presentation is to teach participants how to recognize the signs and symptoms of common pest issues in Middle Tennessee. An accurate diagnosis helps with early intervention and reducing the misuse of pesticides.
3:00 p.m. "Lawn Irrigation: Best Management Practices" presented by Dr. Brian Lieb, Professor and Extension Irrigation Specialist
This presentation will cover irrigation requirements for Tennessee, smart controllers and irrigation run times for landscape systems.
Friday, March 3
10:00 a.m. "Feels and Sounds Like Spring" presented by Dr. Andy Pulte, Department of Plant Sciences and Executive Director, University of Tennessee GATOP Gardens and Education Center
Kick off the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show with a talk that focuses on the best of Spring. Dr. Pulte will talk about planting techniques, outstanding plant combinations, and underutilized plants in the home garden. We all want plants that make our spring gardens wonderful, as well as those that help us transition gracefully into the rest of the garden year. We will navigate that process together. A potpourri of spring gardening topics will be covered with something for everyone.
11:00 a.m. "The Making of a Garden" presented by Jason Reeves, Curator of the UT Gardens Jackson
Join along on Jason's 15 year journey in making a garden out of a home and property that had been vacant for 15 years. He will share his successes and failures as well as tips and techniques on how to make your garden dreams come true.
12:00 p.m. "Butterflies of Tennessee" by Rita Venable, author, Butterflies of Tennessee
Have you ever wondered what butterflies are likely to fly into your garden and what they feed on? This lecture will cover some of the basics of butterfly identification plus which plants are most useful for butterflies in Tennessee.
1:00 p.m. "Garden Truths and Garden Tales" presented by Troy Marden, co-host of Nashville Public Television's "Volunteer Gardener"
This presentation will address a variety of timely landscaping and gardening topics like "What should I do about the recent freeze damage?" and "Are the plants that froze poor choices for our landscapes?". He'll give truthful assessments of what he has personally seen and experienced over the past few weeks and recommendations to help gardens (and gardeners!) recover. He'll also present some "garden tales", helping to dispel some rumors and clear up confusion on topics like "What does 'organic' really mean?" and "Are 'cultivars' poor choices for my garden?". In this interactive hour, Troy will also take questions from the audience to help address gardeners' concerns.
2:00 p.m. "Managing the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Epidemic" presented by Jennifer Smith, horticulturalist, Metro Water Service and coordinator, Metro Tree Advisory Committee
This presentation will review how to identify ash trees and management options. Also discussed will be the tree owner’s responsibility, how to hire an arborist and how to properly dispose of tree debris.
3:00 p.m."Keeping it Quiet in the Garden: Silence Is Golden" presented by Drew Sullivan, general manager and Trey Hartsook, assistant manager, Dickens Turf & Landscape Supply
Information on battery powered and improved hand tools for turf and landscape.
Saturday, March 4
10:00 a.m. "Wildflowers of the Nashville Basin" presented by Jack Carman, author, "Wildflowers of Tennessee"
The Nashville Basin is a physiographic region unique to Tennessee and the Southeastern US. Wildflowers found in this habitat will be presented.
11:00 a.m. "Cheekwood in Bloom – Seasonal displays and permanent collections to celebrate Spring" presented by Peter Grimaldi, vice president of gardens and facilities at Cheekwood
Cheekwood is an historic estate, botanical garden, and museum of art, and each Spring the gardens burst into bloom with over 300,000 tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. Peter Grimaldi is the Vice president of gardens and facilities, and Peter will present the creative process for display design, the mechanics of how four seasons of word-class horticultural displays come to life, as well as the scientific foundation for managing the living botanical collections that wrap the historic estate and seasonal festivals.
12:00 p.m. Live Floral Design Contest with Local Floral Designers and Floral Gallery participants (MC'd by Kathy Bates, floral design gallery chair)
Audience participation, cheer on your favorite Designer, in a surprise package design contest! Winners take home cash prizes!
1:00 p.m. "Why Native Plants" presented by Karen Hill, writer and naturalist
Our beautiful native plants can be successfully grown in a small suburban middle-Tennessee yard to the benefit of local wildlife. How one family has joined the movement toward certified backyard habitats.
2:00 p.m. "Bulbous Beauties!" presented by Todd Breyer, Landscape Architect / Garden & Estate Designer
Come explore the wonderful world of bulbs with award-winning Garden Designer, Landscape Architect, and Horticulturist, Todd Breyer. We’ll be naming names with the best selections and cultivars of both Spring and Summer / Fall-flowering bulbs. Though many are not well known, most are super easy to grow and make gorgeous additions to your garden. This interactive presentation features gorgeous color photos and encourages audience participation and questions. See you there!
3:00 p.m. "Where Do We Go From Here? Designing A More Resilient Landscape To Endure Weather Extremes" presented by Josiah Lockard, Josiah Lockard & Associates
This presentation will focus on the recovery from the recent flash freeze, and examine strategies to designing a more resilient landscape to better endure extreme weather events. Selecting the right plant communities, the importance of biodiversity, landscape management options, and supply chain issues will be discussed as we take a holistic look and rebuilding better gardens after difficult winter weather conditions.
Sunday, March 5
10:00 a.m. "Tough Plants for Nashville Tennessee" presented by Sarah Lowe, Tennessee Residence horticulturalist
Come and explore and join in for a deeper look at some of the tough plants for Nashville, Tennessee. Annuals and perennials as well as a few tough shrubs and trees will be highlighted. Many of these tough plants can be found growing at the Tennessee Residence. Found in the heart of Nashville is Far Hills, which has been the Volunteer’s State official home of the Governor and Frist Lady since 1949 and is known today as the Tennessee Residence. Surrounding the Georgian style mansion is a sprawling 10-acre landscape where, you always find something in bloom almost every day of the year!
11:00 a.m. Live Floral Design Contest with Local Floral Designers and Floral Gallery participants (MC'd by Kathy Bates, floral design gallery chair)Audience participation, cheer on your favorite Designer, in a surprise package design contest! Winners take home cash prizes!
12:00 p.m. "Sound Garden: Music in Nature" presented by Owen Reich Aesthetic Pruner / Garden Designer and Sy Arden
1:00 p.m. "Managing the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Epidemic" presented by Jennifer Smith, horticulturalist, Metro Water Service and coordinator, Metro Tree Advisory CommitteeThis presentation will review how to identify ash trees and management options. Also discussed will be the tree owner’s responsibility, how to hire an arborist and how to properly dispose of tree debris.
2:00 p.m. "Managing the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Epidemic" presented by Jennifer Smith, horticulturalist, Metro Water Service and coordinator, Metro Tree Advisory CommitteeThis presentation will review how to identify ash trees and management options. Also discussed will be the tree owner’s responsibility, how to hire an arborist and how to properly dispose of tree debris.