Northwest Flower & Garden Show

Timothy Walker – 2006 Show Judge

Timothy Walker joined the staff of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden in 1980 as a trainee gardener and now is the Director of this prestigious botanic garden, which serves as a national reference collection of 7,000 different types of plants, making it the most compact yet diverse collection of plants in the world.  His position involves a mixture of teaching, administration and fund-raising – but no gardening.  The gardening happens on weekends in his wife’s garden when allowed.  In 1997 he was elected to the Ernest Cook Lectureship in Plant Conservation at Somerville College Oxford.  He has traveled all over the world in search of not only gardens but also to explore plants growing in their native habitats.

The Healing Power of Plants

Wednesday, February 8 at 10:00 am in the Rainier Room

Plants serve a more important role than simply beautifying our gardens, but we seldom stop to consider their vital importance. Humankind has exploited the medicinal properties of plants for centuries, yet the role of plants in modern medicine is still considered to be peripheral by many people. This thought provoking seminar attempts to put the record straight, demonstrating how plant products are used every day by all of us to relieve pain and suffering, to heal wounds and cure disease and the essential role that plants play in our general well being.

Euphorbias – Probably the Best Garden Plants

Thursday, February 9 at 2:30 pm in the Rainier Room

No one really needs to be convinced of the supremacy of Spurges as garden plants for every situation. This enlightening seminar explains some of the natural history of euphorbias and their botany, and details some of the most desirable species and cultivars and suggests some planting associations.

On Top but Never in Control – Tales from a Small Garden

Friday, February 10 at 1:00 pm in the Rainier Room

This is the story of the making of the 1/3 acre garden belonging to Jill Walker, Timothy Walker’s wife. It is a story of successes and failures, charting not only the development of the garden but also the gardeners and gardens that have influenced the style of planting. This delightful seminar will show you what you can do on your own in a short period of time, without resorting to either “make-over” tricks or asking your partner to help. The garden was featured in the April 2003 issue of Gardens Illustrated.

Color in a Small Garden

Saturday, February 11 at 10:00 am in the Rainier Room

The use of color can be very confusing, especially in a small garden.  This fascinating lecture is based on the Botanic Garden’s Gold Metal winning exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show, and explains some of the theory employed by artists and gardeners to achieve a variety of effects.  Color theory is supported by examples of specific color combinations from some of the most beautiful gardens in Britain and beyond.