Perennial Plant Conference Schedule

7:30 am - 9:00 am

Registration and Coffee

7:45 am - 8:45 am

Explore the Scott Arboretum on guided tours with horticulture staff.

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Live Stream opens for those joining us virtually.

9:00 am - 9:15 am

Claire Sawyers, Director, Scott Arboretum

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Beyond Bold: Inspiration, Collaboration, Evolution will explore the past 20 years of design at OEHME, VAN SWEDEN | OvS, the landscape architecture firm that has been creating extraordinary outdoor spaces for nearly 50 years. The presentation, much like the book of the same name, is a unique illustration of the second generation of leadership’s tenure with the firm, exploring the work that inspired them to join OvS, the designs on which they collaborated with the founding partners, and how they cultivated an individual style that is as legacy-driven as it is exploratory. From private gardens and pools to the expansive Tippet Rise Art Center in rural Montana to urban oases like Chicago Botanic Garden and New York Botanical Garden, Eric will present an image-rich study of some of the most geographically and stylistically diverse works of landscape architecture by top players in the industry.

10:15 am - 10:45 am

In-person participants: Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group. Purchase raffle tickets to win items donated by sponsoring organizations. Visit the Perennials Showcase, featuring cut specimen plants of interest from sponsoring organizations.

10:45 am - 11:35 am

Silently, without much fanfare, a revolution has occurred within the genus Paeonia. Numerous new cultivars in the form of advanced generation hybrids, species selections and creative new crosses have slowly found their way into connoisseur gardens and collections. Relatively unknown to the gardening world, these remarkable cultivars are creating new possibilities and a greater understanding of the peony. Yet many gardeners are unaware of the revolution now in progress. Extremely long-lived perennials, most peonies seen in today’s gardens are from a bygone era. Due to their enduring beauty, these older plants remain entrenched despite a spectrum of superior new options that are vigorous, unique and better suited for our climate. From stunning cut-flower varieties to showy landscape winners to rare and remarkable tree peonies, the next generation of Paeonia is changing the old gardening order. Join Nate Bremer as he outlines a “road map” to the many new cultivars, their garden use, culture, genetic backgrounds, characteristics and much more. You’ll explore the peony’s silent journey to the 21st Century and experience a visual bonanza featuring some of the peony world’s most sought-after plants.

11:35 am - 12:25 pm

Turning Lawns into Meadows

Learn how increasing demand for native plants and ecosystem services influences the nursery industry’s response to the perennial question, What’s New? Carrie’s talk connects the key drivers advancing today’s plant palette to guiding factors behind new introductions. Farewell to fads—novice to seasoned gardeners alike are demanding beautiful & ecological solutions that go the distance—plants with purpose, together we grow!

12:25 pm - 1:25 pm

In-person participants: Explore the Arboretum and talk to horticulture staff stationed in designated gardens. Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group. Purchase raffle tickets to win items donated by sponsoring organizations. Visit the Perennials Showcase, featuring cut specimen plants of interest from sponsoring organizations.

1:25 pm - 2:15 pm

Gardener's Voices

Grace Amongst the Grandeur: Cultivating Well-Being at Nemours - Kenneth Darsney Playing in the Dirt on the National Mall - Janet Draper

2:15 pm - 2:40 pm

In-person participants - Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group. Visit the Perennials Showcase, featuring cut specimen plants of interest from sponsoring organizations.

2:35 pm - 2:35 pm

2:40 pm - 3:40 pm

Harland Patch will explore the science behind pollinator and plant communities and how landscapes can be designed and managed to support biodiversity now and in a future of change.

3:40 pm - 3:45 pm

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Join the reception with speakers for an additional $20 (in-person participants only).

7:30 am - 9:00 am

Registration and Coffee

7:45 am - 8:45 am

Explore the Scott Arboretum on guided tours with horticulture staff.

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Live Stream opens for those joining us virtually.

9:00 am - 9:15 am

Claire Sawyers, Director, Scott Arboretum

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Beyond Bold: Inspiration, Collaboration, Evolution will explore the past 20 years of design at OEHME, VAN SWEDEN | OvS, the landscape architecture firm that has been creating extraordinary outdoor spaces for nearly 50 years. The presentation, much like the book of the same name, is a unique illustration of the second generation of leadership’s tenure with the firm, exploring the work that inspired them to join OvS, the designs on which they collaborated with the founding partners, and how they cultivated an individual style that is as legacy-driven as it is exploratory. From private gardens and pools to the expansive Tippet Rise Art Center in rural Montana to urban oases like Chicago Botanic Garden and New York Botanical Garden, Eric will present an image-rich study of some of the most geographically and stylistically diverse works of landscape architecture by top players in the industry.

10:15 am - 10:45 am

In-person participants: Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group. Purchase raffle tickets to win items donated by sponsoring organizations. Visit the Perennials Showcase, featuring cut specimen plants of interest from sponsoring organizations.

2:15 pm - 2:40 pm

In-person participants - Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group. Visit the Perennials Showcase, featuring cut specimen plants of interest from sponsoring organizations.

10:45 am - 11:35 am

Silently, without much fanfare, a revolution has occurred within the genus Paeonia. Numerous new cultivars in the form of advanced generation hybrids, species selections and creative new crosses have slowly found their way into connoisseur gardens and collections. Relatively unknown to the gardening world, these remarkable cultivars are creating new possibilities and a greater understanding of the peony. Yet many gardeners are unaware of the revolution now in progress. Extremely long-lived perennials, most peonies seen in today’s gardens are from a bygone era. Due to their enduring beauty, these older plants remain entrenched despite a spectrum of superior new options that are vigorous, unique and better suited for our climate. From stunning cut-flower varieties to showy landscape winners to rare and remarkable tree peonies, the next generation of Paeonia is changing the old gardening order. Join Nate Bremer as he outlines a “road map” to the many new cultivars, their garden use, culture, genetic backgrounds, characteristics and much more. You’ll explore the peony’s silent journey to the 21st Century and experience a visual bonanza featuring some of the peony world’s most sought-after plants.

11:35 am - 12:25 pm

Turning Lawns into Meadows

Learn how increasing demand for native plants and ecosystem services influences the nursery industry’s response to the perennial question, What’s New? Carrie’s talk connects the key drivers advancing today’s plant palette to guiding factors behind new introductions. Farewell to fads—novice to seasoned gardeners alike are demanding beautiful & ecological solutions that go the distance—plants with purpose, together we grow!

12:25 pm - 1:25 pm

In-person participants: Explore the Arboretum and talk to horticulture staff stationed in designated gardens. Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group. Purchase raffle tickets to win items donated by sponsoring organizations. Visit the Perennials Showcase, featuring cut specimen plants of interest from sponsoring organizations.

1:25 pm - 2:15 pm

Gardener's Voices

Grace Amongst the Grandeur: Cultivating Well-Being at Nemours - Kenneth Darsney Playing in the Dirt on the National Mall - Janet Draper

2:35 pm - 2:35 pm

2:40 pm - 3:40 pm

Harland Patch will explore the science behind pollinator and plant communities and how landscapes can be designed and managed to support biodiversity now and in a future of change.

3:40 pm - 3:45 pm

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Join the reception with speakers for an additional $20 (in-person participants only).