Special Lectures and Workshops

Hitomi Gilliam                         Friday, June 26             12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Internationally-acclaimed Floral Designer and Author

$75 per person for Luncheon and Lecture          Please arrive by 11:45 a.m.
$40 per person for Lecture only                          Please arrive by 1:00 p.m.

Meet the exciting and acclaimed floral designer and author, Hitomi Gilliam.  Guests have the option of enjoying an elegant luncheon with the speaker by choosing a Luncheon and Lecture ticket, or purchasing a Lecture Only ticket.  Either way, you'll enjoy and learn from this talented and much-celebrated designer.  Includes one-day Show admission.  Book signing will follow the lecture.

Purchase Hitomi Gilliam tickets now.

David Howard                Saturday, June 27          11:30 a.m. -  1:30 p.m.     
Former Head Gardener to Prince Charles at Highgrove

$75 per person for Luncheon and Lecture               Please arrive by 11:15 a.m.
$40 per person for Lecture only                               Please arrive by 12:15 p.m.

Charged with the care and organic feeding of the exquisite gardens of Highgrove, David Howard served HRH Prince Charles for a decade as Head Gardener at this legendary English estate.  Join us for a lovely luncheon with David prior to his lecture on Organic Gardening, or choose a lecture only ticket.  Either way, you're in for a very Green treat.  Includes one-day Show admission.

Purchase David Howard tickets now.

Friday, June 26

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.               Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Frank Crandall

An introduction to environmentally friendly landscaping, defining organic, the effect of pesticides, water availability, NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association), the goals of organics, soil health, the soil food web, sustainable plantings, the least toxic methods of disease control, the need to recycle, organic alternatives, lawn care done organically, soil tests, compost tea, cultural practices, and steps homeowners can take to implement organics in their landscapes.


1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.                    Butterfly Gardens

Chuck Carberry 

Details TBA

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.                     Sustainable Rose Gardens

Mike Chute

Discover the art of building a sustainable rose garden from a master rosarian.  By using disease-resistant modern roses, sustainable garden practices, and including other plant species, you can create a healthy and attractive rose garden without using chemical pesticides.

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.              Expanding the Seasons of Interest in Your Garden

Wayne Mezitt, Weston Nurseries and Yankee Magazine

Wayne Mezitt, 3rd generation owner of Weston Nurseries, has authored a column in Yankee Magazine since 2005.  He gives practical advice answering landscape and gardening questions from readers and website visitors.  At this session he will discuss and show examples detailing the concept of creating year-round garden appeal.  Lots of information.  Plenty of time for questions too!

Saturday, June 27

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.                  Garden Photography--A New Way of Seeing

Barbara Bourgette 

Barbara will begin by talking about getting comfortable with the camera.  How to evaluate your images; strong composition, does it include petals, what is behind the subject, etc.  How to get a good depth of field or zone of focus, which is determined by the amount of light and shutter speed.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.                Garden Structures         

Mark Bushway, Walpole Woodworkers

From arbors and pergolas to lattice panels and trellis systems, structures in the garden offer a way to transition from one area to another, provide vertical interest and offer an opportunity to display your favorite climbers.  How these structures are designed and what material they are crafted from depends on their place in your garden, the architecture of your home, the maintenance level you want to provide, and your budget.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.                Maintaining Green Canopies:  A Case Study in Newport

Bruce Fraedrich, Bartlett Tree Experts

This presentation will focus on the signature tree species of Newport, the European beech.  Bruce will discuss some of the key pests and conditions that are leading to decline of this species in New England. The session will focus on how research is providing solutions to maintaining the health of this plant, with emphasis on organic and natural based treatments.  While the session will focus on European beech, the research and treatments discussed are applicable to managing all woody plants in order to provide a beautiful and sustainable landscape.



1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.                    The Joy of Honeybees

Sanne Kure-Jensen

Learn how to build equipment, install the bees, check on the hive and collect and extract honey.  This session will also briefly discuss candles and other products like salves and cosmetics made with honey or propolis, and will stress organics and their importance in the home garden and lawn.

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.                    American Beauty's - Native Plants

Megan O'Neill

Details TBA

Sunday, June 28

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.                    Drought Tolerance

Debi Hogan 

Learn about the physiology of plants and the characteristics that are associated with survival during times when little water is available:  from modifications in plant characteristics to leaf, root and stem structure, to dormancy, bloom and more.  This session will also feature an overview of succulents and cacti:  what are they, some of the many genera, care and propogation.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.                       More Than Just Flowers

Robyn Spagnolo and Lynne Merrill

Botanical jewelry design, floral designs, traditional and miniatures



12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.                 Walking Tour:  From Barren Blight to the New England Green 
                                                        (meet at Bartlett display garden on the front lawn)

Led by Chris Fletcher,  Bartlett Tree Experts

Going Green is nothing new in the New England landscape.  The last major greening of southern New England came about after the first phase of the American Industrial Revolution in the early 1800s.  Urban blight was rampant in many American cities, causing European visitors to complain about the lack of trees.  Americans responded by planting trees in abundance.  Newport's landscape is largely a result of this early "back to nature" movement.  It became the repository of many exotic species from around the world.  Join Chris Fletcer on a tour of the grounds of Rosecliff to learn about the re-greening of the New England landscape.

3:30 p.m.                                                 Awards Ceremony


Join us to congratulate all of the Newport Flower Show award winners, and then watch the release of the butterflies from our Butterfly House!