Graf Growers Annual Gardening Seminar Series

Graf Growers will present a series of informative garden seminars on Saturday mornings in January and February. Each week a different gardening topic is covered and presented by a garden industry professional complete with visuals and inspiration.

Seminars take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Graf Growers, 1015 White Pond Drive, with easy access from West Market Street and Interstate 77.  We will make a pot of coffee and serve light refreshments so everyone is welcome to come at 9:30 a.m. to network with other local gardeners. All seminars cost $12, except for the last seminar of the series, presented by Craig Graf, which will be free. Preregistration for the event is encouraged because of limited seating; however, participants are welcome to stop by and attend as seating allows. It makes a lively morning for gardeners to gather, learn, and get new ideas as they make plans for spring and summer plantings.

The following is a list of dates, speakers, and a short description of each seminar:

January 19^th- New Plants for the Garden

Speaker: Keith Manbeck, Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

Keith will introduce you to new plants for your garden, patio or deck.  There are some fantastic new shrubs including many hydrangeas, perennials, and fruit plants for you to try out this year.  We’ll go through a brief description of the plants and where they will perform best in your garden. Keith has over 30 years experience in the green industry and Willoway Nurseries is a wholesale nursery located in Avon and Huron, Ohio with over 1,000 acres of production.

January 26^th- Annuals and Tropical Plants for Summer Color in your Landscape and Containers

Speaker: Brian Jorg, Manager at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

As the manager of horticulture at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Brian is responsible for the annual trial garden which includes growing over 200 varieties of the newest annuals available to the industry. Brian will share his “hands on” experience with annuals and tropicals including many ways to use them to bring color to your landscape and helpful tips for successfully growing them all summer long.   Brian combines his love of horticulture along with his passion for photography to provide an enthusiastic presentation that will inspire and inform his audience for a more rewarding gardening experience.

February 2^nd- Deer Resistant Gardening

Speaker: Joyce Braun, Summit County Master Gardener

Joyce has been a lifelong gardener and Master Gardener since 2001. She will draw on her personal experience gardening on 2 1/2 acres surrounded by woods to help us understand our enemy (the deer) and what we can do to live with them. She will provide helpful information on deer resistant plants as well as repellants to keep them from destroying our gardens.

February 9^th- Creating a Perennial Garden with Perpetual Interest

Speaker: Laura Deeter, Associate Professor, OSU at ATI Wooster

The key to creating a beautiful perennial garden is in planning it so there is something interesting to draw your attention at every season. Laura’s presentation will introduce you to perennials for every season and provide tips for combining them for ongoing interest in the garden. Laura Deeter is a favorite speaker at Graf Growers. She combines her knowledge and enthusiasm for perennials and landscape design along with her lively sense of humor for an entertaining and informative program.

February 16^th- New Ideas for Creating a Colorful Shade Garden

Speaker: Lisa Graf, an owner of Graf Growers

It is hard to imagine the shade garden without Impatiens 'Wallerina,' however, due to a far reaching and devastating disease affecting impatiens we will need to find alternatives. We will briefly discuss this disease named Downey Mildew and the impact it will have for our gardens. Then we will focus our attention on colorful alternatives for containers and beds in the shade. 

February 23^rd- Ideas and Inspiration for Improving your Landscape, Free seminar

Speaker: Craig Graf, an owner of Graf Growers

If you are thinking about updating or enhancing your landscape this free seminar will provide you with valuable ideas and inspiration to get started. Whether you’re a nature lover, empty nester or have a growing family Craig we will show you landscape designs and materials that will compliment your lifestyle. Furthermore, he will provide creative ideas for solving landscape issues such as drainage, slopes, and privacy as well as concepts for enhancing spaces and adding interesting elements. We invite you to join us and learn about the great ways you can enjoy your landscape!