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Explore garden possibilities for our region
Brie Arthur
Brie Arthur, a renowned bestselling author and horticulturist, captivates audiences with her dynamic presentations and innovative gardening advice. Hailing from southeastern Michigan, Brie honed her skills in Landscape Design and Horticulture at Purdue University, amassing over two decades of expertise. An advocate for consumer horticulture and home gardening across America, she authored "The Foodscape Revolution" and "Gardening with Grains," while also contributing to the Emmy-winning PBS program, "Growing a Greener World."
Brie's role as an ambassador for Soil3 organic compost underscores her commitment to sustainable practices, showcased through her YouTube channel, "Brie The Plant Lady." As a representative of the International Plant Propagators' Society Southern Region, she connects with global horticulture professionals. Recognized by the American Horticultural Society, Brie earned the inaugural Emerging Horticultural Professional Award for her dedication to inspiring a new gardening generation.
A fervent garden communicator, Brie curates a diverse array of programs for live and virtual events, embodying her passion for fostering green connections.
More info about Brie and her work here.
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Opening Presentation:
Seeds of Enchantment - The Art of Creating Gardens From Seed
Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the world of Gardening from Seed! Learn the art of directly sowing flowers and vegetables and discover the secrets to crafting one-of-a-kind, effortlessly stunning displays that require minimal upkeep. Join Brie as she takes you on a captivating exploration of site and soil preparation, the art of seed selection, perfect timing, and ingenious long-term management strategies. Immerse yourself in a year-round symphony of colors, fragrances, and textures that define the essence of a captivating garden. Prepare to be inspired as this presentation ignites a passion to embark on your own journey of scattering seeds, fostering resplendent beauty, and reaping a bountiful harvest across every inch of your landscape. Get ready to turn your open spaces into veritable havens of natural wonder!
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Closing Presentation:
Ultimate Plant Combinations
For our final discussion of the day, Brie unveils a captivating world of plant pairings that will transform your garden into a paradise of color and life. From timeless classics to exciting newcomers, this presentation is your ticket to discovering the most splendid, easy-to-grow varieties that promise year-round beauty. Dive into the sun-drenched and shaded realms, from dry earth to lush wet soil, as we explore an extensive array of trees, shrubs, perennials, herbs, veggies, and flowers. By the end of this journey, you'll be brimming with excitement for the forthcoming seasons. Get ready to witness the birth of your dream garden, bursting with vibrant life and flourishing with joy. Don't miss out—your garden's transformation awaits!​​
Dr. Carrie DeJaco
Carrie DeJaco earned her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. She began professing her ecological expertise at Queens University of Charlotte in 2006 and has since professed at Pfeiffer University, Catawba College, and University of North Carolina—Charlotte. Additionally, she has taught classes for programs such as the Certificate in Native Plant Studies, Master Naturalist, and Master Gardener on a variety of topics relating to ecology and the natural world.
She has been an ecological consultant through her business For the Birds and the Bees since 2016. She co-founded Constructive Plant Rescue in 2025. When she is not working with and for plants and wildlife, she enjoys spending time with her musician husband and working with stained glass.
More info about Carrie and her work here.
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​Extending the Pollinator Season in Your Landscape
Everyone loves butterflies and bees and wouldn't it be wonderful to have pollinators visit your garden over more months of the year? Dr. Carrie DeJaco will share plants and plans to extend the pollinator season from early Spring to late Fall. You will learn about specific plants to make your garden more wildlife friendly​​ and learn how to identify and support the early and late pollinators. She will also discuss garden management techniques that will help pollinators over-winter in your landscape. Most require you to do less work not more.
​​​​Lunch Presentation:
Sensible Gardeners Use ALL Their Senses
Step back with David as he shares tried and true techniques and gardener characteristics that focus on what we have available: our five senses. Smell, taste, listen, observe, and feel in the garden and then learn to employ your “sixth sense” to really connect with the spaces we love. Understanding gardening and achieving success was possible long before the internet and apps, but how? Armchair gardeners often give up after a few less than perfect seasons but a long-view approach to gardening becomes a way of life. David will show you how to immerse yourself in your garden and landscape using all your senses and then use your sixth sense to tap into your intuition and become aware of the inexplicable while you dream, plan and record your experiences.
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David Blackley
David Blackley is a native of North Carolina and more specifically, he grew up in Matthews. After earning a degree in engineering from North Carolina State University, David began his long and continuing career with Renfrow Hardware, becoming the owner of this well-known establishment. Today, Renfrow Hardware is a hardware store with a focus on farming and gardening supplies including a very extensive seed collection.
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A natural extension of the hardware store is Renfrow Farms. The Farm offers a venue for teaching gardening classes, hosting community events, and keeping a bit of Matthews’ farming roots alive.
With more than 40 years of farming and gardening experience David brings experience, knowledge, and resources to gardeners of all interests and experience levels.
​More info about Renfrow Hardware here.​