Show Highlights > Lecture Series

Each year a panel of notable speakers presents lectures on a wide selection of topics. Springfest attracts such respected names as Ken Druse, Roger Swain and Ellen Zachos. An emphasis on cooking from your garden will feature cooking demos in an all-day Symposium on Sunday. Time your visit to catch a lecture by other well-known names in the horticultural arena as they share their expertise with Springfest attendees. All Lectures are free with paid admission to the Show

Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Thursday, March 15, 2012

11 am - 12 pm
Lynn Groves Lussier, Resource Interpretive Specialist, Natural Resources, Kittatinny Valley State Park
“Backyard Berries: New Jersey’s Wild Fruit-Bearing Plants”
Sure blackberries, raspberries, and wineberries are fun to pick and eat, but would you know these plants outside of “berry-season”? Are you familiar with poisonous look-alikes? Identification tips and recipes will be provided for these “brambles” and other berry-bearing plants so you can enjoy them year-round.

12:30 - 1:30 pm
Marty Carson, Three Seasons Inc.
“How Does a Garden Grow? The Pictorial History of a Garden”
Today’s lecture tells, in pictures, the story of my garden from its beginnings, through years of experimentation, development and expansion, to its current expression. 

"In 1997 I participated in the Springfest Flower and Garden show by building a show garden there for the first time and enjoyed the experience. Several years later I met Mary Stone, a gifted garden designer, at Springfest; we soon became fast friends as well as business colleagues. We now often design together as Three Seasons and Stone Associates, and the combination of our talents surely creates a whole better than the sum of its two parts.

At Springfest I was asked to help out with the lecture program and began researching various topics I thought would be of interest to gardeners. From that research grew a fascination and respect for those women who forged their way into the world of horticulture. My research into the subject is ongoing and probably will never be complete any more than a garden is ever finished. But today’s lecture tells the story of my garden from its beginnings, through years of experimentation, development and expansion, to its current expression."


2 - 3 pm
Robin Rose Bennett, Herbalist, Writer and Spiritual Teacher, Wise Woman Healing Ways
"Herbal Medicine From Backyard & Garden"
Many common herbs can be used simply and safely as teas, baths, syrups and food. Delight in the discovery that right under our feet there are both cultivated and wild plants growing that can help us to heal body, mind, heart and soul.

Robin Rose Bennett, founder of Wisewoman Healing Ways - Herbal Medicine and EarthSpirit Teachings, is a gifted herbalist, writer, and spiritual teacher. The focus of her healing work is to share the joy she has found through the generosity of the earth and the magic, mystery, and beauty of the web of life. She is a spiritual midwife helping people birth their true selves in this time of profound transformation. Since 1986 she has taught at schools, clinics, progressive and holistic organizations, herbal conferences, and most joyously, outside with the plants. She is a faculty member of the New York Open Center and author of two meditation CD’s. Robin Rose has been a regularly featured guest on radio, and a guest lecturer at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, St John’s Hospital, Montefiore Teaching Hospital, Beth Israel’s Nursing program, and Brown University Medical School. She wrote and published Wild Carrot: A Plant for Natural, Conscious, Contraception and is the author of Healing Magic: A Green Witch Guidebook to Conscious Living. Robin has a private consultation practice in New Jersey and is in the 7th year of offering a year-round clinical teaching practice for herbalists at a medical center in Bronx, NY. Her forthcoming book is Green Treasures: Herbal Medicines from Mother Earth. For more information go to: www.RobinRoseBennett.com.

3:30 - 4:30 pm
Linda Grinthal, Owner of Sunset View Farm
"Survival Garden or CSA: Local Food Must Provide our Future Health"
Do you know how to provide your own food if we should experience an emergency? Can you grow what you need for a survival garden? Learn why you might soon have to buy food for health locally, what you should be growing for yourselves, and what foods will be best to preserve for the long haul.

Linda Grinthal currently owns Sunset View Farm, which she likes to describe as Sussex County’s teaching farm. She has been hosting school field trips, workshops, and survival garden events since 2009. Sunset View Farm is also the home of Andover’s community garden, with 100 garden plots overlooking a beautiful view of the mountains. Linda and her volunteers and members tend the plots and do farm chores that contribute to the group’s community spirit and well-being. Prior to bringing farming, gardening, food, nature and community together on her 20 acre farm, Linda was the Director of Farm Fun Day Care for 5 years, which was located on the same property. She kept the children outdoors almost 8 hours a day, exploring the many wonders found in the field and woods, and together they tended a children’s garden. Linda home-schooled two of her children, using the outdoors as a classroom. Her farm is the first National Arbor Foundation Nature Explore Classroom in New Jersey, for which it received national recognition. She has had over ten articles written about her farm, has appeared on NY/NJ television, has been published in Skylands Magazine, and received positive recognition in Edible Jersey. Her passion is teaching people to be prepared with the knowledge of how to grow food for survival, and inspiring in them a desire to enjoy doing just that.

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Friday, March 16, 2012

11 am - 12 pm
John Mohr, American Conifer Society, Sales Rep for Iseli Nursery in Boring, Oregon
“Ornamental Shrubs”
Will explore the use of dwarf conifers in the long term evolving garden. Presentation will give examples of various colors, shapes and growing habits of numerous plants and examples of some long term gardens.

12:30 - 1:30 pm
Brian Oleksak, Chairperson, Landscape & Horticulture Technology Department, The County College of Morris.
“Flowering Trees for Every Garden”
This presentation will highlight small to medium-sized trees for use in a variety of landscapes. Will also focus on the aesthetic features, cultural requirements, potential pest problems and proper use of flowering tree species in the residential landscape.

2:00 - 3:00 pm
“Wildman” Steve Brill, America’s Go-To Guy for Foraging
“Wild Foods of Early Spring”
Hundreds of common, renewable herbs, greens, berries, nuts, seeds, roots, and mushrooms come up all around us every year, only to go unrecognized and unused. During this talk, we’ll look at the season’s first edibles and discuss how to identify them, harvest them and use them for food and home remedies.

Naturalist"Wildman"Steve Brill - Learn about the environment and get back in touch with nature. “By studying foraging and nature, we enjoy our renewable resources and reaffirm our commitment to preserving and rebuilding our ecological riches.”


 

3:30 - 4:30 pm
Sharon Wander, Wander Ecological Consultants
“Bring the Butterflies to You”
Get beyond the catalog descriptions of which plants will attract butterflies, and learn real-life lessons in gardening for our winged beauties from one of New Jersey’s most active and knowledgeable butterfly enthusiast.

Sharon Wander (along with her husband, Wade) is a self-employed environmental consultant who investigates wetlands and does many surveys for Threatened and Endangered species. She has long been an active New Jersey naturalist, interested in birds, herptiles, plants, and of course, butterflies (as well as moths and other insects). Sharon and Wade frequently lead field trips and present programs for the North Jersey Butterfly Club chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Sharon is Director of the NABA Butterfly Count Program, which coordinates 450+ annual counts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. She and Wade have compiled the Springdale, NJ, Fourth of July butterfly count since 1992, and are especially proud of their Fredon Township, Sussex County, butterfly garden—which has attracted 84 species, the largest list in the state.

5 - 6 pm
John Story, Horticultural Advisor to the President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
“Forcing for Garden Shows”
This talk shows what it takes to get plants blooming for out of season shows like Springfest and The Philadelphia Flower Show. Topics include planning, equipment, timing, problems including some insects and diseases and special efforts for problem plants.

Since 1982, John Story has been the brains behind the art and science of convincing plants of all kinds to bloom in harmony for the Philadelphia International Flower Show. Professional Member of Cactus and Succulent Society of America, Hardy Plant Society, Perennial Plant Association, International Plant Propagators Society, Tropical Fern and Exotic Plant Society.

6:30 - 7:30
Lori Space Day: The Zookeepers Daughter - Space Farms Zoo

Lori is the caretaker of all the Zoo Babies born at Space Farms Zoo in Beemerville, NJ. If Mother Nature cooperates, Lori will be sharing an upclose peek of her latest newborns. Her extensive knowledge of animals and how they relate to their natural habitat along with her witty style makes for an informative, fun session for both children and adults. Her book, The Zookeeper's Daughter, filled with great stories of adventures at the Zoo, will be available for sale.

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Saturday, March 17, 2012

11 am - 12 pm
Donna Traylor, Sussex County Farmland Preservation
"New Jersey Birds of a Feather Flock Together"
There are many winged wonders that grace New Jersey skies – many of which are birds (although butterflies and dragonflies also come into the category)! This program takes one on a seasonal journey to discover some of the common and not so common species that either call New Jersey home or just visit for a while during migration or breeding season. Much of the program will concentrate on birds in Sussex County and northern New Jersey. Ideas on how to entice birds to your yard throughout the year will be given – everything from what to feed and when, how to provide proper habitat and planting to entice hummingbirds.

12:30 - 1:30 pm
George Nixon, Founder of Jersey Odonate Enthusiasts
“Dragonflies and Damselflies of NJ: Life History and Encounters”
Birds and butterflies have garnered the attention of many people over the years, but dragonflies and damselflies (odonates) are starting to gain a following. These splendid insects are as colorful and interesting as the birds and butterflies and exhibit many fascinating behaviors. With the advent of many new and excellent field guides the study of odonates has never been easier. The program Dragonflies & Damselflies will examine aspects of their life history and identification of some common and some rare odes from New Jersey.

2 - 3 pm
Linda Sercus, Executive Director Presby Memorial Iris Gardens of Montclair, Inc.
“Growing and Cultivating of Iris”
One of America’s most beloved “pass-along” perennials is the Iris. Learn about the history of the genus and how best to cultivate the Iris from the director of the world’s largest public collection of Irises.

3:30 - 5 pm
Produce Pete, From “Weekend Today in New York”, WNBC Channel 4
“Apples with a stem are less mealy.” So advises Produce Pete, featured on NBC’s Saturday morning show, “Weekend Today in New York.” Meet this common sense expert who “knows a little about a lot” when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Pete’s book, Farmacopeia, will be available for purchase. Buy one, and Pete will autograph it for you!

Pete has been in the produce business his whole life, and started out selling produce off the back of a truck at auctions and at his parents' roadside stand. From 1972-1997, he managed and operated the farm/produce business for retail, wholesale, and fruit baskets in Bergenfield, NJ. In 1992, Pete was hired by WNBC Channel 4 "Weekend Today in New York" show with a 52 week contract as "Produce Pete" / "Pete Your Produce Pal" –he’s been there ever since! You may also remember Pete as the spokesperson for Pathmark and with a long list of national and international radio and TV appearances, Produce Pete is considered by many to be a leading expert in everything from artichokes to zucchini. www.producepete.com  



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Sunday, March 18, 2012

11 am - 12 pm
Ken Druse, Celebrated Lecturer, Award-winning Photographer, Author and New Jersey Gardener.
“Natural Companions: Inspiring Combinations of Plants that Grow Together - Culturally and Aesthetically - and Bloom at the Very Same Time”
Award-winning garden writer and photographer Ken Druse presents recipes for perfect plant pairings using diverse species that will thrive in our climate. As usual, Ken's stunning presentation will be filled with gorgeous images of favorite plants and new ones to introduce to our gardens.

Called “the guru of natural gardening” in the New York Times, Ken Druse is a celebrated lecturer, and an award-winning photographer and author. He has contributed to nearly every gardening and decorating magazine. He is best known for his books (which Anne Raver writing in the New York Times called “bibles for serious gardeners”). His work, Making More Plants, won the award of the year – the top honor – from the prestigious Garden Writers Association. The American Horticultural Society listed The Natural Garden among the best books of all time.

In 2004, The Garden Club of America awarded Ken The Sarah Chapman Francis medal for lifetime literary achievement. Ken’s recent volume was PLANTHROPOLOGY: The Myths, Mysteries, and Miracles of My Garden Favorites. His 18th book, Natural Companions will be out this March, 2012. People can also find Ken anytime on his podcast and public radio show Ken Druse Real Dirt, through their computers (kendruse.com), by subscribing via iTunes or by visiting the home page of Organic Gardening Magazine for a live link to the weekly show.

1 - 5 pm
Springfeast at Springfest : Cooking from your Garden
Celebrity Chef cooking demos inspire and educate gardeners to bring the bounty of the harvest to the table. Community Garden experts will be on hand to offer even the most space-challenged or deer- infested gardener advice to grow your own. CSA’s will offer opportunities to fill your fridge with local Jersey Fresh produce year round.

Ben Del Coro 1:00 - 1:45 pm
Ben started his culinary career at the age of 15 working in a local restaurant in his home town of Long Valley, NJ. It was there that he found the spark that fueled a career spanning the past 20 years. Growing up in "rural" Morris county, NJ it was natural to work with local farms to secure the restaurants' produce, fruit and occasionally protein needs.

In 2008 he opened another chapter in his culinary career, leaving the restaurant industry and joining Fossil Farms based in Boonton, NJ. Fossil Farms is an all natural farm raised game and specialty meat distributor that works with many local and regional farms to provide many of the top toques in NYC and nationwide with completely natural meats. This career change provided the opportunity to work closely with the likes of Tom Colicchio (owner and chef of Craft, Craft Bar, Craft Steak, Colicchio & Sons and Top Chef Judge), David Chang (owner and chef of the Momofuku restaurant group), Mario Batali and so many more.

He attended and graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 1997. His quest to understand food led him through many NYC and NJ restaurants and across the country having spent over 3 years honing his craft in Santa Fe, NM. He resides in Sparta, NJ with his wife and two boys. There they have started and continue to operate the popular Sparta Farmers Market as well he is on the board of trustees of the Foodshed Alliance.

Bradley Boyle  2:15 - 3:00
Bradley, as seen on Food Network's 'Chopped", is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Upon graduation he apprenticed at the famed Le Cirque restaurant in Manhattan under the world renowned chef Daniel Boulud. After a number of stints in some of Manhattan’s finest restaurants he married Laurie and settled down to work and raise his family in Sussex County.

In 2001 Bradley and Laurie opened the highly acclaimed "bula" restaurant in Newton NJ. With Bradley at the helm of bula's stoves he was praised by everyone from the New York Times, Zagat Guide, American Way Magazine, and The Artful Diner, among others. The New YorkTimes picked bula as one of its "Top 10 NJ Restaurants" in 2006, putting bula on the culinary map.

Salt Gastropub was a new chapter for for Bradley as he stepped out from behind the stoves and into the front of the house and management of the entire operation alongside his wife and partner Laurie. To keep active and creative, Bradley’s newest venture, Salt Studio, is a true culinary studio where he will be doing Pop Up Restaurants, catered private events, hosting guest chefs and providing culinary lessons.

Rich Hashway - 3:15 pm
Although many would argue that Rich Hashway had always been a chef, he was not introduced into the culinary world until he was 19. His quick advancement of culinary skills combined with his creative ideas proved that he was a natural at creating fine cuisine. Hashway continued refining his skills while studying business management in college. Upon college graduation, Rich’s passion of cooking carried him through restaurant and catering establishments in New York and New Jersey. Rich’s determination to achieve perfection combined with his innovative dish creations resulted in the birth of a successful and renowned fine dining establishment. Krave Café + Caterer opened in 2005, and under the careful planning and implementation of Rich Hashway, introduced its eclectic New American menu. The positive response to fresh and locally grown ingredients has resulted in Rich’s ability to continually produce original creations. This along with his knowledge of giving guests an exceptional dining experience has earned Krave Café + Caterer 3 ½ stars and a Zagat rating.

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