2018 Western features four keynote speakers

The 2018 Western trade show will offer education sessions, panel discussions and more. The show takes place Jan. 17-19 in Kansas City, Missouri. In addition, the show will feature the following four keynote sessions:

Nature Integration – The Future of Design

Speaker: Rebecca Lindenmeyr of Gardener’s Supply Company

Lindenmeyr will discuss how a fundamental shift in demographics, social consciousness and science is changing how nature is integrated into the design of buildings and landscapes, and how that will affect the future of the green industry. Lindenmeyr will describe the challenges of transforming how the industry can approach design, relationships with employees and clients, and how to maximize opportunities the next five to 10 years. Lindenmeyr is one of the Northeast’s leading green industry professionals exploring the intersection between nature and human living spaces. She manages the Gardeners Supply Company’s store in Williston, Vermont.

The Color of the Native Plant Palette

Speaker: Dr. Robert Lyons of the University of Delaware

Lyons will discuss the plethora of new, different plant choices in the marketplace. Many suitable native species and derived cultivars will be discussed in the presentation, highlighting those plants with qualities that are frequently considered colorful and visually appealing by landscapers and gardeners alike. Attention will be given to highlighting aggressive natives and the sensible inclusion of non-native, non-invasive plants that contribute to a successful landscape. Lyons is the former director of the Longwood Graduate Program in public horticulture and he is currently professor emeritus at the University of Delaware.

Washington Legislative Update

Speaker: Craig Regelbrugge of AmericanHort

Regelbrugge will provide attendees with a legislative update. Regelbrugge serves as AmericanHort’s senior vice president, responsible for industry advocacy and research programs. He serves in national leadership positions representing the horticulture industry on matters relating to the labor force, plant health production and trade. He co-chairs the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform and is chairman of the board of the National Immigration Forum Action Fund.

The Essential Layers of Living Landscapes

Speaker: Rick Darke of Rick Darke LLC

Darke will discuss strategies for employing organic architecture in crafting beautiful, highly functional layered landscapes. The richness of any landscape is linked to the richness of its layers, which is true for both people and wildlife. The ability to recognize, understand, conserve and enhance these layers is important to the stewardship of private gardens and community landscapes. Darke will also offer a breakout session on Distinguishing Your Brand with Creative Technology. Darke leads Rick Darke LLC, a Pennsylvania-based consulting firm focused on the design and management of living landscapes.

Learn more about the Western trade show here.