The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook Book Signing at Plant-O-Rama

The 18^th Annual Plant-O-Rama Horticultural Trade Show & Symposium is produced by the Metro Hort Group – an Association of Horticultural Professionals in the New York City Tri-State Region. 

Plant-O-Rama has long been considered the crown jewel of horticultural events – bringing together horticultural and gardening professionals, garden designers, plant enthusiasts, urban farmers and agriculturists - to learn from the Horticulture leaders who speak and lecture at the all-day symposium.

Plus there are the authors’ talks and book signings – which is where I come in! 

I am thrilled and honored to be invited to participate in this year’s Plant-O-Rama Authors book talks and book signings with my book, The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook.  

goo.gl/0Moqvo

I am eager to see my former Brooklyn Botanic Garden family – I was privileged to work at the Garden as Director of Communications for many glorious years.

I also can’t wait to spend time with my Metro Hort and plant friends, especially – (and in no particular order…)

Bob Hyland – a dedicated and respected plantsman, garden designer and former vice president of horticulture at BBG.  

Bob was the genius who created the dreamy Bluebell Wood at the Garden. 

Today, the more than 45,000 Hyacinthoides hispanica 'Excelsior' bloom under the oak, birch and beech trees, there.

It is a favorite site of many romantic heart-clutching visitors and lovers not to mention the site for shooting glamorous, otherworldly TV shows, movies, and videos. 

I remember one memorable shoot when musician Dave Matthews shot his “Dream Girl” video with - who else? Julia Roberts as his Dream Girl. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4bFX1ZEKyA

(At that time, Julia lived upstairs from us in our Manhattan apartment building.  She brought the twins with her to the shoot.  So it all seemed liked wonderful serendipity and unimagined beauty all 'round...) 

The morning of the shoot was all misty and mysterious making it all that much more magical…

Bob moved to Portland, Oregon and is now the owner of Hyland Garden Design & Contained Exuberance http://www.hylandgardendesign.com

Panel moderator, Ken Druse, is a garden communicator extraordinaire, garden photographer, writer and author – with – what is it -- more than 16 books in his portfolio now?? 

For a full listing and link to buy Ken’s books:

goo.gl/K5BnBT

His iTunes radio podcast, Real Dirt covers the world of gardens, featuring interviews with intriguing and visionary garden luminaries, notables and artists -- including, ahem, me!  http://www.kendruse.typepad.com (scroll down a few)

 

Ken is a horticulturist, a sustainable garden lover and a BIG promoter and mentor to young professionals in the green industry. 

At the same time, Ken is a generous networker and has been ever so good to me this way too – looking to make the garden and plant connections that will benefit the entire horticulture community. 

I am proud to say I've been a card-carrying member of the Ken Druse fan club since -- forever! 

https://www.facebook.com/ken.druse

Ken is a nice garden sprite... and a true Hort Hero.  

Speaking of Hort Heroes, there is the inimitable Charles Yurgalevitch, Director School of Professional Horticulture, The New York Botanical Garden. 

And as part of Metro Hort’s Board of Directors, Charles serves as Secretary.   

Charles is tireless in his devotion to the SoPH students  -- always looking to educate and showcase the next-generation of green industry environmentalists and professionals. 

In fact, he launched the very successful "Hortie Hoopla" last summer, inviting all the interns from area parks, botanic gardens and arboreta for a first-ever day of lectures, Garden tours, and networking. (duchess designs.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-new-york-botanical-garden-hosts.html)  

Look for the encore event this summer.  

Plus Charles is a foodie!

And I am keen to reconnect with fellow author, Marta McDowell, who I met on the Metro Hort’s tour of Greenwood Gardens early last fall. 

There was the group of us “training” it from NYC to the nearby train station in Short Hills in the Garden State – not far from Marta’s home -- and she was kind enough to give some of us a lift in her “garden express!” 

At that time she told me about her upcoming book and I warmed to the charming subject immediately. 

Now her book is out and is a big success: Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life, The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children’s Tale

My garden writer friend, Anne Raver wrote about Marta’s book in a recent NY Times article, too. 

Here is a whimsical video about the book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlCldbhsl8w&feature=youtu.be

I don’t yet know the other authors but I am very much looking forward to meeting them and learning about their plant and garden books.

The schedule for the Authors Talks is:

Author Talks and Book Signings

Lily-Pool Room 10am to noon and again from 1-3pm

Leeann Lavin, Hamptons and Long Island Homegrown Cookbook

Bill Logan, Air: The Restless Shaper of the World

Susanne Lucas, Bamboo

Marta McDowell, Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life, The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children’s Tale

Vincent Simeone, Grow More With Less: Sustainable Garden Methods

Here is the full listing of the day’s schedule and a link to purchase tickets:

January 28^th, 2014

9:00am to 4:00pm

Link to tickets:  brownpapertickets.com/event/515529

Full listing for the symposium and trade show: http://metrohort.org/index.php/archive/18th_annual_plant-o-rama/

Overview of Plant-O-Rama 2014

8:45 am: Welcome & Sponsor Acknowledgment

9:00 am: NEW DIRECTIONS IN HORTICULTURE:


A layered look at plant and garden trends
David L. Culp, VP, Marketing & Sales, Sunny Border Nurseries, Kensington, CT Mr. Culp has his finger on the pulse of the nursery and horticulture industry, particularly perennial plants. Hear Dave interpret “where we’ve been & where we’re going.” What’s up with layered planting styles, container gardening, demand for multi-season garden shrubs, “green” and other trending garden colors, native plants, naturalistic planting methods, and more. Dave is author of the 2012 award- winning book The Layered Garden: Design Lessons for Year-Round Beauty from Brandywine Cottage. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

10:15 am WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OF HORTICULTURE LOOK LIKE?

Panel discussion moderated by Ken Druse, award-winning garden communicator, author and photographer
A group of young professionals give us a look into the future of horticulture in
a challenging, fast-changing world. Topics include soil consciousness, water, public gardens, education, growing food, climate change, technology, social media, and making a living in our profession. We hope the audience will participate with questions and comments.
Morning speakers focus on public horticulture, garden design & urban agriculture. Katherine Aul (partner, Staghorn Design Studio), Kristen DeSouza (superintendent, Allen C. Haskell Park), Rebecca McMackin (director of horticulture, Brooklyn Bridge Park), Kelly Norris (horticulture manager, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and co-owner of Rainbow Iris Farm), Gwen Schantz (chief operating officer, Brooklyn Grange)

AFTERNOON SYMPOSIUM SESSION (repeat of morning)
12:45 pm 2 pm
NEW DIRECTIONS IN HORTICULTURE: A layered look at plant and garden trends
DISCUSSION: What will the future of horticulture look like?
Afternoon speakers focus on nursery production and management, plants and
conservation & youth education. Jason Austin (nurseryman, RareFind Nursery), David Daley (Children’s Garden educator, Brooklyn Botanic Garden), Nate McCullin (horticulturalist and facilities coordinator, New England Wildflower Society/ Garden in the Woods), Rebecca McMackin (director of horticulture, Brooklyn Bridge Park), Kelly Norris (horticulture manager, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and co-owner of Rainbow Iris Farm)
3:30 pm
CLOSING RECEPTION & SILENT AUCTION RESULTS —BBG Palm House

Exhibits – Free Admission All Day!

8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.	Plant Catalog Display Members’ Room FREE! Take home 2014 plant and seed catalogs while supplies last.
9 a.m.–4 p.m.	Palm House Trade Show A Trade show with 50 exhibitors representing the NYC metro region’s premier specialty nurseries and wholesale growers, pottery distributors, horticultural suppliers, soil and compost companies, public gardens, and greening organizations. Exhibitor list in formation—check metrohort.org for updates.
10 a.m.–noon 1–3 p.m.	Author Talks and Book Signings Lily-Pool Room Leeann Lavin, Hamptons and Long Island Homegrown Cookbook Bill Logan, Air: The Restless Shaper of the World Susanne Lucas, Bamboo Marta McDowell, Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life, The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children’s Tale Vincent Simeone, Grow More With Less: Sustainable Garden Methods
11 a.m.–3:15 p.m.	Silent Auction Classroom 236 Bid on plants and horticultural items donated by Plant-O-Rama exhibitors and sponsors. Proceeds benefit Metro Hort Group programs.
3:30 p.m.	Closing Reception and Silent Auction Results Palm House
10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.	BBG Garden Shop The Garden Shop at BBG’s Visitor Center carries books, seeds, plants, tools, and gifts for gardeners and the home.
10 a.m.–3 p.m.	Terrace Café The Terrace Café offers a delicious winter menu of soups, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages in the lower level of the Steinhardt Conservatory.

SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATION
   REGISTER ONLINE to reserve seats:
      brownpapertickets.com/event/515529

Good "Food" Friday & Food Pioneers

While today marks one of the Christian world’s highest holy days, Good Friday, today is also somewhat curiously marked by two important food conferences: Just Food “Eat * Work * Grow the Movement” and the “Healing Nature Forum: Planting the Seeds of Health and Sustainability” from The Horticultural Society of New York.

No Food

Confused about what not to eat?

According to the Catholic Bishops guidelines for public penance:

Adults between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In addition those 14 years old and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.

Fasting as explained by the U.S. bishops means partaking of only one full meal. Some food (not equaling another full meal) is permitted at breakfast and around midday or in the evening—depending on when a person chooses to eat the main or full meal.

Abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, milk products or condiments made of animal fat.

Sounds, just healthy!

Just Foods  

Speaking of reasonable and just, today kicks off the two day Just Food Conference’s Eat * Work * Grow the Movement.

Just Food convenes over 2,000 local food lovers and advocates, CSA members, community gardeners, urban and rural farmers, food professionals and entrepreneurs to participate in two days of hands-on workshops, discussions, skills-building sessions, and good food.

Just Food Conference 2013: Eat • Work • Grow the Movement will be held at the Food and Finance High School in Hell’s Kitchen and will provide attendees with opportunities to learn about national farm and food issues, CSA trends, cooking and food preservation techniques, along with ways to mobilize communities to increase access to farm-fresh, locally grown food.

This year’s conference will include:

            *  Over 100 workshops on wide-ranging topics including food education, food policy, community organizing, and entrepreneurship

           *  The Food Talks, a series of presentations by food movement leaders that will entertain, educate and empower attendees. Tamar Adler, Jane Hodge, Zaid Kurdieh, Bob Lewis, and Karen Washington are confirmed to speak. (Friday)

Just Food Conference Highlights

* The Keynote address is by celebrated activist and filmmaker Byron Hurt. Best known for his acclaimed film Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, Hurt’s latest work is Soul Food Junkies, named 2012 Best Documentary by the American Black Film Festival. (Saturday)

* Policy Matters: Food, Farms and Your Government panel, in which policymakers and practitioners share their successes and challenges. Confirmed speakers are Sabrina Baronberg, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bob Lewis, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Edie Stone, GreenThumb, and Alissa Weiss, Senior Policy  

I love and respect KarenWashington - a true force of nature

* Analyst for City Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s Office/FoodWorks. (Friday)

* Breaking Ground: Advice From Beginning Farmers panel, in which four farmers will share how they got started and lessons learned along the way. Farmers Rafael Aponte, Cara Fraver, Gudelio Garcia, and Ben Shute are confirmed to speak. (Saturday)

* The Good Food Jobs Get Together, a unique networking and skill-building event co- sponsored by Just Food and Good Food Jobs. (Friday)

* EXPO featuring exemplary food artisans, organizations, and sustainable businesses (Saturday)

When: Friday, March 29 (8:00am – 7:30pm), and Saturday, March 30 (8am – 6:30pm) Where: Food & Finance High School, 525 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019 (between 10th and 11th Avenues)

Cost: Tickets are $45 per day. Tickets for the Good Food Jobs Get Together are sold separately. For conference attendees, the ticket price is $5 each and for non-conference attendees, the ticket price is $20 each.

Registration and Ticket Info: http://www.jfconf2013.eventbrite.com General conference info: Jessica Gaffney at 212-645-9880 x232 or Jessica.Gaffney@justfood.org; http://www.justfood.org/events/jfcon2013/overview

Sponsored by: Great Performances, Whole Foods Market, Edible Brooklyn and Edible Manhattan, Good Food Jobs, Heritage Radio Network.

About Just Food

Just Food is a non-profit organization that connects communities and local farms with the resources and support they need to make fresh, locally grown food accessible to all New Yorkers. Just Food provides regional farmers and food producers, CSA organizers and everyday eaters with the resources and support they need to establish and experience healthy food systems—in every neighborhood.

www.justfood.org

About Good Food Jobs

Good Food Jobs is a gastro-job search tool, designed to link people looking for meaningful food work with the businesses that need their energy, enthusiasm, and intellect. Good Food Jobs posts opportunities with farmers and food artisans, policy makers and purveyors, retailers and restaurateurs, economists, ecologists, and more. On their blog, the gastrognomes, they profile the most interesting and unlikely food professionals that they find, and publish their stories to inspire you.

Good Food Jobs was created by friends, partners and ice cream lovers, Taylor Cocalis and Dorothy Neagle.

For more information about Good Food Jobs, visit www.goodfoodjobs.com

Healing Nature Forum: Planting the Seeds of Health and Sustainability

9:00 – 9:45		Meet & Greet Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00		Introductions & Keynote Speaker Introductions: George Pisegna, Director of Horticulture and Public Programs, The Horticultural Society of New York Gwenn Fried, Manager Horticultural Therapy Services, NYULMC, Rusk Rehab Keynote Speaker: Keith G. Tidball, Ph.D., Senior Extension Associate, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University.
11:00 – 12:30		Panel Discussion: Starting Horticultural Programs in Human Service Organizations Participants: Kate George, Horticultural Therapist, NYULMC at Lenox Hill Lori Bloomberg, Horticultural Therapy Intern NYULMC at Holy Cross Maureen Regan, IG Garden and Food Pantry Coordinator, Queens Botanical Garden, Horticultural Therapist and Food Advocate, Green Earth Urban Gardens Inc.
12:30 – 1:00		Lunch
1:15 - 2:45		Panel Discussion: Funding Horticultural Programs in Human Services Organizations Moderator: Laura Hansen, Director of City Life Program, J.M. Kaplan Fund Participants: Carole Gordon, LCSW Director of Housing Development, The Bridge Sara Hobel, Executive Director, The Horticultural Society of New York Matt Wichrowski, Senior Horticultural Therapist, NYULMC
2:45 – 3:00		Closing Remarks

According to The Horticultural Society of New York (HSNY), “The connection to nature is essential to human health and well-being. Interacting with nature promotes physical, psychological, and community benefits. This year’s forum will focus on information that integrates programming, policy-making and fundraising with non-profits, social services, healthcare industry, and community groups. Therapeutic horticulture can improve the body, mind and spirit through passive or active involvement. Join us as we discuss the importance of horticulture as therapy.”

The HSNY Healing Nature Forum takes place at:

Farkus Auditorium at NYU Langone Medical Center

550 1st Avenue

New York, NY

Admission: $25

Online registration has closed, but you can register in person the day of the Healing Nature Forum.

For more information email programs@thehort.org, www.hsny.org  212-757-0915

Take a Spring Break and attend one or more of the weekend’s food forums.  There is a wealth of talent on display.

It is indeed a Good Friday.