Speakers’ Theatre

Sara Williams, University of Saskatchewan

This presentation will cover the basic principles of xeriscape: design ideas that conserve water such as grouping plants with similar water needs in the same bed; soil improvement by adding organic matter; efficient irrigation; reducing conventional lawn areas that in many cases are not used as lawn; and mulching. Sponsored by the City of Saskatoon

Colin Enns, Keystone Paving Corporation

 It seems it is a lifetime – or generation – ago since everything wasn’t so darned expensive (back when people walked to and from school, uphill both ways). Everyone knows the cost of buying a home, but not everyone remembers to account for the expense of a yard. Don’t give up on having a beautiful and comfortable outdoor living space and don’t settle for a mud hole forever. Learn how to set attainable goals and add value through landscape design.

Jackie Bantle, University of Saskatchewan Dept. of Plant Sciences

Have you been planning to grow some vegetables for yourself but you don’t know where to start?  Have you had a vegetable garden in the past but been frustrated by the poor results?  Jackie Bantle will give you some tips to help you get your vegetable garden off to a good start.  There will be discussion on which vegetables to grow to ensure success, what problems to watch out for in your vegetable garden and hints on how to ensure you have the healthiest plants possible. 

Trevor Christopher, University of Saskatchewan

Sara Williams, University of Saskatchewan

Sara will introduce you to hardy and drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, vines, perennials and bulbs that thrive in prairie gardens. Sponsored by the City of Saskatoon

Noell Chorney, The Gardener Magazine

Colin Enns, Keystone Paving Corporation

Just like snowflakes, no two landscapers are identical. But the best landscape contractors are NOT like snowflakes – here today, gone when the sun shines (or cold, prickly, flaky, and adding up to a bunch of fluff)! Learn what to look for when choosing a landscape contractor for your project.

Renny Grilz, Meewasin Valley Authority

Renny Grilz, Meewasin Valley Authority

Noell Chorney, The Gardener Magazine

Many people plant herbs but are not sure how to use them. Noelle makes a concerted effort to grow things she can eat, and has been growing an herb garden and sharing how she uses herbs for more than 10 years. Learn about annual and perennial herbs that grow well in Saskatoon and surrounding area and how to incorporate them into your daily meals.