The Northwest Horticultural Society in partnership with the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival welcomes Neil Lucas, as the 2025 international show judge and speaker.

Join Us For a Delightful Evening 

Featuring a special NHS lecture for members and their guests at the Seattle Convention Center with Neil Lucas, the U.K.’s leading authority on ornamental grasses, plus a panel discussion with local experts Dan Hinkley, Richie Steffen and Susan Calhoun (scroll down for description). Neil will share his experiences creating a naturalistic garden at Knoll Gardens and integrating ornamental grasses into gardens for year-round interest. He will also be signing his book, “Grasses for Gardens and Landscapes” (Timber Press).

Enjoy drinks and informal conversation with Neil and other garden enthusiasts before the lecture.

Reception 5:30 PM

Lecture 6:00 PM | Panel discussion 6:45 PM

Book signing afterward

 (Ticket includes one complimentary drink)

We look forward to giving all attendees a complimentary grass plant,

courtesy of T&L Nursery and Little Prince.

Door prizes will be donated by Windcliff Plants as well.

Lecture Description

In his recent book, Neil defines his naturalistic approach to garden-making as “reflecting a desire to garden with an informal aesthetic and to take great pleasure in the garden as an ever-changing, ongoing community that benefits both ourselves and our wider environment.”

In this presentation, Neil will share how he has applied this ethos to Knoll Gardens over the past 30 years, with a keen focus on the foundational role grasses have played in establishing its stellar reputation. He will explore the key principles guiding its design, plant selection, and garden aftercare, as well as the planting palette used for several significant plantings.

Panel Discussion

The talk will be followed by a lively and substantial panel discussion with local garden professionals, including Dan Hinkley, Richie Steffen and Susan Calhoun. Bring your questions and take advantage of this rare opportunity to discover the best practices for integrating ornamental grasses into Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Speaker Bio

Neil Lucas is one of the world’s leading ornamental grass specialists and is executive director of Knoll Gardens in Dorset, England. Thanks to his 30 years of experimentation and innovation, this public garden and nursery are celebrated for its naturalistic approach to masterfully incorporating ornamental grasses in its plantings.

Last year the Royal Horticultural Society granted Neil its most prestigious award, the esteemed Victoria Medal of Honour, in recognition of his “immeasurable contribution to horticulture.” This exclusive title may be held by only 63 British horticulturalists at any one time. Neil is the holder of 10 consecutive Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals and has served as an RHS council member and senior judge. In addition, he has authored two books on designing with grasses and is the founder the Knoll Gardens Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of garden biodiversity and sustainable garden practices.

As he recently stated in Gardens Illustrated:

“If you work with grasses for 40 hours a week for 20 years, you’re bound to learn a lot. And if you work 80 hours a week, you’ll know even more. So we are able to offer people the summation of our experience; to advise what may or may not work, and how best to use grasses to do different jobs in the garden.”

For a quick primer on grasses, read NHS Board member Lorene Edwards Forkner’s recent article in The Seattle Times.

Grasses for Gardens and Landscapes is available to members for purchase at $40, a 20% discount from MSRP

Use the NHS coupon code sent out in the event announcements and other NHS electronic mailers to receive $15 off the general admission price when purchasing a discounted show ticket for any day of the event.

Please note that Lecture Room 3B, where the event will take place, is in the Convention Center but does not require a show ticket for entry.

Images courtesy of  Knoll Gardens

This is an NHS Fundraising Event. Your contributions will support our educational programs, as well as our community outreach grants and scholarships.