Begonias are Boss! If you’re still in doubt, the late great

Christopher Lloyd (of Great Dixter fame) said that if he were reduced

to growing only one genus, Begonia would be it.

— NHS Board Member and Horticulturally Yours author Daniel Sparler

Begonias star in Pacific Northwest gardens more and more frequently, thanks in large part to Dan Hinkley and Shayne Chandler’s introductions from their expeditions to Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India. Veteran begonia propagator Ann Amato will focus on species that are borderline hardy in our region and worthy of being grown more frequently. She will share the keys to success with hardy begonias, including how to propagate and grow them, how to create favorable microclimates and – of course – exercising patience. Several of her favorite species will be discussed, and stories from professionals and collectors around the region will be shared.

Speaker’s Bio:

Ann is an avid horticulturist, writer and speaker. Years ago, while working at Cistus Nursery, she discovered its begonia collection in the back corner of a stock greenhouse…and she’s been working with them professionally ever since. Today, Ann is the production manager at Secret Garden Growers and a part-time propagation assistant at Little Prince of Oregon Nursery, both in the Willamette Valley. She earned a B.A. from Portland State University and an A.A.S. in horticulture from Clackamas Community College. Ann’s exuberant home garden is featured in the recently published book, “The Spirited Garden: Creative Private Retreats.” At 18, she published the book “Ancient Forests and Western Man: A Pictorial History of the West Coast.” She lives and gardens in Southeast Portland at Campiello Maurizio, aka the Garden of One-of-Each-ee.

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