Let’s Talk Gardening!

I love speaking to garden groups, library friends or any community organization interested in plants or gardening. For 2024-2025, I offer four gardening talks:

• Garden Trends 2027 — A fast paced look at which trends (and plants) will be in garden centers in 2027. We’ll look at what’s behind the trends and how you can participate.
• Downsize Your Garden Work — Are your knees or back telling you maybe it’s time to downsize how much work your garden is? In this gardening talk, Mary will discuss ways to keep your garden beautiful and meaningful while reducing the wear and tear on your body and avoiding a move. She’ll also touch on how to make a move without breaking your heart.
• Trees You Aren’t Planting, But Maybe Should — As the climate changes and global trade brings new pests and diseases to the North, perhaps you should consider some different trees. In this talk, Mary covers 15 unusual trees to consider and 10 more under-planted trees you might want to try.
• Zone Defense: Adapting to Our Changing Northern Climate. This talk looks at cold hardiness zones, heat zones and other climate measures and how to adapt to changes in your garden. She’ll recommend trees, shrubs and perennials that are resilient and worth planting.

I’m developing more gardening talks all the time. If your group is interested in a different topic, let’s talk!

The Fineprint

For 2027, I charge $200 for an hour-long talk in Minnesota, plus mileage to any location more than 25 miles from my home in St. Paul. Speaking engagements outside of Minnesota are $250 plus travel expenses. To arrange an event, please email me at mary at maryschier dot com. Recording of talks for public distribution is not permitted.