Sep 19, 2026
School of Horticulture, Niagara Falls
90 Years in Bloom
School of Horticulture 90th Anniversary Events
Rooted in the Past, Growing in the Future
Join us as we celebrate 90 Years in Bloom at the Botanical Gardens with two unforgettable events on Saturday, September 19. This milestone anniversary honours nine decades of growing knowledge, nurturing talent and shaping the future of horticulture.
Register for one event or join us for a full day of celebration by registering for both experiences.
Speaker Series
Learn from some of the industry’s most respected voices, including Mr. Plant Geek, Frankie Flowers, Mark Cullen, Dr. Allan Armitage and Matthew Gaston, as they share their expertise, trends and growing wisdom. Following a curated boxed lunch, explore the gardens through exclusive guided tours led by horticulture students, whose knowledge and passion will offer a deeper appreciation of the extraordinary collections at the Botanical Gardens.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: SOH Lecture Hall
Cost: $70 per person
Included: Expert presentations, guided garden tours and a boxed lunch with a vegetarian option available.
Nuit Vert Cocktail Reception
As golden hour settles over the gardens, join us in the stunning Parterre Garden for a relaxed cocktail reception. Connect with fellow garden enthusiasts, alumni, supporters and friends while enjoying two complimentary drink tickets and a curated selection of passed canapés. Raise a glass to the School of Horticulture’s enduring legacy and the next generation shaping its future.
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Parterre Garden
Cost: $50 per person
Included: Two drink tickets and a selection of passed canapés
Meet the Speakers
Michael Perry, Mr. Plant Geek
Internationally acclaimed horticulturist, author and presenter Michael Perry brings his trademark humour and insight to an engaging look at the future of plants and gardening. Drawing on global travels and discoveries, he explores emerging trends, creative design and the innovations shaping tomorrow’s gardens.
Mr. Mark Cullen
Renowned horticulturist, author and broadcaster Mark Cullen reflects on four decades in Canada’s horticulture industry. Through stories and insights from a remarkable career, he shares how the profession has grown, evolved and continues to enrich communities across the country.
Frank Ferragine, Frankie Flowers
Gardening expert and media personality Frankie Flowers offers an entertaining look at the role horticulture plays in Canada and the journey plants take from breeder to backyard. He explores plant production, emerging trends and ten standout plants every Canadian gardener should know, including innovative new varieties like Glow in the Dark petunias.
Dr. Allan Armitage
Dr. A shares the story of transforming a broken‑down cottage and barren yard into a thriving garden. Through plant choices, design decisions and a curated list of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs, he traces the journey from chaos to contentment in creating a garden that truly feels like home.
Matthew Gaston
Botanist and educator Matthew Gaston explores how modern media and its algorithms shape our views of horticulture and the environment. He looks at how viral content drives interest in new technologies and how social media has become nature’s newest evolutionary pressure.
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