Northwest Flower & Garden Show

Ron Rule – 2006 Show Judge

Ron Rule is a registered Landscape Architect and graduate of the University of Oregon.  Since 1975 he has operated his own design practice which specializes in estate gardens. He is the founder and director of the Certificate in Garden Design program at the University of British Columbia. One of Canada’s best-known garden historians, Ron has lead nine successful garden design tours to Europe, and he lectures regularly to garden groups throughout British Columbia and the western United States.  Ron has written a monthly design column for Gardenwise magazine since its inception in 2001. His own garden designs have been featured in prominent publications in Canada, the United States and England.

Getting the Edge

Wednesday, February 8 at 1:00 pm in the Rainier Room

Friday, February 10 at 10:00 am in the Rainier Room

When viewing a garden your eye is automatically drawn to the places where change occurs; the point of transition from one level to another, or the spot where one material is replaced by something different. How gracefully these changes take place is often determined by the choice of edging material and the way it is installed. This seminar will explore dozens of effective ways to treat edges (from urban and modern to rustic and rural) that will enhance the character of whatever style garden you create. 

A Tale of Two Gardens

Thursday, February 9 at 5:30 pm in the Rainier Room

Imagine the same neighborhood, same size property, yet two very different sites: one perfectly flat and the other extremely steep. This fascinating seminar will address the advantages and disadvantages of each site and present design techniques, tips and tricks for the enhancement of both, including how to use trees and water successfully, create intimate spaces and marry the house to the garden. Whether you have a flat site or a steep one, or something in between, the seminar will provide a wealth of information that will help you better design your own garden.