What audiences say about my presentations:
“Thought provoking, incredible ideas, alternate ways to see"
"Thoroughly enjoyed Jay's creativity and whimsy"
“Wow! A delightful talk”
“Wonderful and so inspirational”
“Outstanding! A magical breath of fresh air”
“You're reconnecting people with why they garden"
"Spoke to my heart - thank you"
I would be delighted to speak to your garden club, professional association or trade show on my approach to immersive garden design. Contact me at siffordgd@gmail.com to discuss availability, topic and fees. Topics I speak on are below.
Upcoming engagements include:
June 2023: South Carolina Festival of Flowers, Greenwood, SC
August 2023: Speaking of Gardening Symposium, Asheville, NC
February 2024: Greenville Master Gardeners Symposium, Greenville, SC
Past lectures include: American Conifer Society, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Virginia Horticultural Foundation, Georgia Perennial Plant Association, North American Rock Garden Society/Piedmont Chapter, Charlotte Garden Club, Master Gardeners of Gaston County, Garden Gallivants and more.
The Stroll Garden: The Nuts and Bolts, The Magic and The Metaphor
“Not all those who wander are lost” wrote Tolkien. Learn the components of a stroll garden: unique entrances to interesting paths, immersive seating areas to intriguing plant combinations. Your audience will be inspired to create a space that encourages and celebrates the art of wandering.
The Power of the Line: How Angles and Curves Create a More Dynamic Garden
Learn how to create a more joyful garden by harnessing the emotions evoked by angles, shapes and lines within your design. Examples from advertising, architecture and many landscapes reveal the effective use of these elements, and show how to elevate your outdoor spaces.
Let's Make Some Garden Magic!
A garden is more than a way to decorate a yard, or a collection of plants. It’s an immersive place, full of magic, mystery, intrigue and surprises that connects to our inner being and transports us to another place and time. Learn how to design a magical garden that allows your imagination to soar.
Garden Sculpture Do's and Don'ts
Garden art is so much more than that gnome hiding under a hosta leaf! We look at how to choose and place sculpture so that it becomes jewelry that elevates your garden's mood and impact to the next level.
My Garden, My Teacher
A well-crafted garden can teach us so much about design, life, and ourselves. This in-depth look at my personal gardens touches on design lessons (and life lessons, too) that it has taught me over the years.