In addition to being the host of “The Victory Garden” on PBS, author of three books, and the principal of his own landscape design firm, Michael is a popular member of the garden lecture circuit, entertaining audiences with his illustrated gardening talks for over a decade. (For Michael's complete bio, click here.) Michael routinely travels throughout the US and Canada speaking at home & garden shows, garden club meetings, museums, historical societies, and corporate events on a variety of topics.   With his signature sense of humor and thirty-five years of horticultural expertise, Michael just may be the perfect speaker for your next garden-related event. His 2008/2009 lecture titles are listed below. Specially designed lecture topics and other custom projects such as hotel garden weekends and garden tour hosting are also offered. For information about speaking fees, arranging a speaking event, or designing a customized program for your organization, contact Michael at: .   The Seven Deadly Sins of the Modern American Landscape – And How to Avoid Them! A light-hearted look at seven common errors we all make in our gardens. (Illustrated, 45-55 minutes.) Curb Appeal Five easy and affordable steps to improving your home’s appearance, and increasing its value. (Illustrated, 45-55 minutes) The Secret History of Your Backyard From ancient royal oasis to modern urban retreat, today’s landscapes owe their existence to some pretty amazing turns in history. This illustrated lecture explains why American gardens look like they do, and where they may be going from here. (In two parts, each 45-55 minutes, on separate days or with intermission) Old House, Old Garden A how-to guide for renovating and redesigning landscapes for period properties. (Illustrated, 45-55 minutes) The Intimate Garden The delights and challenges of designing small scale gardens. (Illustrated, 45-55 minutes) Rethinking the American Backyard Better ideas for outdoor living (Illustrated, 45-55 minutes) Nobody's Perfect A laughing look-back at some of my biggest gardening mistakes.(Not illustrated, suitable for small groups or conferences; 20-25 minutes)

Here's what people are saying about Michael's talks:

"On behalf of the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN), I would like to thank you for your recent speaking engagement at the 2004 Yard, Garden & Patio Show in Portland, Ore. this past February. Your talk on “The Seven Deadly Sins of the Modern American Landscape - And How to Avoid Them!,” was highly entertaining and educational for all levels of gardeners. Being an association that represents the green industry, you can imagine how many different segments we serve. I can honestly say that everyone was extremely happy with your appearance and professional demeanor. My only regret is that I didn't order a large enough room - we had people standing in the aisles and out the door!"

Aimee McAuliffe
Manager of Member Programs & Education
Oregon Association of Nurseries

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"Thank you very much for the appealing and informative program 'Old House, Old Garden' you presented here for our Garden Weekend Event. I know from talking informally with our visitors throughout the afternoon that they enjoyed the talk and the opportunity to meet you in person. Your program was particularly effective at helping home gardeners to
incorporate elements of historic design and construction into a contemporary landscape to create a new, old garden."

Christie Higgenbottom
Research Historian
Old Sturbridge Village and Museum,
Sturbridge MA

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Thanks for presenting the program "Old House, Old Garden" at the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus, OH on November 5, 2005. You came well prepared with an illustrated presentation on how to match a period property with period landscaping, using wonderful examples of different types of architecture, combined with different plants, trees, flowers, and lawn ornaments. The audience appreciated your insight into the topic, and also enjoyed your humor and your manner of presentation. They especially loved the chance to ask questions, and the frank answers to the many queries you received. All and all, I would highly recommend you as a speaker at any garden event.

Laura Calvelage
Public Programs Assistant
Ohio Historical Society

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Many thanks for presenting “The Seven Deadly Sins of the Modern American Landscape - And How to Avoid Them!,” at the recent Home, Flower, Lawn & Garden Show in Kansas City. The presentation offered valuable information to every homeowner, and achieved a perfect balance of entertainment and education.  Audiences of both genders were amused and informed as you gently poked fun at common landscaping mistakes, while offering realistic, affordable, do-it-yourself alternatives and improvements. We appreciated your knowledge, wit and style, and hope to work with you again in the future. 

Best regards,
Tom James, President
James & Associates Creative Media Services    

 

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