With over 175 years of continuous planting and maintenance, Spring Grove offers a living laboratory of time-tested woody plants. In this session, Brian Heinz draws on his decades of experience managing one of the country’s most historic and horticulturally diverse landscapes to highlight exceptional trees and shrubs that combine lasting beauty with proven landscape performance.

From underutilized standouts to classic workhorses, attendees will walk away with a renewed appreciation for the value of long-term observation—and a list of trusted selections for the Ohio Valley and beyond. Whether you're designing, planting, or maintaining landscapes, this talk will sharpen your eye for woody plants that truly stand the test of time.
 

About Brian Heinz: Brian is a native Cincinnatian, who got his start in horticulture in the mid 1990's at West Hill Greenhouses growing annuals and perennials. He attended the University of Cincinnati for horticulture and came to Spring Grove in 1999, primarily working with the horticulture department. He became a supervisor in 2002. Brian is currently a board member of the Ohio Invasive Plants Council, and member of the following: the American Public Gardens Association, the Professional Grounds Maintenance Society, Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, Boone County Arboretum Plant Collection Committee and a committee member of the Tri-State Green Industry Conference. He is also a certified pesticide applicator for the state of Ohio. Throughout the year, Brian enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for plants by giving talks and tours of Spring Grove for garden clubs and students.

Two of the most concerning forest health threats in the Great Lakes region—Beech Leaf Disease and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid—are rapidly reshaping our native woodlands and urban landscapes. This session will explore the emergence, spread, and ecological impacts of these invasive pests, which threaten the structure, diversity, and resilience of our forests.

Attendees will learn how to identify signs and symptoms, understand the latest treatment options, and gain insights from recent research and monitoring efforts conducted by the presenters’ organization. Whether you manage natural areas, urban trees, or public gardens, this session provides timely, science-based guidance for responding to these growing threats.
 

About Daniel Dlugos, Ph.D.: Danny currently leads efforts in development of an eastern hemlock breeding program in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. In addition, he assists with forest health projects, including beech leaf disease research, and consulting on plant disease issues at Holden Forests & Gardens. With previous experience in a cooperative extension lab, as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Miami University, and as a lecturer at John Carroll University, he is also committed to education and public outreach regarding plant health.

About Maris Hollowell: Maris’ educational background in forensic biology sparked her interest in research, beginning with comparing demographic factors in body location in Wayne County, Michigan. During this time, she also had the opportunity to work in Holden Arboretum’s Long Science Center laboratory. She has been with Holden Forests & Gardens since 2021 and has always had a love for plants, the environment, and being outdoors. Her current research in David Burke’s lab uses environmental DNA to detect plant pests and diseases.

Plant Nomenclature 101 provides an accessible overview of the history, structure, and principles of plant naming. From folk names to the standardized system established by Linnaeus, the session covers common versus botanical names, Latinization, pronunciation, name changes, and more—ideal for pros and enthusiasts looking to strengthen their botanical vocabulary.
 

About Jaime Frye: Jaime Frye manages plant records and contributes to educational programming, publications, and garden communication at Newfields. With a keen interest in plant taxonomy and nomenclature, she has experience across multiple public gardens and is passionate about advancing clear, accurate botanical communication.

Native plants are often cited as the best option for current and future urban landscapes amid climate instability and invasive species. However, the reality is more nuanced: some locally adapted plants may not thrive under predicted future conditions, while emerging pests and diseases continue to shift the palette. Should we look farther south or southwest for heat- or drought-tolerant options—and how do we define 'native' in a dynamic landscape where humans have moved plants for millennia? This talk explores practical strategies and ethics for plant selection in resilient urban design.
 

About Adam Black: Adam Black is a lifelong plant enthusiast with a passion for the rare, unusual, and esoteric. He combines experience in botany and horticulture by promoting diverse landscapes and collaborating with gardens and universities to document and collect imperiled plant species for research and conservation. He previously served as director of The John Fairey Garden (formerly Peckerwood Garden) in Texas and has managed forest pathology and forest entomology labs at the University of Florida. He and his late wife operated a collector-oriented mail‑order nursery that introduced many new plants now preserved in botanic gardens and in general horticulture.

A behind-the-scenes look at rejuvenating Bellingrath’s gardens and collections—from signature azalea and camellia displays to trials of plants suited to the Zone 8/9 Gulf Coast climate. Expect practical insights, lessons learned, and a few humorous tales from the journey of bringing a historic garden forward.
 

About F. Todd Lasseigne, Ph.D.: Dr. Lasseigne has served as Executive Director of Bellingrath Gardens & Home since 2020, guiding the evolution of this renowned Gulf Coast estate and gardens. Previously, he was President & CEO of Tulsa Botanic Garden, founding Executive Director of Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, and Assistant Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum. A widely recognized plantsman and public garden leader, he has delivered invited lectures across the U.S. and internationally.

An up‑to‑the‑minute review of forest and landscape health topics affecting trees in our region, including beech leaf disease, laurel wilt, needlecast, ironwood/hophornbeam leaf rust, oak wilt, and herbicide injury. The session summarizes causal agents, hosts, diagnostics, and management recommendations—and closes with a short diagnostic quiz.
 

About Jason A. Smith, Ph.D.: Dr. Smith directs the Huston‑Brumbaugh Nature Center and teaches in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Mount Union. His research focuses on forest ecosystems and microbiology, with specialization in fungal pathogens. He previously served as the State Forest Health Extension Specialist at the University of Florida and has taught courses ranging from Forest Ecosystem Health and Dendrology to field ecology. He lives in Alliance with his family and an energetic menagerie of pets.

Learn strategies for gardening in shaded areas dominated by mature trees. We’ll explore the site ecology, plant selection and design principles, and practical techniques to establish and maintain healthy understory gardens.
 

About Jim Hansel: Jim Hansel is the Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning at Great Oaks Career Campuses and has taught horticulture at the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP for over 20 years. With experience in both private and public horticulture, he has led environmental consulting projects and helps place students in horticulture careers.