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Current Lectures
 

Dan speaking in the UK in 2008!

(NEW LECTURE) "How Dry I Am" – Dryscaping for the Consumer: As water sources dwindle in many areas, changes need to be made in plant selection, and watering techniques. Global warming has placed hose bans in some areas, stopped lawn watering, and has definitely impacted sales. Most of Dan's talk will be on plants for "water wise" landscaping as well as touching on water storage and distribution. His handout will list resources (books and websites) for the consumer to help them deal with this "Side-effect" of Global warming.

(NEW LECTURE) "Container Crazy (and plants for Small-Space Gardens)": Dan's trips around the world have exposed him to an amazing array of wild containers planted with the most unusual plants. Dan will cover these as well as a wide assortment of unusual plant materials that give new life to containers. Tips on how design containers and small garden spaces as well as helpful information on maintaining soil fertility and plant health are provided.

(NEW LECTURE) "Perennials for Containers": Many perennials not only adapt well to containers, they truly shine! Come explore an array of awesome, colorful perennials and learn how to care for them. Tips on maintaining fertility and winterizing pots will be discussed. Walk away with some great "recipes" to use in your own garden or Garden Center.

(UPDATED) "New Perennials from Around the World": How new plants are found. Join Dan on a whirlwind tour of ten horticultural countries (Japan, China, Germany, Tasmania, Australia, US, Holland, England, Ireland & New Zealand) Meet the shakers and movers in each country, and the plants they love. Focus will be primarily on hardy perennials but exceptional "temperennials" will also be shown. Tips will be given on how to get plants into the US legally. (Our most popular presentation.)

(NEW LECTURE) "Bonkers for Begonias": Dan presents an entirely new program covering the varieties and uses of this fascinating (and huge) family. Rare species will be shown and discussed; from 2" tall yellow blooming terrarium plants from Africa to 7' tall giants from Brazil. Care, culture, and propagation will be revealed. A new element has been added to Dan's talk – that of Hardy Begonias! You'll be amazed to see what might grow in your home garden!

(NEW LECTURE) "These are a few of my favorite things": Come see Dan's world, a world of fascinating plants, both temperate and tropical. See the breeding operation that puts out the coolest plants. Visit a few stops around the world where plant collectors thrive and meet a few of the world's best plantsmen. (PP) First presented at Heronswood's "Horthead's Holiday."

(NEW LECTURE) "Crazy about Coral Bells!" (and their Allies): A brief history of this group of plants (The Saxifragaceae) is followed by slides of native populations and the breeding programs that have transformed this quiet woodland group to some of the most sought-after perennials today. Learn from the man who "wrote the book!"

"Shade Gardening with New Perennials": Methods of dealing with different types of shade are discussed as well as solving the problems of root and light competition. Gorgeous plant combinations are shown with an overview of new perennials and old favorites.

(UPDATED) "Flash and Splash- building the Color Story": One of the most comprehensive slide presentations of variegated and colored-leaved plants in the world, including surprises from New Zealand, Japan, and Europe. Topics include: how variegated plants are discovered, chimera vs. virus, and classification of variegation. Use of the color in design is shown, featuring color echoes, repetition, contrast, and harmony.

"To market, to market- to launch a new plant": The process of selection, "sport fishing", trials and the intricacies of market, patenting, and trade marking. Our current trials of perennials are featured as are many of our introductions, several patented. The basics of media launches in print and via the internet are explored. "Asian Fascination": a program covering the marvels of Japan, how to collect plants and bring them home (legally!), and an overview of Japanese nurseries and wacky collectors. Slides will be presented of incredible Japanese plants in cultivation and in the wild..

"Plant Marketing Around the World": Dan has visited 21 countries taking a keen interest in how plants are promoted, presented and sold. See the best of the best and the worst of the worst in our field will be seen. Dan will also discuss his unique perspective on marketing and how his attendees can better "put themselves and their products forward".

(SEMINAR) "Everything you wanted to know about how to create a catalog": Terra Nova produces one of the finest color catalogues in the US. (Boy are we modest!) Learn how to "pull out" of the humdrum, text-only format and spice up what represents YOU and your nursery. We will touch on computers, software, digital cameras, film cameras, and how they all come together. Real examples of catalogues from "Napkin Sketch" to the final negative will be shared by all. Bring an example of a catalogue that "stands out" for group discussion. Seminar format 1.5 hrs. Limited group size. (PP) +OH projector.

"Everything you wanted to know about how to create a catalog in 60 minutes or less": Learn the fascinating creative process of how to put your plants to paper. We will touch on computers, software, digital cameras, film cameras, and the process of how they all come together. Real examples of catalogues from "Napkin Sketch" to the shipped catalog will be shared by all. (PP) +OH projector.

Four Fabulous Genera: A brief history of Pulmonaria, Tiarella, Heuchera, and x Heucherella is followed by slides of native populations and the breeding programs that have transformed these quiet woodlanders into some of the most sought-after perennials today.

Self- confessed "Hortiholic" Dan Heims recently spoke at the University of Illinois Extension's annual Master Gardener conference. It is clearly evident that Dan's knowledge of plant material is outstanding but more important is his passion for sharing that expertise. Dan taught the basics of shade gardening to our Master Gardeners and then delved into the specifics on genera such as Heuchera and Heucherella, stressing new plant introductions as well as old favorites. The attendees specifically loved his beautiful slides. Dan's humor and easy-going yet informative style made him one of our most popular speakers. Dan was a great addition to our conference and we hope to have him back in future years.

- Monica David - Director Illinois Master Gardeners 9/08

I wanted you to know how grateful we are to you for your wonderful program! You were the perfect addition to an educational, explorational type of agenda... Thank you, thank you, thank you!

- Cheryl Lenart - SW Director - American Begonia Society National Convention 5/08

On behalf of the Michigan Green Industry Association, I would like to sincerely thank you for speaking at MGIA's trade show and Convention... the trade show and attendance at the educational programs exceeded our expectations. Your contribution as an outstanding speaker is a direct reflection on the success of this year's conference!

- Karla J. Trosen - MGIA Director of Education and membership 3/08

Thanks for speaking at the 79th Annual OSU Short Course and making it an overwhelming success... Thank you for your part in delivering a quality educational program to our industry... we hope you will consider returning as a speaker in years to come.

- Hannah Mathers Ph.D./Pam Bennett OSU Nursery Course Co-chair 2/08

On behalf of the CanWest Committee, I would like to thank you for being part of the CanWest seminar program. And, as results indicate - you were a HIT!

- Karen DeJong CanWest Nursery Show/BCNLA Marketing Director 1/08

All of us at the CGGA and CNLA are so grateful for your personal and professional effort and time speaking at our meeting. Many compliments were heard about your presentation. We salute you for all the energy and effort you put into making your talk so informative. It says volumes about your good personal character that you would want to share your personal knowledge to help improve the businesses of your colleagues. THANK YOU!

- Robert V. Heffernan - Executive Director- CT Nursery and Landscape Association 1/07

On behalf of the Perennial Plant Association and the Master Gardeners of Ohio, I want to thank you for providing a most educational and entertaining lecture. The day was very special and our attendees were most pleased with your program! Your books sold well and I appreciate the notes you wrote for each of our kids.

- Steven M. Still - Executive Director of the Perennial Plant Association 1/07

Huge thanks for sharing the insights you've gathered around the globe... A rare treat to see the new and exciting...

- Anne Van Nest - Garden Writers of America Convention 10/07

Dan, Thank you so much for helping to make the 2006 Perennial Conference the success it was!

- Kathy Wooton - Grower Talks 9/06

Like the perfect blend of ingredients that make upa delicious meal, your contribution to the 2006 FarWest Show made it a success. Thank you for your time, enthusiasm, and experience!

- Aimee McAuliffe - FarWest Nursery Show Education Director 8/06

Thank you so much for your participation in this year's SNA conference in Mobile. Speakers such as you made this an "Over the Top" conference. It was a great presentation and received many good comments from our guests. We appreciate bring a bit of the West coast to the South! I hope to see you again at one of the nursery events!

- Marion Drummond - Executive Director of the Mobile Botanical Gardens 9/07

Thanks for being part of the INLA convention. You are as knowledgeable and entertaining as your reputation suggests! I have gotten many chuckles from your book as well!

- Chuck Porto -Iowa Nursery and Landscape Assn. 3/06

Thank you very much for speaking at our "Garden Party." The images were great and your love and knowledge of plants came through!

- Kate Royston - Temple speaker organizer 5/07

Plant Breeding Awards

2007	-	Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit awarded to Sedum 'Mr. Goodbud'
2007	-	Begonia 'Metallic Mist' wins 'Best New Perennial' award at the Farwest Nursery Show
2006	-	Best new hardy introduction at the Four Oaks Trade Show for Heucherella 'Stoplight'
2004	-	Kees vd Aardwegh, Bloemenkeuring in Holland
2004	-	Kees vd Aardwegh, Gouden medaille in Holland, (Heuchera Display)
2004	-	AGM from the RHS, Echinacea 'Ruby Giant'
2002	-	9 Awards of Garden Merit presented by the Royal Horticultural Society for: 'Burgundy Frost', 'Can Can', 'Chocolate Veil', 'Fireworks', x H. 'Kimono', 'Magic Wand', 'Purple Petticoats', 'Sashay', and 'Smokey Rose'
2001	-	Gold Medal at Keukenhof 2001 in Holland, (Heuchera Display)
2001	-	Gold Certificate at Coursonne in France, Heuchera 'Can Can'
2001	-	Best of Show (GOLD) Four Oaks Trade Show, Heuchera 'Amber Waves'
2001	-	Best New Product, Scotgrow Show in Scotland, Heuchera 'Amber Waves'
2000	-	1 Gold Medal Award at Plantarium, Heuchera 'Ebony and Ivory'
2000	-	1 Silver Medal Award at Plantarium, Tiarella 'Iron Butterfly'
2000	-	Theodore Klein Plant Award in Kentucky, Heuchera 'Pewter Veil'
2000	-	2 Bronze awards at Plantarium, Tiarella 'Mint Chocolate' & Tiarella 'Ninja'
1999	-	1 Silver award (Medaille d' Argent) at Courson for Tiarella 'Ninja'
1998	-	2 Silver awards at Plantarium '98 Holland
1998	-	2 Gold medals and 4 Silvers won at VKC Nieuw, a large Dutch show
1997	-	2 Gold and 3 Silver medals from VKC Nieuw Plant exposition in Holland
1997	-	Heuchera 'Can Can', Heuchera 'Stormy Seas', Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles' received 2 gold and 3 Silver medals from VKC Nieuw Plant exposition
1996	-	Hosta 'Jade Cascade' American Hosta Society International Convention, the Pauline Banyai Award, Best Unregistered Seedling, David Van Fleet Award, Best Green-leaved Hosta, International Convention, Best of Section 7, International Convention, Best of Class, International Convention First Prize
1996	-	Heuchera 'Purple Petticoats', VKC NIEUW, Belgium Gold Medal, 9.25
1996	-	Heuchera 'Plum Pudding', VKC NIEUW, Belgium Gold Medal 9.15
1996	-	Heuchera 'Stormy Seas', VKC NIEUW, Belgium Gold Medal, 9.05
1996	-	Ligularia tussilaginea 'Aureomaculata' TN Clone, VKC NIEUW, Gold Medal, 9.1
1996	-	Heuchera 'Regal Robe', VKC NIEUW, Belgium Gold Medal, 9.1
1996	-	Heuchera Display Best of Show Gold Medal Intl Exposition Keukenhof, Holland
1996	-	Tiarella 'Tiger Stripe' (Oliver), VKC NIEUW, Belgium Silver Medal 8.8
1996	-	Heuchera 'Cascade Dawn', VKC NIEUW, Belgium Silver Medal 8.5
1996	-	Heuchera 'Stormy Seas', VKC NIEUW, Belgium Silver Medal 8.0
1996	-	Heuchera 'Strawberry Swirl', VKC NIEUW, Belgium Bronze Medal 7.4
1996	-	Heuchera 'Ruby Veil', VKC NIEUW, Belgium Bronze Medal 7.5
1995	-	Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles' Plantarium '95, Boskoop, Holland, also Best New Perennial Introduction Gold Medal 1996 VKC NIEUW, Belgium Silver Medal 8.5