WSU Snohomish County Master Gardener Foundation Winter Speaker Series: Hydrangeas: Frumpy or Fabulous

Join Richie Steffen, executive director of the Elisabeth C Miller Botanical Garden, as he shares his journey with this diverse genus. He has developed a collection of over 170 cultivars ranging from old favorites to the newest cultivars to hit the market as well as an array of various species. Hear what is the best of the best and what roles this water-thirsty plant can play in a time of waterwise gardening.
Richie will have is book available for purchase (cash or check): “Plant Lover’s Guide to Ferns”.

Speaker Profile:
Richie Steffen loves plants, although his friends may say this is an understatement. During his career in horticulture over the last 40 years, he has grown thousands of plants and is still looking for more. Currently serving as the executive director of the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden near Seattle, Richie oversees the operations of the garden and its main educational program, Great Plant Picks. Great Plant Picks is committed to building a comprehensive palette of outstanding and reliable plants for maritime Pacific Northwest gardens and sharing information on these exceptional plants with the gardening public.

Richie is known for his entertaining lectures and beautiful photography and is a noted horticultural personality. Along with his husband Rick, they also garden on a 10-acre property just south of Hansville.