Lectures & talks
We speak to groups of curious gardeners about the plants we grow and trial at Dancing Oaks.
Fred Weisensee, a Pacific Northwest native, co-founded Dancing Oaks with Leonard Foltz on the family timberland where Fred was raised. Their niece and co-manager at the nursery, Michelle Loughran, grew up in the Midwest and now puts deer- and drought-resistant plants to the test in Oregon. Together, they trial uncommon plants collected near and far, with particular attention to the expanding dry garden and the nursery’s growing manzanita collection. They watch what holds up to cold, drought, and a changing climate - and what earns the final approval of the deer and their even less forgiving garden critics, the goats.
Available talks
We can adjust the length and emphasis for the gardeners in the room.
Fred and Michelle presented “Enhancing Habitat, Resilience, and Beauty in the Garden: Planting Manzanitas and Companion Species,” sharing plant combinations that offer year-round beauty, support pollinators and wildlife, and thrive with less water and maintenance.
Fred, Michelle, and Audrey joined fellow nursery experts for a lively round of short presentations about the plants captivating them this season.
At this gathering of horticultural speakers from around the world, Fred and Michelle shared plants and lessons from the gardens at Dancing Oaks.
Fred and Michelle introduce the shrubs and small trees that serve as the cornerstones and unsung heroes of garden beds, creating spaces and paths that guide you through.
Bring Dancing Oaks to your audience
Tell us a little about your group, preferred date, and location. We’ll get back to you about availability and details.
