Spend the afternoon hanging out at Atelier House + Garden listen to talks by unique and experienced plant people and enjoys some snacks while strolling through a gorgeous garde. Greg Pirceall's city garden impeccably planned and taken from bland city garden to a spectacular venue in 12 short years.
Our featured speakers:
Greg Pierceall: Greg was a professor of landscape architecture for a total of 35 years, and he is a professor emeritus of Purdue University, where he taught for 30 years. In 2006, he was hired by the University of Illinois to start a landscape architecture program in Oak Brook and teach at the Urbana-Champaign campus. During his time in the Chicago area, he designed the Smart Garden and Smart Home for the Museum of Science and Industry. He is also the author of several Landscape and garden books. Greg will be giving a walking talk, discussing design, plants, and more. To day he is an expert in his field is an understatement. Although he is a Master Plantsman, his warm demeanor and love of inspiring and educating gardeners of all skill levels and will be available to chat and answer questions throughout the event.
Joshua R. White: is a visionary recovery advocate, cannabis breeder, and founder of both White Glove Seed and Clone Company and the Marijuana Maintenance Program (MMP). With over 30 years of lived experience in addiction and recovery, Joshua’s journey has fueled a mission to revolutionize how we approach sobriety, pain management, and personal growth.
White Glove Seed and Clone Company specializes in premium cannabis genetics tailored to support harm reduction and recovery. Their strains are crafted with intention—helping individuals replace dangerous substances with plant-based alternatives that promote healing, stability, and clarity.
The Marijuana Maintenance Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit redefining recovery through a seven-point system that integrates cannabis-assisted healing, spiritual development, and community support. Through daily readings, outreach, and education, MMP is helping people across the country rediscover hope, purpose, and the power of living grounded in growth.
Together, Joshua and these two projects are forging a future where recovery isn’t just about abstinence—it’s about empowerment, dignity, and transformation.
Rich Ford: is a multifaceted gardener, noted daylily breeder, artist, musician and educator. His many interests and playful personality make his garden a fairytale and chatting with him a delight.
In 1983 Rich was first smitten with daylillies while visiting a cousins garden. He joined
the American Daylilly Society 1984, began breeding daylillies immediately, focusing on producing new varieties of late and very late season flowers. He has introduced new named daylily varieties. As the years have progressed, Rich has added breeding early flowering varieties to his program. Rich Ford has been and is a instructor, teacher, and judge in the American Daylilly Society.
The Ford Gardens, located in Petersburg, IL a licensed seller of plants and a arboretum. The garden has been display garden for the Daylilly Society and is a highlight of multiple garden tours annually. Rich is also a breeder of hosts and a collector of unique and interesting plants.
Ed Gonet & Sid Stanton: Husband and wife team and owners of Soil Food Worm Farm and Natural Nutrient Company. Lovers of nature, gardens, and soil. Soil Food is located in Illinois and a licensed natural fertilizer company. Soil Food products are currently being used on happy farms, gardens, orchards, vineyards, indoor houseplants, specialty grows and more in states all across the USA. Ed & Sid are proud members of the Worm Farming Alliance and supporters of many garden and growing groups. Their Passion and mission is to improve soil health and make growing healthy productive plants EASY. Healthy Soil=Healthy Plants=Healthy Pollinators=Healthy Food for people, livestock and the critters.
Also check out other Workshops in Springfield, Arts events in Springfield, Music events in Springfield.
