2025 Celebrities & Speakers

JOEL KARSTEN

A farm boy who grew up tending a soil garden like other gardeners have for centuries, shook up the gardening world with his first book describing his breakthrough Straw Bale Gardening concept.  The New York Times called Straw Bale Gardening “a revolutionary gardening method” and his ideas have been enthusiastically embraced globally, making his books best-sellers in many languages.  Karsten earned a BS in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota and spends his summers tending his vegetable garden, doing research, and experimenting with new ideas and methods he can pass along to his followers.  He is a popular speaker, making appearances around the world at events celebrating innovation, garden enthusiasts and healthful lifestyles. He is renowned for his social media presence, blog and on-line advocacy for Straw Bale Gardening.  Karsten has inspired tens of thousands of first-time gardeners and a legion of “seasoned” growers who found a new and better way to pursue their passion. He has inspired many “retired” gardeners to begin gardening again once they learn how his method eliminates the physical challenges found in traditional soil gardening.  Discover more information about Karsten and his revolutionary methods at StrawBaleGardenClub.  Links to all of his social media and to his TEDx talk can be found on his website.

Appearing all three days, times TBD

Dog training Elite is proud to present Neal Mestas and his Belgian Malinois, Chewy from Dog Training Elite in Phoenix, AZ.  Neal will demonstrate basic obedience, advanced obedience and personal  protection. He may even throw in a few tricks. If you love dogs and want to see what you can expect when you train your dog with Dog Training Elite, serving Lexington and Louisville, you won’t want to   miss his demonstrations on stage. Times to be announced. Stop by our booth, # 1115, and see all of the different programs that Dog Training Elite has to offer, including service dog training! Visit our website at dogtrainingelite.com/louisville

Kentucky Orchid Society

Since 1958 the Kentucky Orchid Society has been bringing together orchid enthusiasts to learn from each other on how to best care for orchids, showcase their favorite orchids and so much more.

Paula Henson

Picture this: a garden that looks like it's been plucked straight from the heart of Kentucky's wilderness. Native plants are the unsung heroes that have adapted perfectly to the state's unique climate, soil, and topography. They aren't just plants; they're the botanical embodiment of Kentucky's spirit!  Learn more about native plants from Paula Henson.

Appearing

Andrew Hagerty, Director of Horticulture

"From Landfill to Landmark"