Gardening experts advocate for four seasons of interest, but rarely champion 24-hour gardens. In recent decades, as opposed to flowers, foliage, and pollinators, hardscape frequently dominates evening spaces. By focusing vespertine/daybreak gardens on plants, serenity, intimacy, and connection to nature are maximized. These gardens offer refuge from urban heat and intense sun, while employing a fresh palette of scents, colors, and textures. This session will cover: 1) design strategies for a range of spaces; 2) the incorporation of containers; 3) native and introduced plant palettes; and 4) the wellness benefits of magic hour gardening and creating a garden which is always open and delightfully alive.
Christopher Barrett Sheridan is an award-winning civic educator, pursuing a second career in horticulture and planting design. Chris specializes in scented plants, cottage garden design, Arts and Crafts design, the Language of Flowers, garden history, and heirloom plants.
Chris is an instructor with Longwood Gardens and a returning presenter at the Philadelphia Flower Show, both in Pennsylvania. Some recent programs have focused on fragrant ikebana and scented native plants. Upcoming programs will explore moon gardens and cocktail container design.
Because of his emphasis on fragrant flowers and experience in the wine industry, Chris branded his website The Flower Sommelier (www.flowersommelier.com), to remind everyone that flowers are best appreciated up close, with the eyes, hands, and nose.
Chris has been published in The American Gardener and is frequently interviewed by fellow garden writers when their subject includes scented plants or sensory gardens. He hopes to launch a podcast in 2025, something fun, unconventional, and focused on wild and romantic gardens.
Chris is an active member of Garden Communicators International (GardenComm), The Fling, the American Public Gardens Association, and the Hardy Plant Society. Chris gardens in suburban Philadelphia and at the New Jersey shore. He is very pleased to be a part of the 2025 International Master Gardener Conference.
