Presentations

In the last 25 years, I have given over 2,000 presentations on a wide range of topics related to plants, gardens, horticulture and wellness. Audience sizes have ranged from 12 to 700! Venues have included Green Industry events, professional audiences, Master Gardeners, novice gardeners, non-gardeners and much more. I enjoy keeping current with plant materials and give many presentations on interesting annuals, perennials and woody plants to look for in the coming years. Design-based and “how to” type topics have also been quite popular. Topics will vary (as seen on the listing to the right) and I am always developing new topics and keeping older topics fresh and current. Custom topics can be developed upon request.

Presentation Specifics – All of these topics are presented in PowerPoint format and would require a screen/wall, power source with cords and LCD Projector.  I will also bring my PC laptop and the presentation(s) on a thumb drive.  Having a back-up PC laptop on site that has PowerPoint and will connect easily with the projector is strongly advised.  Handouts (quantity determined in advance) are provided for all topics and can be sent digitally in advance and/or brought to the venue on the scheduled day (additional fee for printing will apply).  Topics are all prepared for a 60-90 minute time frame (to include questions) although they can be modified for a shorter or longer duration as requested.  Presentations are also constantly monitored and modified to be current and relevant. Fee structures are dependent on duration of topic, travel distance, preparation time and other factors. After initial inquiries, I can give an accurate estimate (not to exceed $) upon request prior to committing to a presentation.  My resume’ is also available upon request as are referrals regarding my speaking quality, content and rapport with the audience.

ZOOM UPDATE! - All the topics to the right can be provided in virtual format through ZOOM or Webex platforms. Please inquire!

SEE FURTHER BELOW FOR WORKSHOP & WRITING SERVICES

Some Recent Testimonials…(including ZOOM)

Mark is one of our most popular and engaging speakers year after year. His presentations consistently draw record crowds and rave reviews. Attendees have described Mark as “entertaining,” “outstanding,” “dynamite,” “inspiring,” “personable” and “fun.” One of this year’s attendees remarked, “he combines advanced knowledge with humor and a supportive manner, encouraging everyone.” Mark is an excellent speaker on a multitude of garden-related topics and accompanies his presentations with gorgeous slides and photos.

 Kristin Korevec, Special Events Manager, PBS Wisconsin 

We recently asked Mark to present at iLandscape, a Midwest regional trade show and educational conference, attended by over 6000 green industry professionals. Of the 55 speakers who presented, Mark was one of the most highly rated speakers according the evaluations done by the attendees. His depth of knowledge, examples he designed and maintained, and spectacular photography made his presentation compelling, inspiring and actionable. In addition, Mark is a personality, an avid storyteller, and has an amazing sense of humor. His style, passion and experience make him a top notch presenter and consultant to professionals and home gardeners alike. I've seen him present at many conferences, and am always eager to learn more. 

 Kim Hartmann, iLandscape Education Committee Chair

Mark Dwyer is one of the finest horticultural experts and speakers in the field but more importantly is how he addresses audiences. He adjusts his speaking to match all audience levels from beginners to professional based on years of hands-on experience. He intersperses with humor and wit that entertains as well as educates. Your audiences will love him.

 Edward Lyon

Executive Director – Reiman Gardens (Ames, IA)

Author - Growing the Midwest Garden

 Mark Dwyer is a knowledgeable and entertaining garden guru. As a presenter, he highlights valuable horticultural topics while keeping audiences engaged and laughing! He is an inspiration to learn from and an expert on a diverse range of gardening topics. A real “must-see” presenter!

 Brie Arthur of Brie Grows

Author - The Foodscape Revolution and Gardening with Grains

Mark’s passion for exceptional horticulture, motivating people and thoughtful garden management is evident when you work with him.  His track record for working with volunteers and large groups is proven and was incredibly helpful.  He worked with our team to assess our operations and specifically how we work with volunteers.  The observations, experience and skills he shared through his assessment have been both reaffirming and instructional. His insights have helped us build upon or current program and given us a framework for expanding engagement with our garden volunteers.

 Jonathan M. Wright

Ruth Lilly Deputy Director for Horticulture and Natural Resources

Newfields (Indianopolis, IN)

ZOOM Presentation Format Testimonials

Mark is an amazing font of knowledge and shares that knowledge in a pleasant and informative manner.  He is a treasure. I signed in easily and heard and understood everything with ease. Kudos to you all. I'm a fan and will watch the next one.  It's better than ANYTHING on TV!

Bravo! Mark Dwyer is a favorite speaker - beautiful pictures, great plants, and tons of good information. The Zoom presentation worked very well! In fact, it was actually easier to see and hear than during in-person programs. 

Presentation Topics

Seasonal Plants

·         New & Exciting Annuals

·         Fantastic Foliage Annuals

·         Annuals for Fragrance

·         Incorporating Annuals in to the Landscape

·         Maintaining Bold and Lush Annuals

·         The Best Annuals for the Pollinator Garden

·         The Transitional Seasonal Container

·         Cool Coleus for the Garden

·         A Tropical Garden in the Midwest!

 Edibles

·         Ornamental Edibles

·         Eat Your Garden! - The Edible Garden

·         Edibles for Containers

·         Herbs in the Garden

Perennials

·         Trends in Herbaceous Plants

·         Focus on Foliage – Perennials

·         Native Perennials for Low Maintenance

·         Slam Dunk Perennials

·         Perennials for Pollinators

·         Perennials for the Shade

·         A Focus on Foliage Perennials

·         Late Season Perennials for Interest

·         Ornamental Grasses

·         Spectacular Sedges for the Garden

·         Companions for Hostas

·         Ferns in the Garden

·         The Moss Garden

·         Groundcovers

·         The Basics of Perennial Division

·         Maintaining the Perennial Garden – Deadheading to Division

 Bulbs

·         Bulbs for the Spring Garden

·         Bulb Lasagna – Creating Layers

·         Creating a Bulb Lawn

·         Summer Bulbs for the Garden

 Woody Plants

·         Establishing Garden Structure with Woody Plants

·         Sensational Shrubbery

·         Small Trees for the Landscape

·         Trees for Structure and Shade

·         Woodies with Superior Fall Color

·         Ornamental Stems, Bark & Berries

·         Conifers in the Garden

·         Appropriate Vines – Selection and Use

Landscape Design

·         Landscaping for Dummies

·         Basics of Landscape Design

·         Advanced Landscape Design

·         Designing for Form, Function & Beauty

·         Avoiding Common Garden Mistakes

·         Hardscaping (Decks, Patios, Etc.)

·         Designing for Maximum Color

·         Maximizing Texture in the Garden

·         Vertical Gardening

·         Design Combinations for Pollinators

·         Landscape Design for Energy Efficiency

·         Designing the Four Seasons Garden

·         Design Tips for the Smaller Garden

Horticulture Therapy

·         Wellness in the Garden

·         The Healing Garden

·         “No Stoop” or “Belly-Button Height” Gardening

·         Adaptive Garden Planters

·         Plants for Therapy

·         Maximizing Sensory Engagement

·         The Fragrant Garden

·         Ergonomic & Adaptive Gardening Tools

·         Engaging Groups – Horticulture Therapy in Action

 General Topics

·         Volunteer Recruitment, Management and Retention

·         Gardening with Children

·         Garden Trends

·         Gardening Tools of the Trade

·         Winter Interest in the Garden

·         Plantaholics Retreat

·         Composting & Mulching in the Garden

 Regional Topics / Travelogue   

·         Exploring English Garden Styles

·         Gardening at Great Dixter (UK)

·         Canadian Botanical Gardens

·         Gardens of North Carolina

·         Gardens of the Netherlands

·         Public Gardens of Wisconsin

·         Gardens of the Chicago Area

·         Gardens of the Philadelphia Area