2008 Stage Headliners

PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2008 Lansing Home & Garden Show.

4 Great Seminar Stages!

Visit any of our four seminar stages for instruction and information on dozens of interesting & entertaining topics!

The Home Stage
Searching for the latest trends in building, renovation and interior design?  This stage has it all, with the areas leading designers and builders showing you how to get the most out of your home.

The Cooking Stage
Create Super Salads with Bob Garlough of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education!

The Garden Stage
Offering tips and tricks on flower gardening maintenence and design, sponsored by the Capital Area Landscape and Nursery Association, and featuring a wide array of experts!

Stiles Landscape & Supply Stage
Back for another year, Stiles Landscape & Supply will teach you how to build & maintain small water gardens, or install a concrete retaining wall.


J Schwanke

J Schwanke's love of Flowers began at birth during a Snowstorm at a State Flower Convention in Nebraska. J’s career grew and blossomed… as he joined his family’s Flower business: Green’s Greenhouses Inc. in 1976 and directed the Flower Shop and Garden Center operations starting in 1981. J is a member of the American Academy of Floriculture, the American Institute of Floral Designers, and the Professional Floral Communicators International and the National Speakers Association.

 In 1994 J began an independent career as a flower design consultant, Flower Industry Spokesperson and the foremost Flower Design Expert in the American flower industry. As the HOST of the World’s First Web Broadcast Flower Design Show: JTV! Offering Flower Enthusiasts everywhere the opportunity to have FUN with Flowers and J all the time! J’s Passion for Flowers is far reaching and Infectious. He gives Flower demonstrations in every state in the Union, Canada, and throughout Europe. Critics, sponsors and Flower loving attendees agree J is one of the most sought after experts in the World of Flowers.

Fun With Flowers and J!

Vincent Simeone

Vincent has worked in the horticultural field for 20 years. He received an AAS degree in ornamental horticulture from SUNY Farmingdale and a BS in ornamental horticulture from the University of Georgia. While at Georgia, Vincent studied under well known professors Dr. Michael Dirr and Dr. Allan Armitage. Vincent also recently obtained a Masters degree in Public Administration from C.W. Post- Long Island University. Vincent has specialized expertise in woody plant id, culture, use and selection of superior varieties. Vincent is an experienced lecturer, instructor and horticultural consultant. He has spoken to many groups nation wide and has appeared on several garden shows including Martha Stewart Living. Vincent teaches horticulture classes at New York Botanical Garden and SUNY Farmingdale. Over the last seven years, Vincent has assisted with garden tours through Southern England, Northern France, Southern Germany, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa. Vincent is very active in local and national organizations including The American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta, New York Hortus Club, New York State Arborist, ISA Chapter, Long Island Arboricultural Assoc., Long Island Holly Society, American Rhododendron Society-New York Chapter, Daphne Society, Nassau Suffolk Landscape Gardeners Assoc., and the Long Island Nursery and Landscape Assoc. Currently Vincent works in public horticulture managing Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in New York and is a horticultural consultant. He has written various gardening articles for newspapers and other publications and in 05’ published two books: Great Flowering Landscape Shrubs and The Wonders of the Winter Landscape.  In May, 07’ Vincent will release his third book entitled Great Flowering Landscape Trees.

Vinnie Simeone Seminars


Chef Robert Garlough

Chef Robert Garlough came to Michigan in 1980 to establish and coordinate a two-year program in Culinary Arts at Grand Rapids Community College. Hailing from St. Augustine, Florida, where he was the Executive Chef of a restaurant/nightclub in Jacksonville, Chef Garlough has held several other food service management and instructional positions in Michigan, Florida, Ohio and New York.

Chef Garlough currently teaches at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College.  Along with a program for enrolled students, the department offers nearly forty seminar-styled cooking classes annually to the general public through their Institute for Culinary Enthusiasts (click the link for topics and registration information), with 6 different classes running in March 2008.  He is also co-author of the best seller Modern Garde Manger, selected as the IACP Award Winner for 2007 in the Technical Reference Category.

 

Creating Super Salads!

This year, on the Gourmet Cooking Stage, our chef has chosen four delectable salads that will bring flair to your table, a smile to your face, and joy to your palate. From the venerable Caesar, to the festive Flaming Spinach, these salads are sure to add pizzazz to your culinary repertoire.  Watch Chef Angus as he shows you how to tempt your taste buds while preparing heart healthy cuisine!