BC Home + Garden Show - Celebrities & Speakers

Scott McGillivray Real Estate & Renovation Expert

Scott McGillivray’s passion lies in educating people to make smart investment and renovation decisions to, in turn, build wealth through real estate. Scott has been a top rated HGTV star in Canada & the US for almost 20 years, starring in over 400 episodes of television, and is best known as the star and award-winning Executive Producer of HGTV hit series’ “Income Property”, “Moving the McGillivrays”, “Buyers Bootcamp”, and most recently “Scott’s Vacation House Rules” and “Renovation Resort." Scott is an accomplished entrepreneur; he’s CEO of multiple successful businesses in both the media and real estate sectors as well as a real estate investor with properties across North America. As a skilled contractor, best-selling author, educator, and leading guest expert, Scott McGillivray is trusted for successful renovation and return on investment tactics. He is a respected influencer and digital trailblazer who engages daily with his 1M+ followers.

Graeme Huguet My House Design Build

Graeme is the Owner of My House Design/Build Team; a multi-award-winning Renovator & Custom Home Builder. To date, they have received over 100 industry related awards, including being the BC Georgie finalist for “Custom Home Builder of the Year”, “Best Customer Satisfaction”, and "Renovator of the Year" for 7 consecutive years.

Certified Built Green, Net Zero, and Passive House, his team of designers and construction personnel take personal pride in guiding clients through the design/build process to create beautiful, functional, and healthy homes. His team is most noted for taking a holistic approach to all their projects, no matter the size, " Creating Great Living Spaces’.

Nick Bray Nick Bray Architecture

Megan Golightly Simplified Inc. presented by MyHouse Design/Build/Team

When your life is simplified and decluttered, you can enjoy the small moments. Megan Golightly loves what she does and has been doing it for 14 years. She has a passion for problem solving, organizing projects big and small, and working with families to see their homes and lives transformed. Her goal is to help you feel at ease in your home and eliminate the negative feelings you may have about your clutter. It's often hard work but worth it! Megan holds a degree in Psychology and on-going study in Neuroscience peaked her curiosity on how the brain works in relation to the spaces in our homes. It’s unhealthy to have nagging critical thoughts about the state of our homes. Whether or not we believe these words, our subconscious mind does. Deciding how and where to start can be paralyzing. Megan can help motivate, inspire and uncover the psychology of organizing. You can find Simplified's Instagram account full of tips, tricks, how-tos, before and afters and more!

Presented by MyHouse Design/Build/Team

Todd Best Best Builders Ltd.

Adam Weir Renovation Specialist

Adam Weir has a multitude of interests and abilities. From a young age, he taught himself magic and worked that into a business for himself at the age of twelve. He graduated with Honours from the Television Broadcasting program at Algonquin College and moved to Montreal to further explore the Television and Movie Industry. Here he worked behind the scenes concluding with a job as a 3rd Assistant Director. That led to his own stage show as a Magician on Discovery Cruise Lines.

He later moved to Toronto, which led him to work on the last 13 television seasons on some of the most successful series for HGTV. These experiences honed his affinity and skills in construction work. During this time, he worked in a variety of roles including construction coordinator, project manager and on-camera talent, most recently on 3 seasons of Island of Bryan. Since leaving the Island, he has produced, directed, and filmed a number of videos for suppliers and sponsors. He has most recently acquired the exclusive rights to EZ Dock in the Kawarthas (ezdockkawartha.ca).

Elisabeth Baudinaud Carbon Wise

Ashley de Boer Ashley de Boer Interior Design

At just 24 years old, Ashley’s impeccable taste, boundless creativity, and relentless work ethic have landed her her most recent accomplishment; Ashley has been selected as one of the outstanding young professionals in NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 Class of 2024 of which she is one of the only three Canadians. She has also been featured on HGTV's "Sarah Mountain Escape," where she collaborates with renowned designer Sarah Richardson to transform a breathtaking 5000 sq ft Bavarian-inspired bed and breakfast in Whistler.

With an innate talent for infusing functionality, comfort, and style into every project, Ashley's designs have left clients mesmerized and inspired. Her unique approach revolves around creating spaces that reflect her clients' individual stories, elevating their everyday lives. Rooted in a lineage of residential builders, her deep understanding of building processes and design elements sets her apart from her peers.

Cooking Stage Presenters

Presented by:

Bruno Feldeisen Judge CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show

A passionate and energetic Chef, known for crafting unique cooking experiences, Bruno Feldeisen brings nearly three decades of culinary experience to his role as Judge on the CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show, now recruiting for its 6^th season.

Feldeisen was named one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America by Chocolatier Magazine two years in a row and has been nominated twice for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef. His delicious works have appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Gourmet Magazine, Bon Appetit Magazine and New York Magazine. Chef Bruno’s new cookbook “Baking with Bruno” will be available for purchase after his presentations.

Craig Sung Executive Chef - Forage

Chef Craig Sung is making waves behind the scenes with his farm-to-table approach and innovative culinary style when it comes to the food he chooses to serve. With a strong passion for creating dishes that leave a lasting impact, Chef Craig has established himself as a master of crafting memorable culinary experiences. 

Born in Arizona, USA, and raised in Burnaby, BC, Chef Craig's culinary journey began with enrollment in the apprenticeship program at VCC, where he honed his skills and acquired his Red Seal Certificate. His culinary journey has taken him from prestigious hotel properties in Vancouver and Australia to collaborating with renowned Michelin-star chefs.

In 2019, Chef Craig joined Forage as the Executive Sous Chef, showcasing his culinary prowess and dedication to excellence. His exceptional talent and commitment to his craft earned him the esteemed title of Executive Chef of Forage, Forage Catering, and Jervis Joint. Leading the culinary team, Chef Craig brings his innovative approach and passion for farm-to-table cuisine to create extraordinary dining experiences for guests.

Fabrizio Busso Food and Beverage Specialist - The Base Food Inc.

Fabrizio Busso is a passionate and innovative professional born in the gastronomic heartland of Italy in 1980. With a rich background in the food and beverage industry, Fabrizio started his career at the young age of 18 years old just after completing the high school studies Born and raised in Italy, Fabrizio developed an early fascination with the art of Mixology and decided to study under Fabio Milani (owner and founder of the European Bartender School and multiple time world champion). With Fabio’s help, Fabrizio started to competing in multiple national events and got the first place at the Bacardi Martini Legacy Competition, first place at the Pernod Ricard Cocktail Competition for two consecutive years under the whiskey section and the first place again the following year under the Gin section. In 2003 at the age of 23 Fabrizio opened his first business, a busy and eclectic cafe and cocktail bar called “Malibù”. Being actively part of the staff Fabrizio became passionated about coffee and started to participate to several seminars at Lavazza Torino, Illy Caffè and Cimbali Italia to improve his skills in the world of the cafeteria. Not able to stop his “food curiosity” in 2009 Fabrizio decided to sell his cafe to open a bakery and start a new adventure with his wife Valentina. “Di Pane in Pane” was a successful and busy venture. During the years as baker Fabrizio learned from multiple renowned Italian maestros different techniques and approaches regarding breads, pizza and pastry. In 2012 the Bakers Association of the province of Cuneo honoured to Fabrizio the award as “Young Innovator in the Traditional Art of Baking”. In 2014 Fabrizio embarked on a life-changing journey with Valentina, crossing continents to call Canada home. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter, where Fabrizio blended traditional Italian culinary expertise with a global perspective, embracing the diverse and vibrant food scene in Canada. When landed in Canada Fabrizio started to work for the well know Gelato Shop Bella Gelateria under the ownership of the multiple World Champion Gelato Master James Colerdige. Of course Fabrizio become passionate about Gelato and decided to go back to Italy to study at the Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna and become Gelato Master himself as well. With precision and passion, Fabrizio was promoted a Lab manager where he was able to craft frozen creations that transported taste buds to the streets of Florence or the shores of Sicily. In Fabrizio's culinary journey, a significant milestone was achieved in 2018 when he assumed the role of General Manager at To Live For Bakery. This pivotal appointment marked a new chapter in Fabrizio's career, aligning passion with professional leadership in the vibrant world of plant-based baking. At To Live For Bakery, a renowned establishment celebrated for its commitment to plant-based creations Fabrizio had the chance to work in a different environment with a different vision elevating his knowledge in the Vegan world and improving his leadership skills. During the years in Vancouver Fabrizio also developed and taught various baking classes and Italian cooking classes at Vancouver Community College and Italian Cultural Centre and he recently achieved his certificate as Operator in Holistic Nutrition. Fabrizio recently co-founded with Pizza Chef Giuseppe Cortinovis “The Base Food Inc”; a company that will introduce soon to the market a revolutionary pizza crust.

Behshad Zolnasr Executive Chef at C|Prime Modern Italian Steak & Wine

Behshad Zolnasr brings equal measures raw passion, classical training and an impressive set of culinary skills sharpened in acclaimed kitchens around the world to his latest role at the helm of C|Prime Modern Italian Steak & Wine.

Imbued with the desire to pursue a career in the kitchen while watching cooking shows at a young age with his grandmother, Zolnasr first got his foot in the door working the forno oven at Earl’s former flagship Tin Palace in North Vancouver in his teens.

After graduating from culinary school at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, he honed his chops under renowned chefs at a number of Michelin-starred spots around the globe like Ristorante Mamma Angelina in Rome, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London and Jean-Georges in New York City before returning to Vancouver.

More recently, Zolnasr was the Executive Chef at West Vancouver’s Café Ça Va and Rive Gauche Bistro when it claimed the ‘Best North Shore’ nod at the 2017 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards and also led the culinary teams at Vancouver’s Served Catering, Seaside Provisions in North Vancouver and Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar locations in Vancouver and Chilliwack.

“At C|Prime, I’m able to fully explore and express my love of Italian cuisine and pay homage to the steakhouse experiences I had while working in kitchens in New York City,” says Zolnasr. “I look forward to bringing some of that same Big Apple magic to Vancouver while also showcasing authentic, old-world Italian recipes I’ve been fortunate to learn in my travels around the globe.”

Daniel Kenney Head Chef - Dahlia

Chef Daniel's culinary journey began in childhood, surrounded by the bounty of a large garden at home. The diverse array of fresh foods he enjoyed at an early age contributed to his finely tuned palate today. Growing up with Emeril Lagasse on TV and regular home-cooked meals, he realized the power of food in creating unforgettable moments in life.

At 16, he delved into the restaurant world in his hometown, Hamilton, Ontario. "I caught the bug," he says, and there was no turning back. Striving to surpass his peers and refine his skills, he decided to pursue culinary education at George Brown College in Toronto. This marked his introduction to proper French techniques and the humbling experience of being a small fish in a vast culinary pond. Post-graduation, his culinary journey took him to Southampton, England, where he worked with P&O Cruise Liners and in the renowned "Rhodes Room" under Gary Rhodes. The experience in Marco Pierre White's "White Room" further shaped him into the hardworking chef he is today.

After the dynamic cruise ship chapter, Chef Daniel returned home to join La Cantina in Hamilton, renowned for its 30-year legacy. Under the guidance of Maurizio Grande, he cultivated a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine and wood-burning ovens.

Eager for new challenges, Chef Daniel set his sights on Toronto, initially working at Le Germain Hotel before progressing to a CDP role. His journey continued with roles at Estia, Rosewater Supper Club, and collaborating with Don Alfonso in its early stages. Throughout, he embraced the ethos of making everything in-house.

Seeking change and fresh opportunities, Chef Daniel ventured from Toronto to Vancouver. Joining Glowbal Group, Pinnacle Group, and finally Executive Hotels, he found a platform to express his culinary creativity. The Executive Hotel has become a canvas for his vision, and he believes this is just the beginning.

Chef Daniel's culinary philosophy is straightforward: surround yourself with good people and quality ingredients, recognizing that the learning journey is perpetual. Despite the industry's recent transformations, he remains steadfast, believing that only the persistent will truly succeed in this ever-evolving culinary landscape. 

Tommy Shorthouse Executive Chef - Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market

As the Executive Chef at Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market, Tommy Shorthouse demonstrates a true enthusiasm and respect for the unique seasonality and landscape of the region. A West Coast chef through and through, Tommy delights guests with his creative ‘tide-to-table’ menu showcasing the very best fresh and sustainable ingredients that B.C. has offer, all sourced from local fisheries and independent farms. 

A lifelong Vancouverite, Tommy’s coastal upbringing led him to develop a curiosity for fish and seafood at a young age. After graduating from VCC’s Culinary Arts program in 2013 he completed his Red Seal Certificate, and the young culinary talent went on to refine his skills alongside leading chef mentors at some of the city’s most iconic dining institutions. 

Over the course of his 16-year career in the industry, Tommy has cultivated his passion for seafood and West Coast cuisine while working in back-of-house roles at legendary Vancouver restaurants such as Joe Fortes, YEW seafood + bar, Homer Street Café, Wild Tale, and Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, where he was part of the restaurant’s acclaimed opening team led by award-winning Executive Chef Alex Chen.

While Tommy’s professional experience is varied and extensive, his culinary philosophy is simple. The hardworking chef believes in elevating humble, comfort foods by using high-quality ingredients that evoke a distinct sense of time and place on the plate. Tommy takes a thoughtful approach to all of his seasonal dishes at Fanny Bay, applying a precise attention to detail while celebrating the distinctly delicious bounty of the Pacific Northwest.

Dez Lo Top Chef Canada Runner-Up

Chef Dez Lo, who was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Taiwan, started working in the finance sector in New York City in the early 2000's after graduating from New York University before deciding to pursue her lifelong passion for cooking.  She enrolled at the French Culinary Institute and embarked on an almost 2-decade long career since then.  

Before moving to Vancouver in 2016, Chef Dez honed her skills and climbed the culinary ladder at some top New York restaurants, including La Grenouille, Oceana and Locanda Verde.  In Vancouver, she worked at Cincin Restaurante until August 2019 as the Executive Sous Chef before joining the team at Old Bird as its opening chef in September 2019.  When the pandemic hit, she took on an unexpected role as the Chef and Sales Director at Fresh Ideas Start Here, a Vancouver-based seafood company. Chef Dez competed on season 10 of Top Chef Canada and finished as runner-up.  Most recently she was the Head Chef at Blank Canvas Catering and Chef-in-Residence for the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.  She is currently working as a private chef.  

Giuseppe Cortinovis Canadian Pizza Chef - The Base Food Inc.

Giuseppe Cortinovis (born 13 March 1980) is an Italian baker specialized in pizza production since he left his home country in 2009.

He was born and raised in the small town of San Pellegrino Terme, where the famous sparkling water comes from. After completing his degree in electronics and telecommunications, he studied industrial engineering and opened a bakery with his parents. While making pizza to pay for university he started to compete nationally and internationally and placed the finals at the “giropizza d’Europa” (European pizza challenge) four times out of five.

In 2010 he created his first website about pizza “pizzaontheroad.it” (then moved to lovemypizza.com) and started traveling around the world, to spread “Italian pizza culture” starting with Australia. He worked in Perth, Lancelin, Sydney, Newport and Port Douglas (where he opened a pasta business called “Trattoria Eataliana”). He then went to Thailand to follow the opening of a friend’s pizza restaurant in Chiang Mai. Back to Italy, he worked again in the family business, then he relocated to Covent Garden, London (UK), to manage the pizza production of a small but busy Italian restaurant. With his friend Giordano he founded “the Covent Garden Jam Company” and worked in the Jubilee market; making jam out of few old jam recipes based off an antique chef’s manuscript that him and Giordano found in an antique shop store.

He came to Canada in 2014 and he was sponsored by the Glowbal Group, as lead pizza chef, to become a permanent resident and since then has been part of the opening team of: Trattoria Park Royal, Trattoria Burnaby, Bella Gelateria Yaletown, Social Corner, Nightingale, Ignite pizzeria; providing technical support, experience and staff training.

In 2015 he published the book “I ACE” (in Italian) that describes his travel and work around Australia.

In 2020, he published the book “Bake Nouveau” in English (available on Amazon). This book teaches you how to create a versatile “flour kit” and encourages you to explore diverse baking methods and recipes using this kit.

After founding his consulting company, “lovemypizza” in 2017, he started to teach for the “school of Italian pizza” in Toronto and Montreal. He created pizza classes at the Vancouver Community College and Italian Cultural Center, then at Jan K Overweel and Kerrisdale Lumber. Also great supporter of the non-profit organization Superchef, who he is helping in their remarkable work to promote healthy food choice for kids by their culinary camp, which include pizza too, obviously.

He recently partnered with the sommelier Giuseppe De Cesare and started pizza and EVO oil pairing events.

He has competed at “Canadian pizza chef of the year” in Toronto and won 2nd place twice (in 2015 and 2017). Then he won in 2019 in Toronto and recently won the 2023 edition in Vancouver.

He has been sponsored by “Canadian pizza magazine” to compete at the world pizza championship in March 2024 in Las Vegas and represent Canada.

He recently founded the company “The Base Food Inc.” with his 50% business partner Fabrizio Busso, the GM of the plant based bakery and café “To Live For”. The Base is an innovative pizza crust that will be sold in a unique packaging… soon available in the market by the beginning of 2024.

Wes Levesque Executive Chef & Owner - Sheila's Catering Co.

Wes Levesque, Executive Chef and owner of Sheila’s Catering Co., has a rich background of culinary experience. Hailing from Tsawwassen B.C, Wes knew he was destined to be a chef from an early age. As a young adult he opened several successful food establishments, including cafes, pubs and restaurants in the lower mainland. Awarded for his role in the culinary world, Wes was honored as a top “30 under 30” for leading chefs in B.C. In 2017, he took over Sheila’s Catering which helped launch him into the center of BC’s catering community.

Wes has a deep love for food and a commitment to giving back. His company provided over 5000 meals for those working in hospitals and caregiving homes during the covid pandemic. Sheila’s Catering and Wes’ current accolades include a 2023 Golden Plate Award - Best Caterer By the Georgia Straight. They have won Best Caterer Award by the PAN Readers Choice Awards for 6 years running. In 2023 they broke a Guinness World Record: Longest Charcuterie Board/Platter 2023. Which in turn gave way to the Sources BC Community Hero Award for excellent stewardship in fundraising over $45,000 for local charities in 2023.

A diligent leader, Wes takes on challenges with heart and purpose. He sets his goals
high as he strives to offer the best experience of life possible. Husband and father of 2 young boys, he focuses on a balance of work and family life - bringing grounded roots to his relationships both in and out of the kitchen.

Vancouver Sun Gardeners Stage Speakers

Presented by:

Brian Minter Master Gardener, best-selling author and Order of Canada recipient

A recipient of the 'Order of Canada' and an 'Honorary Doctorate of Technology', Brian Minter, B.A., is a horticulturist, entrepreneur, and best-selling author. Brian is well known from his magazine articles, syndicated newspaper columns and TV and radio programs. Brian is in demand internationally as a speaker by industry and gardening groups. Brian has sat on the boards of many community organizations. He has recently completed two terms as the first Chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley. In 2014, in Cincinnati, Brian was presented with the 'Award of Merit', the highest honour given by the Perennial Plant Association. In 2014, in Pittsburgh, he was presented with the 'Hall of Fame Award', the highest honour given by the Garden Writers' Association.

Derek Churchill Landscape Horticulturist and Educator

Derek will be joining UBC as the Principal Instructor for the Horticulture Training Program. He brings over two decades of expertise in landscaping and is deeply committed to addressing the pressing issues arising from climate change and their profound impact on our landscapes.

As a Red Seal Certified Landscape Horticulturist, Derek is resolute about rectifying past horticultural misjudgments that jeopardize the health of our green spaces. He challenges the antiquated belief that the forgiving West Coast climate once accommodated any planting method or choice, emphasizing the stark reality of today's changed environmental dynamics.

In his session, 'Why Trees Fail,' Derek sheds light on prevalent landscape mistakes while advocating for meticulous maintenance practices crucial for sustaining the health and resilience of our landscapes. His proactive stance toward rectifying these errors underscores the significance of safeguarding trees in our evolving climate. Join Derek at the BC Home and Garden Show to glean essential insights into fortifying landscapes against the perils of mismanagement.

Dr. Tara Moreau Metro Vancouver

Catherine Skoro Vancouver Master Gardeners

Catherine is a Vancouver Master Gardener with twenty-three years of golf course horticulture experience at Morgan Creek, Swaneset, and the Vancouver Golf Club respectively. In addition to her vast experience in turf management, she has helped ‘green’ her children’s school grounds and brought home gardens into her local community. Catherine has introduced – to members’ delight - other horticultural endeavors within various golf club grounds and meeting areas, ranging from the introduction of native plantings, to building a diverse multi-season food garden, offering a short course on container gardening, and preparing videos and articles on garden tips.

Erin Berkyto The Knotty Garden

Hi, I'm Erin! You might recognize me from @theknottygarden on Instagram. In 2022, I decided to share my gardening knowledge and enthusiasm on social media and I rapidly grew to over 100k followers! I have had my hands in the garden since I was a child and I have tended to my own gardens for well over a decade. I have a passion for organic and sustainable practices that support biodiversity and local ecosystems.

Not only is my garden a Certified Wildlife Habitat, it also grows a substantial amount of food for my family year-round. Growing and harvesting food in all four seasons is achievable with a bit of planning and the right equipment. I'm not the only Canadian who loves growing food at home; in 2021, 61% of all dwellings in Canada reported growing food in the past twelve months at home!

While I love gardening, it is not my professional background. I have a master's of science degree in speech-language pathology through UBC Medicine, where I even served as clinical faculty. I also have an undergraduate double major in English Language and Linguistics. Needless to say I love reading, writing and talking! Meeting new people is one of my favourite parts about sharing my gardening journey with others! If you see me at the show, make sure to say "hello!"

Follow me on Instagram for more gardening inspiration!

Janis Matson Owner & Operator of Shoreline Landscape Design Ltd.

I grew up in the Burnaby area as a sports and nature enthusiast. I consider myself very creative, enthusiastic, and fun! I love crafts, photography, plants, and the outdoors.

I enjoy working with people and as my career has grown, my mantra has been “to design garden spaces to look good and feel good!”

I have had the opportunity and joy to have worked in the horticultural industry for over 30 years. After graduating with my Landscape Design and horticulture diploma, I first worked in Murray Nurseries in southlands from 1988-1993.

I then decided to spread my wings and became the owner and operator of Shoreline landscape design ltd. for now over 30 years. Shoreline has specialized in residential garden consultation, design, and installation.

I then decided I wanted another challenge and teach what I love! So went back to school and achieved my Provincial Instructors diploma. And got lucky and was able to get a faculty instructor position at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley with the horticultural diploma and apprenticeship programs for the last 10 years.

I also worked part time teaching with Burnaby Community Education with their horticultural Hardscape, Plant id certificate, Pruning certificate, Plant placement and design certificate and Apprenticeship programs.

I also teach as an adult education instructor at Van Dusen Gardens and with the Vancouver master gardener programs. And then when I have time, I do presentations for lower mainland garden clubs that are willing to listen to me!

Now, hoping to have some fun with the horticultural foundations course at VIU!

Carissa Kasper Seed and Nourish

Carissa Kasper is the founder of Seed & Nourish which creates kitchen gardens for residential and commercial clients including the Fairmont Waterfront’s chef garden. Her passion is to empower gardeners to grow beautiful food in the city.

She has appeared in print and live with the Lonely Planet Travel Anthology, Vancouver Sun, CTV Morning Live, GlobalBC, The Nat & Drew Show, and CBC Our Vancouver.

Carissa believes in the power of the kitchen garden to transform space into place, plants into nourishment, and challenge into discovery.

Trent Brown Ground Break Design

Trent Brown is the owner of Ground Break Design and has been in the landscape industry for 15 years, designing for prominent landscape construction firms and homeowners all over Western Canada. He began by learning the ins and outs of the construction side of the business before completing his schooling in landscape design. His process reveals homeowners’ true reasons for making a change to their landscape, and with that, he can design yards that fit who they uniquely are.

Trent knows firsthand the difficulties that can accompany landscape and DIY projects. In his years of professional experience, he has honed his step-by-step process to help eliminate stress and anxiety for his clients. His goal is to change how people experience design and construction services by sharing that approach with other professionals and DIYers. Learn more about Trent at GroundBreakDesign.com

Bryan Moffat West Coast Gardens

Meet Bryan Moffatt, a skilled professional whose career has taken him from the vineyards of Niagara to the vibrant gardens of the West Coast.

Bryan's love for gardening started during his growing-up years in Toronto. Daily walks in the garden and planting seeds were just a part of his everyday life.

Starting his career as a cellarhand in Niagara, Bryan found that his degree in Commerce, with a focus on Marketing, was surprisingly useful in the wine world. His knack for marketing blended seamlessly with his passion for making wine, creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.

Driven by his love for wine, Bryan made a strategic move across the country to work at Nk'Mip Cellars in Osoyoos, British Columbia. Here, he continued to put his skills to good use, contributing to the art of winemaking.

Taking a detour, Bryan explored the world of hospitality, spending time in restaurants and craft beer. This added a new layer to his skills and expanded his perspective in the industry.

Currently, Bryan is the Operations Manager at West Coast Gardens. His role involves overseeing the careful cultivation of a thriving retail garden center, ensuring that every part of the garden meets high standards.

Beyond his managerial role, Bryan shares his expertise online. Through friendly social media videos, he talks about everything from annuals to tropical plants, offering practical tips for plant care. His straightforward and informative content has gathered a community of plant enthusiasts.

Join Bryan Moffatt on his talk about crafting unique tropical planters by balancing light, water, and care conditions.

Karin England Metro Vancouver

Karin England is a landscape architect working for Metro Vancouver on design and development of Regional Parks. Like so many landscape professionals, Karin’s connection to the land grew from a childhood spent romping around in the great outdoors. Her greatest passion is sharing her love of landscape design, particularly plant material, with others. An award-winning designer, she strives to provide people with engaging, sustainable outdoor spaces that enrich their lives. She holds Master of Teaching and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees, and is an experienced practitioner and educator.

Angela Hoy Vancouver Master Gardeners

Angela has had a lifelong love of gardening. She became a Master Composter in the UK in 2012 and ever since has enlightened the gardening public about the joys and benefits of home composting. Since arriving in Canada in September 2017, she has volunteered at Riley Park Community Garden where she was instrumental in setting up the present compost system. She is a Master Gardener and has recently taken the Master Recycler course. She shares her knowledge of composting at many public events.

Laurelle Oldford-Down Art's Nursery

Laurelle Oldford-Down is a retired Landscape Designer, local apple grower, and all-round crazy plant lady. She loves helping new gardeners fall in love with their own little piece of nature and has owned and operated her own design and build company for over 25 years. She has a reputation for unusual and choice residential planting for keen gardeners from White Rock to North Vancouver. Three of her gardens have been featured in municipal garden tours.

Laurelle is a member of the BC Fruit Testers Association and has over 100 potted and in the ground heritage and connoisseur apples not seen in supermarkets. She's been helping home gardeners get excited about growing fruits and berries at VanDusen Gardens and UBC Apple Fest for years. She is an instructor for the Fruits and Berries portion of the VanDusen Master Gardeners in Vancouver.

She writes articles and is part of the social media team for Art's Nursery Home and Garden. She is a sought-after speaker, and is often rebooked by popular demand by clubs on Bowen Island, North Van and in the valley

Laurelle is a mother of two now adult young ladies, 2 large dogs and 2 rather chunky orange cats. She lives in Cloverdale with hubby, daughters and the rest of the zoo and loves playing in her gardens and sharing her enthusiasm, plants and a smile with everyone that comes by!

Known for her outstanding communication to the public on the latest trends in gardening, Laurelle has recently been presented, by the British Columbia Landscape & Nursery Association, with the Garden Communicator of the Year Award.

There is more than one way to achieve an amazing garden space. Large or small, in containers or the ground, contemporary to traditional design, everyone has questions. Join two opinionated, experienced, landscape designers, nursery people and all-round style hounds in this light-hearted and interactive Q&A. Be prepared for their candid opinions of the do’s and don’ts on everything PLANTS. They will answer your questions and help you demystify and simplify gardening in the Pacific Northwest. Laurelle Oldford-Down, the Art’s Social Media Star, and John Cowie, our Nursery Manager, have over 50 years of knowledge, design and experience between them and while they may not always see eye-to-eye on some gardening elements, they do agree to give you honest, practical and engaging gardening advice!

2024 Speakers & Celebrities

Scott McGillivray Real Estate & Renovation Expert

Graeme Huguet My House Design Build

Nick Bray Nick Bray Architecture

Megan Golightly Simplified Inc. presented by MyHouse Design/Build/Team

Todd Best Best Builders Ltd.

Adam Weir Renovation Specialist

Elisabeth Baudinaud Carbon Wise

Ashley de Boer Ashley de Boer Interior Design

Cooking Stage Presenters

Bruno Feldeisen Judge CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show

Craig Sung Executive Chef - Forage

Fabrizio Busso Food and Beverage Specialist - The Base Food Inc.

Behshad Zolnasr Executive Chef at C|Prime Modern Italian Steak & Wine

Daniel Kenney Head Chef - Dahlia

Tommy Shorthouse Executive Chef - Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market

Dez Lo Top Chef Canada Runner-Up

Giuseppe Cortinovis Canadian Pizza Chef - The Base Food Inc.

Wes Levesque Executive Chef & Owner - Sheila's Catering Co.

Vancouver Sun Gardeners Stage Speakers

Brian Minter Master Gardener, best-selling author and Order of Canada recipient

Derek Churchill Landscape Horticulturist and Educator

Dr. Tara Moreau Metro Vancouver

Catherine Skoro Vancouver Master Gardeners

Erin Berkyto The Knotty Garden

Janis Matson Owner & Operator of Shoreline Landscape Design Ltd.

Carissa Kasper Seed and Nourish

Trent Brown Ground Break Design

Bryan Moffat West Coast Gardens

Karin England Metro Vancouver

Angela Hoy Vancouver Master Gardeners

Laurelle Oldford-Down Art's Nursery

John Cowie Art's Nursery

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