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Symposium Speakers
Education and sharing of knowledge is a major part of the 75th Annual International Lily Show & Symposium. Our exciting educational symposiums, will be composed of expert speakers, from across North America, addressing their areas of comprehensive knowledge.
Thursday, July 10, 2025
- Dr. Ieuan Evans has conducted academic research and performed practical problem solving for agriculture in Alberta for many years. He was inducted into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2012. Dr. Evans will speak about "Lily Killers Galore" on Thursday, July 10 at 12:15pm read more...
- Judith Freeman began hybridizing lilies more than 40 years ago and created The Lily Garden in 1979. Ms. Freeman will speak on “Color Patterns in Lilies: Pigments, Environment, Genes, and Chromosomes” in a presentation on July 10, at 1:30 pm. read more...
- Dr. Brian Bergman has grown and hybridized lilies for 30 years. His growing and hybridizing field, Lilycrest Gardens, is located in St. Catharines, in the heart of Niagara Wine country. Dr. Bergman will speak about “Quirks and Quarks – My Journey with Lily Hybridizing” in his presentation on July 10, at 2:45 pm. read more...
Friday, July 11, 2025
- Rick Rodich has grown lilies since his early teens in the 1970s. Since then, lilies have always been part of his life. Species lilies are of particular interest, as Rick's botany background forms his drive for learning about the natural world. Mr Rodich will speak on "Species for the North” in his presentation on July 11, at 1:30pm. read more...
- Dr. Steve Willson currently lives in Washington state in a climate that is generally very good for lily growing. His interests range from growing Western American species and hybrids, trumpet lilies for the general garden beds, and Asian species. Dr. Willson will speak about "A Singular Journey Growing and Hybridizing Western North American Species" in a presentation on July 11, at 2:45 pm. read more...
Saturday, July 12, 2025
- Dr. Colin Tamboline started growing lilies in 1984, the year his daughter was born. His obsession with Lilium blossomed about 1998 and was only held in check by a busy career and family life. Dr. Tamboline will speak about "Lilies – Summer Splendor" on July 12 at 1:30pm. read more...
- Barrie Agar has devoted years of service working in the field and falling in and out of love with various plants. In her presentation "Stalwarts in the Perennial Garden - A personal and subjective look at top performers in perennial and mixed gardens" she will present a list of steadfast plants that never sulk, play hard to get, or vanish after the first year in search of a better offer. Ms. Agar will speak on July 12 at 2:45pm. read more...
- Dr. Wilbert Ronald will be our after-dinner speaker on Saturday July 12 at the Awards Banquet. read more...
Final confirmations have been received from our symposium speakers, and this page has be updated with links to speaker biographies, and expansion of each Symposium Session. We hope you will consider attending the 75th Annual International Lily Show & Symposium and enjoy our outstanding group of speakers!