BC Home + Garden Show - Celebrities & Speakers

BRYAN BAEUMLER HGTV'S "Island of Bryan"

Bryan doesn’t believe he’s put in an honest day’s work unless he gets his hands dirty! A natural-born teacher, the Gemini-award winning host has been educating and entertaining viewers across Canada and the US since 2007. Bryan’s TV journey started with the hit shows Disaster DIY, Canada’s Handyman Challenge and Leave it to Bryan. In 2010 Bryan was joined by his wife Sarah where the couple let viewers into their life with the filming of The House of Bryan Series, Bryan Inc. and HGTV Canada's #1 rated show, Island of Bryan. Bryan’s quick wit and easy-going personality have made him a huge hit with viewers leading to record breaking ratings.

Learning valuable tricks of the trade from his father, a meticulous aircraft engineer, Bryan spent his childhood summers building his family’s cottage from the ground up. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged at the age of 14 when he opened his own handyman business doing odd jobs for neighbours.

With so much of his youth invested in building, it’s hard to believe Bryan’s life almost took a completely different turn. After earning a dual degree in Political Science and Business at TheUniversity of Western Ontario, Bryan was headed towards a career of practicing law. Realizing he’d rather be renovating than being chained to a desk, his innate passion for building took over and he traded in his tie for a tool belt and founded Baeumler Quality Construction.

Almost 2 decades, a beautiful family and numerous hit shows later, Bryan continues to tackle home renovation projects, be the spokesperson for various brand partners all while he and Sarah continue to expand the Baeumler brand. His drive, work ethic and focus have enabled him to achieve ongoing professional success while maintaining his family first focus and being a caring husband and father.

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’.

Megan Golightly Simplified Inc.

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!

KATHY YUEN PHASE ONE DESIGN

Kathy Yuen is an Architectural Technologist and founder of Phase One Design, a residential design firm specializing in designing dream homes for homeowners across Canada with studio locations in Vancouver + Okanagan + Calgary.
Her humble roots began when she started working on construction sites, managing trades and projects as a Project Manager (yep, steel toed boots, hard hat, and
all!)
In 2006, she decided to pursue her dream of designing custom homes. Phase One Design was born. Since then, Kathy and her team has helped over 642 homeowners design their dream homes.
Their work can be seen from Victoria to Nova Scotia and has been recognized for countless awards (26 finalist nominations, won 12 awards). Their designs have been featured in numerous publications across Canada.
Kathy is a well recognized business leader, public speaker, and educator for the design and custom home community. She has spearheaded many community initiatives such as educational seminars, regular stage appearances, founded the YouTube Channel “Dream Homes with Kathy” and has been nominated twice for RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.
Outside of the office, Kathy is passionate about volunteering for non‐profit causes including Horizon Housing Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Mustard Seed. She is a foodie, loves trying any new life adventure, hiking, snowboarding, and golf.

Jamie Banfield Jamie Banfield Design

ABOUT JAMIE BANFIELD

Residential Designer | Jamie Banfield Design Inc.

A creative force in the design industry and an award-winning residential designer, Jamie Banfield specializes in transforming spaces into well-edited and timeless creations. Inspired by the West Coast’s beauty, Banfield integrates detailed millwork, unique textures, and natural elements into each of his designs. He often uses reclaimed materials to create sustainable designs that showcase his unique perspective and love for carefully thought-out functionality in his finished spaces. Formally trained in design, with a complementary background in manufacturing, construction, and custom millwork, Banfield leads his team with his intrinsic understanding of the total design process for both renovation and new build projects. From inspiration to completion, Banfield’s knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to listen to his client's needs results in aesthetically functional rooms that truly reflect the people who live there.

Recognized by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as one of the industry’s top “30 Under 30” in North America, “One to Watch” by Western Living Magazine, and a Finalist for the Robert Ledingham Memorial “Emerging Designer of The Year Award,” Jamie’s work can be seen in private residences and public spaces throughout Canada. He has appeared on TV outlets and Lifestyle talk shows such as Global TV, CTV, Vancouver, CTV Edmonton, CTV Calgary, That Talk Show, and The Marc + Mandy Show. Jamie frequently shares his style advice as an international speaker on stages such as the Vancouver Fall Home Show, International KBIS, BC Home + Garden Show, Vancouver Home + Design Show, Edmonton Renovation Show, Edmonton Home + Garden Show, Edmonton Fall Home Show, Calgary Home + Design Show, Calgary Renovation Show, and Tacoma Home + Garden Show.

ABOUT JAMIE BANFIELD DESIGN INC.

Who We Are

One part creative, one part technical, Jamie Banfield Design Inc. is an award-winning residential design team recognized for our functional, timeless, and warm style. Located in Port Moody, British Columbia, just outside of the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, we take our inspiration from the view outside our window. We have a true passion for all spaces of the home, and a specialty in all things kitchen and bathroom. Led by principal designer, Jamie Banfield, our team of innovative, passionate, and resilient problem solvers has become a trusted creative for

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).

Alina He Gary Wong Realty

Aline He is a conscientious Realtor in the award winning Gary Wong Group. She exudes credibility, commitment and determination. With an extensive background in Healthcare & Business, her passion for helping others easily transitioned into real estate. This knowledge, coupled with her caring approach has provided her with valuable skills that she uses daily in real estate negotiations, educating home-buyers and sellers, and effectively marketing the team’s listings. Alina’s impressive attention to detail and knowledge of the market is widely acknowledged and respected by her clients, her peers and in the real estate industry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her 2 children and husband. Alina is fluent in English and Mandarin, both written and verbal and is a core pillar on the team

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.

Josef Driemel Sous Chef, Fable Diner

Tarek Chellouf Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver

Joanna Tymkiw Purpose-driven Chef & Food Journalist

Joanna is a trained chef and food journalist, appearing numerous times on the Marilyn Denis Show, Breakfast Television, CTV's Your Morning, Rogers, and CBC. Her written work has been published in the Globe and Mail, the National Post, CBC Life, The Vancouver Sun and various other print and web publications over the last decade.

Joanna is passionate about surprising her audiences with plant-based foods that can rival any of our traditional favorites. From vegan “chicken” and waffles to Greek yogurt made from silken tofu, Joanna will surprise you with how easy it is to make these switches and entertain you while she’s at it!

Behshad Zolnasr 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. He 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.”

Jennifer Palma Global BC

Jennifer Palma has always loved news. As a child she would watch the news instead of cartoons. So, her love of current affairs led to a degree in International Studies from the University of Manitoba. She also studied at the University of British Columbia. She received her TV and radio arts diploma at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

She began her broadcasting career in Edmonton hosting a segment on a cable TV show, then working as a production assistant at ITV (now Global Edmonton). Moving to Saskatchewan, she worked in radio, as a reporter and anchor at Global Regina, and at Global Saskatoon. She began reporting at Global BC in 2007.

Some major stories Jennifer has had the opportunity to work on at Global BC include reporting on a plane that crashed into a Richmond apartment building. She was also the first TV news reporter to cover the story of Robert Dziekanski who was Tasered at the Vancouver airport. While in Saskatchewan, two news series she reported and produced were used as training tools by the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Police Force.

In her spare time, Jennifer loves to be with her family, read, cook, and travel. She speaks, reads and writes in six languages.

Karen Barnaby Goodly Foods

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.

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.

Pamela Dangelmaier Botanus Inc

A native Vancouverite, Pam’s love of gardening began as a child when she explored her grandparent’s sunken garden. After receiving her BFA from UBC, she had a successful career in theatre, television and film and then returned to her ‘roots’ when she helped co-found Botanus. Pam’s flair for the artistic can be seen in all she does – from creating the coveted Botanus catalogues to appearing as a gardening expert on television, radio and for many garden clubs across the country. Her debut novel, Flour Garden, which centres around a fictitious Vancouver-based garden club, continues to be a best seller. Pam is an enthusiastic promoter of gardening for young and old and loves to share that excitement with others in fun and engaging ways.

Emma Terrell The Urban Botanist

Emma Terrell is The Urban Botanist ! Born and based in Ottawa, Canada, Emma created to this unique online brand and experience to reconnect people with nature. She believes in the benefits of interacting with nature and working to change interior spaces, lifestyle, mentality, and health! She has spent the past 6 years as an international speaker, offering workshops on plant care, pausing with plants, terrarium workshops, and so much more. She designs, fabricates and installs VERTICAL GREEN WALLS....the latest trend in the interior biophilic design world being moss walls. Check her out on her social media pages with over 50K followers and 2 million views to learn more about The Urban Botanist, and how you can get excited about engaging with nature. You can also see her speak live on stage with a fresh perspective to the hobby of horticulture. Emma's science-based background and creative approach works to inspire people to interact with nature in an urban setting. With thoughtful practice, gardening, workshops and demonstrations, she hopes to inspire and educate plant parents around the world!

@theurbanbotanist

Carissa Kasper Seed & Nourish

Janis Matson Shoreline Landscape Design Ltd.

Shoreline Landscape Design Ltd.

Janis Matson grew up in Burnaby. She is awed by nature, loving sunsets and the beach, and a plant lover as well as an amateur photographer and sports enthusiast.

Janis loves working with people and enjoys the challenge of making garden spaces look and feel good.

She worked at Murray Nurseries in Southlands from 1988 – 1993. She is the owner and operator of Shoreline Landscape Design Ltd. and has been for the last 20 years.

In addition to her company demands she is also the faculty instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley with the horticultural diploma and apprenticeship programs. Janis is also the contract faculty instructor with Burnaby Community Education with the horticultural RLT, hardscape and Apprenticeship programs and an adult education instructor at VanDusen Botanical Gardens.

Janis has a Red Seal in horticulture as well as a landscape design and horticultural diploma, floral design certificate, arborist certificate and provincial instructors diploma.

Elke Wehinger Botanus Inc

Born in the heart of the Blackforest in Germany, Elke has a master’s degree in floral design and owned a successful flower shop in Munich. After immigrating to Canada in the late 90’s she helped co-found Botanus. Elke is passionate about gardening and along with her mastery in floral design, marketing genius and an unending supply of enthusiasm, she has helped Botanus grow into one of Canada’s most trusted mail-order suppliers of fine horticultural products. Elke is a non-stop ‘life learner’ who has added the title of ‘Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach’ to her many skills. Along with her expertise in gardening she is also a foodie, beekeeper, kayaker, DIY guru, avid reader and drummer. Elke is a true force of nature!

Alex Augustyniak Lucky Sun Farm Ltd

Alex grew up on a farm in Ontario with over 400 acres of cash crops, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks as well as vegetables, 15 acres of tomatoes, and a pollinator area of wildflowers; he’s been growing things ever since. Alex was General Manager of West Coast Seeds, then National Sales Manager for WCS, PineBush Home and Garden and Renee’s Garden Seed for Canada in addition to serving as Treasurer for All America Selections. Alex is currently Director and Co-owner of Minter Country Garden as well as Owner / Director of Lucky Sun Farm where they are trialing flowers, trees, herbs, and vegetables. Alex recently joined the BC Landscape nursery association as their Retail Chair. He enjoys growing and farming organically as well as giving back to the community, growing food for the food bank and doing in person talks, and events to help people learn how to grow their own food in a sustainable method.

Tamara Litke Seed to Song Gardens

Tamara Elke Litke is a Master Gardener and has a Master of Education in Sustainability and owner of Seed to Song Gardens. She has worked on community gardens, school projects and commercial projects. She is a board member of the Native Bee Society of BC, a Butterfly Ranger and an ambassador for World Wildlife’s ‘In The Zone’, all of which include temperate rainforest plant species back into residential yards. She is currently the Education Manager for the Stanley Park Ecology Society and is an expert on local plants that benefit biodiversity and support a healthy climate. http://seedtosong.ca

Gardening for Life

Learn about plants that have adapted to our climate. Beneficial groupings of native plants provide a waterwise, low maintenance garden that can create years of enjoyment. Trees, shrubs, ferns and flowers will be considered for their tolerance for sun, shade or wet garden areas. We will review the top ten native plants, review location choices, and help you plan out the easiest garden possible. We will look at healthy habitats, best practices and the reasons why reintroducing indigenous species to your garden in our current climate is a smart choice.

John Cowie Art's Nursery

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!

Amanda Jarrett Amanda's Garden Consulting Company

Originally from England, Amanda Jarrett is a professional horticulturist, Organic Land Care Professional and has her Red Seal in Horticulture. Recently retired as an instructor, writer and coordinator for horticulture and garden courses at Douglas College, Langara College, Gaia College, Vancouver School Board and the Burnaby School District. Her consulting business, Amanda’s Garden Consulting Company, offers advice to home gardeners and professionals. The accompanying website, The Garden Website.com, https://www.thegardenwebsite.com/, features timely and informative garden information. Amanda is also a freelance garden writer, photographer and author of Ornamental Tropical Shrubs.

Gary Lewis Phoenix Perennials & Specialty Plants

Gary Lewis began botanizing his local fields and forests around the age of four (first in
Germany, then in Nova Scotia and Ontario), began collecting houseplants at the age of
10 and began gardening at the age of 15. He holds a Masters of Science degree in Plant
Ecology from the University of British Columbia, training which, with its focus on the
botany and ecology of wild plants, greatly informs his horticulture.
Gary became the owner of Phoenix Perennials in 2004 on his 28th birthday. Since that
time he has greatly expanded the nursery to include one of the largest and most exciting selections of perennials in Canada with over 5000 different plants each year. He strives to include cutting edge new perennials, tried and true garden stalwarts, and the rare and unusual in his plant offerings. In 2013 Phoenix Perennials launched Canadian mail order to bring their unique plant selection to a broader audience and now ships plants to avid gardeners from coast to coast to coast.

Reinier van de Poll van de Poll Garden Design

Reinier van de Poll has a unique mix of practical and theoretical experience. He has worked for several horticulturists, garden centers, and landscape design firms. He is a graduate of the Landscape Design and Horticultural program at BCIT, and has also studied under Britain’s leading designer John Brookes. Over 20 years ago, Reinier started Van de Poll Garden Design and the firm’s accomplishments have led to many accolades such as Gold Ribbon at Van Dusen Show and a listing amongst the country’s top designers in Canadian’s House and Home’s Gardening Life. Reinier is a frequent lecturer at garden clubs and with the Vancouver Master Gardener’s Program.

2023 Speakers & Celebrities