Irvin Etienne is expert as designing and maintaining artistic gardens with splash. For more than 25 years, he was worked at the Garden at Newfields at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. As curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design for the museum, he helps horticulturists with plant selection and garden design in addition to designing and maintaining his own areas.

Etienne plans to tailor two presentations for Kansas City audiences. One, “Carmen Miranda in the Midwest,” will focus on adding eye-popping, attention-getting color and texture to our gardens with tropicals and annuals. They can be combined with hardy plants, or they may create beds of “pure tropicalissmo,” he says.

The other program Etienne plans to present is “The Joy of Containers.” Containers allow incredible diversity in the garden. You can grow edibles, trees, or perennials in addition to the more traditional ornamental plant selections. Whether you have five acres or five square feet, you can do something with containers, he says. It’s a great way to experiment with new plants and new ways to grow plants. He plans to discuss gardening basics, such as knowing your soil, knowing your limits, and adhering to the adage “right plant, right place.” On top of all that, there’s to container to consider. He promises to explore all this and more and have a good time doing it.

Working in the 152 acres of the harden and grounds requires knowledge and skill with all manner of woody and herbaceous plants. However, Etienne says he adores tropical species most of all. He is the recipient of gold and silver awards in electronic media writing from the Garden Writers Association for his blogging at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. In his own garden, everything from cannas to eggplants to magnolias coexist in a lush jungle fed by manure from his own rabbits and chickens.

A product of the Midwest, Etienne says he could be considered, well, a simple farm boy that likes shiny sparkly things. And is easily distracted.