Treat yourself to a regional event full of horticultural experts and fellow enthusiasts
A gardener ’s study is never done . In the good of prison term , that ’s a motivator that results in a signified of expiation after a good morning of weeding or planting . But every now and then , gardening boredom sets in . And that ’s when I know it ’s time to find a serious horticulture symposium — a genial spa of sorts . If you ’ve never experienced one , treat yourself . Not unlike the physical spa , you ’ll be marvel why you waited so long and will emerge with renewed ( horticultural ) passion !
“ Symposium ” fathom dryly academic , but the Grecian theme of the word means “ to drink together , ” which sounds more like a political party where I add up from . The good horticultural symposia mixture high - stratum musical theme with fun sociability . Most are one - day events centered around a series of engaging talks or workshops show by experts on all things plants and gardening . Topics I ’ve heard admit eatable landscape gardening , plan a gravel garden , and the latest and greatest plant selections . Lunch and snacks are offer , and the host venue almost always include vendors trade books , plant , and other garden - related fare . Overall , you’re able to unabashedly press out your beloved of garden and be now simpatico with a group of otherwise alien .
Winter has been the traditional time in the Southeast for garden symposia . One of my ducky , the Davidson Horticultural Symposium , comes at the beginning of March and is like convocation for a fresh gardening yr . I always leave feeling revved up and inspire . Fellow gardener and symposia aficionado Mary Griggs name it utterly : “ They always have a nice symmetry of discussion between intention and plants . Always cut edge ! Plus , you eat luncheon on china . How civilize ! ” And you may even have the opportunity to eat tiffin with your pet gardening expert . To talk face - to - face with speakers in a relaxed aura is a cherry on top of the symposium sundae .
I ’ve zero in on a unforesightful list of the heavy symposia below — ones that are recurring , that last one or two days , and that admit at least four speakers . These may have unlike topics – like the whole subgenre of native plant symposia or local short , specially - focussed consequence or master gardener symposia . Dates number below are for 2020 , but expect the same general time period for next class . Just do n’t await until the last minute to file , as it ’s not unusual for them to deal out .
Maybe I ’ll see you among the crowds — please hold on and say hi ! We ’ll drink in the narration and insights of other gardener together before point back each to our own garden , refreshed and eager to do what we do it in creative new way of life .
Northern/Central Georgia Garden Symposium
The Inspired Gardener , January 25 , 2020 . Atlanta Botanical Garden .
North Carolina GardenSymposia
Davidson Horticultural Symposium , March 3 , 2020 . Davidson College .
Guilford Horticultural Society Gardening Symposium , March 7 , 2020 . Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden , Kernersville .
Southeastern Plant Symposium , June 12–13 , 2020 . JC Raulston Arboretum , Raleigh .
mouth of Gardening , August 14–15 , 2020 . Asheville .
Western North Carolina Gardening Symposium , early October . Flat Rock .
South Carolina GardenSymposia
Greater Greenville MGA Annual Symposium , February 8 , 2020 . Greenville .
Joy of Gardening Symposium , February 22 , 2020 . Richburg .
Southern/Central Virginia GardenSymposia
Winter Symposium at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden , February 12–13 , 2020 . Richmond .
Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium , March 20 , 2020 . Waynesboro .
Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium , April 17–19 , 2020 . Williamsburg .
West Virginia GardenSymposium
WVNLA Winter Symposium , February 12 , 2020 . Charleston .
— Paula Gross is the former assistant director of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical Gardens .
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Missing the gardening season? Attend a symposium to mingle and socialize with other gardeners who share your passion.Photo: Paula Gross
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You never know who you’ll run into at gardening symposia. Well-known gardening aficionado, speaker, and author Brie Arthur poses with a member of the Davidson Garden Club at the 2018 Davidson Horticultural Symposium.Photo: Paula Gross
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Often presentations with relatable slides like this one elicit vocalizations from the crowd as attendees recognize the presenter’s passion.Photo: Paula Gross
