Speaking of Gardening Symposium Coming to North Carolina Arboretum

The Garden Symposium for Horticultural Professionals and Enthusiasts
The North Carolina Arboretum
August 27 & 28, 2010

OVERVIEW
Bringing the full spectrum of the horticultural experience to Asheville, this year’s Speaking of Gardening is proud to host speakers from both England and the United States presenting lectures on creative design and cutting edge plants. Program topics will explore the gardens of Great Dixter, Longwood Gardens, and the Biltmore Estate through the eyes of the very individuals that help coordinate the amazing displays. Other lectures will include insights from private gardens and the very latest in new plant introductions from Spring Meadow Nursery. There will be book signings, a plant giveaway and tours of the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center, NC State University featuring the latest in new plant developments.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Fergus Garrett ― Head Gardener, Great Dixter, Sussex, England
Great Dixter, home and garden of the late Christopher Lloyd, is an astounding achievement of exciting and ever-changing garden displays. Fergus Garrett worked side by side with Mr. Lloyd for many years, and continues to maintain the garden with brilliant success. Fergus will reveal the secrets and “wily tricks” of keeping their celebrated borders lively in every season, and describe plants- from the hard-working anchor plants to the temporary plants that are "an essential ingredient in the adventurous gardener's armoury."

SPEAKERS
Carol Reese ― Garden Writer, Photographer and Lecturer, Knoxville, TN
As Ornamental Horticulturist for the University of Tennessee, and Q & A columnist for Horticulture Magazine, Carol’s practical experience combines well with her enthusiasm and humor for memorable and compelling presentations. Carol will discuss landscapes which have that “special something” - a unique bit of structure, a wildly different way of using water, a surprising take on color; a way to create a bit of paradise.

Parker Andes ― Director of Horticulture, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
Learn about two newly renovated landscapes at Biltmore: the Approach Road and the Italian Pools. The Approach Road, originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, is a complete garden experience drawing the eye to specific points as the road bends and curves. The Italian Pools are now planted with a wide range of water loving plants. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of renovation while maintaining historical integrity amidst the constant flow of modern-day visitors.

Rodney Eason ― Display Division Leader, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Longwood remains a preeminent public garden in North America and Rodney Eason’s team keeps their display gardens on par with any in the world. Rodney will share how coordinating these unique displays on over 1,050 acres in 20 indoor and 20 outdoor garden areas year round is a massive juggling act, one that requires both creative design and an amazing diversity of plants.

Tim Wood ― Product Development & Marketing Manager, Spring Meadow Nursery, Grand Haven, MI
Spring Meadow is responsible for many new introductions of ornamental shrubs in the garden centers each season. Marketed under the Proven Winner® logo, Wood’s work at Spring Meadow ensures a steady supply of new plants highlighted in his presentation.

For additional information, visit the Arboretum’s website, www.ncarboretum.org.
Click on the “Education” link, then click on “Speaking of Gardening” in the left column.