It’s time to break out your green thumb.
Colonial Wiliamsburg is holding its 72nd annual garden symposium on April 14.
“Our speakers will discuss how to combine existing elements with new materials to realize harmonious gardens that sing with creativity,” said Laura Viancour, Colonial Williamsburg’s director of landscaping.
The theme of this year’s symposium is making the most of landscapes through thoughtful planning and design. Julie Moir Messervy will speak about gardening from the big picture down to the small details.
Messervy has worked in gardening and landscaping for more than three decades and has written eight books. Her vision in landscaping is changing the way people create and enjoy their outdoor surroundings, according to her website.
Robert McDuffie, associate professor emeritus and director of the Hahn Horticultural Garden at Virginia Tech, will also speak about bringing global inspirations to local gardens. McDuffie has been at Virginia Tech since 1978, and has educated students about landscape design, architecture and construction, according to the Virginia Tech’s website.
Bringing together writing and gardening, Linda Askey will present on her experience as a garden journalist and home-garden consultant.
For Magnolia fans, Andrew Bunting from the Chicago Botanic Garden will give a lecture about the evolution of his own garden and a guide to magnolias.
Award-winning author, writer and photographer, Pam Beck, will discuss paths and borders involved in moving through a garden, as well shade gardens.
Before going on a historic-area tree tour, guests can also hear a presentation from a former professional in colonial landscaping, Rollin Woolley, who will be lecturing about how to add color to a garden.
After the tree tour, there will be an afternoon tea with Colonial Williamsburg’s landscape department staff, who oversee the historic gardens in an anglo-dutch style, according to Colonial Williamsburg’s website. The staff will answer questions on historic names, styles and landscape designs.
Registration for the symposium is $300 for members of the American Horticultural Society and $325 for non-members. To purchase tickets visit the conference page on Colonial Williamsburg’s website or call 800-603-0948.
