Sep 14, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rachel M. Crumbley | Director of Marketing and Public Relations | Callaway Gardens
Direct: 706-663-5187 | Main: 706-663-6881 or 1-855-421-3120 | Fax: 706-663-5068
Email: rcrumbley@callawaygardens.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 2000, Pine Mountain, GA 31822-2000
PINE MOUNTAIN, GA (9/14/2015) – Get inspired for next season’s “dream garden” at the 30th annual Southern Gardening Symposium, one of the nation’s premier gardening events at beautiful Callaway Gardens®.
Make plans to attend this symposium January 29-31, 2016, where guests can listen and learn about gardening from an outstanding group of experts. Designed for novice to expert gardeners, this jam-packed schedule includes lectures and presentations as well as optional pre-conference workshops. Though content-rich, this event provides the unique opportunity for personal interaction with the speakers throughout the weekend.
Learn from experts including Dr. Michael Dirr, “A Half Century of Horticultural Education, Research, Breeding and Gardening: Nourishing the Soul With New Woody Plants"; Dr. Larry Mellichamp, “Plants for the Winter Garden”, June Mays, “The Gardens of Downton Abbey”; Mary Beth Shaddix, “Incorporating Vegetables into Your Garden”; Dr. Arlie Powell, “Small Fruits for the Home Gardener,” Carol Reese, “Just Do It: Making the Landscape Serve your Lifestyle”; Doug Tallamy, “Restoring Nature's Relationships at Home” and C. Colston Burrell, "Finishing Touches: The Power of Details in Garden Design."
In 2016, Vince Dooley, author, gardener, and celebrated speaker, will deliver the keynote address, “The Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach.” Pre-conference workshops include “Garden Design,” with Bill Smith and “Making a Bog Garden,” with Dr. Larry Mellichamp.
In addition to presentations, guests can indulge their passion at the SGS Marketplace offering one-stop shopping for the gardener. You’ll find an assortment of choice plants, many of which are touted by Symposium speakers as the new “must-haves”; a superb book selection including new releases by SGS speakers, who will be available for autographing, and a delightful array of garden ornaments.
SGS participants will have an exciting opportunity to participate in both silent and live auctions. The auction items include books and plants recommended by speakers; tours of private gardens, garden ornaments, botanical artwork by the late Athos Menaboni, special plants, items contributed by Marketplace vendors, speakers, and much more.
Preregistration for SGS is required by Monday, Jan. 18, 2016. The program registration fee of $259 includes Friday’s opening reception, Saturday’s continental breakfast, programs with printed materials, box lunch and evening banquet, and Sunday’s continental breakfast and programs with printed materials.
The Southern Gardening Symposium is approved for seven contact hours for Georgia Certified Landscape Professional Continuing Education Units.
Callaway Gardens provides a variety of lodging options for SGS participants. The special rate of $89* per room per night is available in the Mountain Creek Inn®. This rate includes admission to Callaway Gardens per night of stay and day of departure. Nestled in the trees, the spacious Cottages and lovely Villas and Vacation Homes also are available for the choosing.
Early–bird Specials! There are two great offers for those who register by Oct. 31, 2015: Registration: Receive $20 off the program registration fee. Lodging: Save $10 per night per room in the Mountain Creek® Inn.
For further information about SGS or to request a brochure, contact the Education Department at 1.800.463.6990 or education@callawaygardens.com.
Callaway Gardens® is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For additional information, call 1.800.463.6990 or visit www.callawaygardens.com.
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*The above room rates are available only to registered SGS participants. Valid for Mountain Creek® Inn only and based on availability and double occupancy. Some restrictions apply. Symposium registration fee is separate. Rates for the more spacious Southern Pine Cottages and Mountain Creek Villas and Vacation Homes also are available. Taxes and fees are additional.