12th Annual Gardeners’ Conference

Afternoon Speaker

Augustus “Jenks” Farmer, “Rethinking the Southern Garden”

Augustus “Jenks” Farmer is a plantsman, author, and lecturer. Born into a family of artists, musicians, and farmers, he fell in love with the natural world early in life and later went on to pursue a formal education in Plant and Environmental Sciences at Clemson University and Botanical Garden Design at the University of Washington. Jenks brought a vision to life while creating the two largest botanical gardens in South Carolina, including the Riverbanks Botanical Garden in Columbia, SC. He has written three books, the latest of which is called Garden Disruptors. Jenks has a true talent for inspiring people of all ages and from all walks of life to go outside and get their hands dirty.

At the conference Farmer will embark on a captivating journey through Southern horticulture. In this engaging presentation, he weaves together the rich tapestry of South Carolina’s botanical history – from the grandest triumphs to its most profound missteps – as he recounts his time building the state’s newest, largest botanical gardens. He will explore the climate, soil, and environmentally friendly gardens that are redefining Southern horticulture. It will be an enlightening experience filled with stunning visuals and sprinkled with Farmer’s signature brand of tailgate philosophy that will both educate, provoke, and inspire.

Morning speaker:

Dr. Barbara Fair, “It is All About the Right Tree”

Dr. Barbara “Barb” Fair is an Associate Professor and Landscape Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University where she teaches plant identification and works with the landscape industry, extension agents, and state and local governments. Her expertise lies in woody plant identification, selection, maintenance and planting. She obtained her PhD in Landscape Horticulture from Ohio State University after completing undergraduate work at Penn State. Dr. Fair is also a Certified Arborist and a member of the International Society of Arboriculture.

At the conference Dr. Fair’s talk will be entitled “It is All About the Right Tree – Or is it that Simple?” This presentation will cover the details of what you need to know to pick the best ornamental trees for your landscape. But, she warns, it is never quite that simple when we start looking at not only what trees can do for us, but what we need to do for them.

Breakout Speakers for 2025 MG Conference

Breakout Speaker 1

Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces by Sam Boring, Davidson County Extension Horticulture Agent

Do you love the taste of a juicy heirloom German Johnson tomato, but you don't think you have the room for a big garden? Or maybe you'd love to grow a spicy habanero pepper in a five gallon bucket? Come learn about strategies for growing vegetables in small spots without having the maintenance and W**d challenges of keeping a big garden. Containers on the back deck, five gallon buckets along an outdoor walkway, and sunny raised beds in the side yard are all great opportunities to grow delicious veggies where space is a challenge.

As the Horticulture Extension Agent in Davidson County, Sam works to provide research-based information on best management practices in the areas of consumer and commercial horticulture. In practice, this means providing educational programs, workshops, and consultations with fruit and vegetable farmers, landscapers, and home gardeners. This includes best practices for turf management, integrated pest management for insects and disease on farms and in home gardens, soil and fertility management, water conservation, and selecting and maintaining ornamental and landscape plantings. His recent interests include planting and spreading information about native fruit trees such as persimmon, serviceberry, and pawpaw.

Breakout Speaker 2

Native Bees and the Habitats They Require By Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs, Spriggly’s Beescaping

Pollinators are essential for our survival. Did you know that there are almost 4,000 species of bees native to North America that are doing the lion’s share of work pollinating our gardens? Learn about the lives of these pollination workhorses and the habitat each requires for nesting and survival. From the largest to the smallest, native bees are fascinating and extremely beneficial. Supporting them in your spaces is easier than you might think. This workshop offers approaches you can infuse into your everyday gardening that make a huge difference to the bees and other beneficial wildlife around you.

Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs are co-owners of Spriggly's Beescaping, a nature education and habitat restoration business in Western NC. They offer in-person and online consultations for wildlife-focused sustainable landscaping, along with full-scale 2D and 3D design. They also offer a variety of educational courses, both in-person and online, including a series called Gardening for the Planet. This series covers everything from attracting pollinators, to integrative pest management, to tackling drainage issues. They have published two books, A Guide to the Wonderful World Around Us: Notes on Nature, and Finding Home: A Story of a Mason Bee, with more on the way. In addition, Brannen serves as the resident nature writer for the Sylva Herald in Sylva, NC.

Breakout Speaker 3

The Shady Nook: Plants for Low Light Gardens, by Kelly Gage

Discover the beauty and versatility of shade plants. Learn how to transform shaded areas of your garden into lush, vibrant spaces with a variety of native and non-native plants that thrive in low light. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this session will provide expert tips on selecting the best species and maintaining healthy, flourishing plants. Join us and unlock the secrets to cultivating serene, shaded oases in your landscape!

Kelly Gage is a NC Native Plant Society Board Member-at-Large and chairs the Membership Committee. As a member of the Triad Chapter, she gardens on six acres in Guilford County. In addition, Kelly is a biologist who worked in Environmental Management Enforcement in North Carolina.

Breakout Speaker 4

Success with Houseplants... Growing the Indoor Garden by Jeanne Aller

Does your indoor foliage collection look like an episode of “Desperate Houseplants”? Meeting their needs is not based on luck, or a talent you’re born with! Just a little bit of reliable information makes it easy and fun. Our discussion will center on two key factors: making the right selections, and learning a few simple ways to keep them thriving.

Jeanne Aller is a native New Yorker who has enjoyed living and gardening in the NC Piedmont for the last 30 years. This is her 25th year as a volunteer with the Extension Master Gardener program in Guilford County, and she is a past president of that group. Currently she chairs the Speakers Bureau for the Guilford EMG program and is also involved with Community Garden Outreach.

Vendors

Lexington Farm and Garden: Plant and yard art

KS Wool Wonders: Wool items and wooden toys

Two Alpha Precision: Wook crafts

High Rock Nursery: Plants and Garden Sculptures by Kyle Nifong

Elderberry Creek Farm and Nursery: Native plants

Grow and Bloom: Succulent gardens

SandyCreek Farms: Items from their country store and greenhouse

Muddy Dreek Lavender Farms: All about lavender

Odd Flora Plant Shop: Unique plants

Spriggly's Beescaping: Everything about bees

J and G Japanese Maples

Serene Scapes Gardens: Herbs and more

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

High Rock Church, 135 Lowes Blvd, Lexington, United States