Bringing Plant People Together - Perennial Plant Symposium Raleigh, NC July 30-August 3, 2018 - PPA 2018 Raleigh
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Perennial Plant Symposium
Raleigh, NC
July 30-August 3, 2018
Bringing Plant People Together
WELCOME WELCOME TO THE 36TH ANNUAL PERENNIAL PLANT SYMPOSIUM!
The Perennial Plant Symposium is the only
KNOWLEDGE, TOURS, NETWORKING,
yearly symposium devoted entirely to perennials.
SESSIONS, TRADE SHOW, AND
Hosted by the Perennial Plant Association, this
industry-focused conference brings together
VALUABLE INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
more than 500 professionals for networking,
learning and special events. The symposium TABLE OF CONTENTS
moves to a different region each year, giving
WEEK AT A GLANCE 4
participants a unique experience and insight
MONDAY - PLANT & BUSINESS TALKS 5-6
into the region’s perennial scene.
MONDAY - TOURS 7-8
TUESDAY - SESSIONS, TRADE SHOW & DINNER 9-12
This year’s symposium takes place in the
horticulturally vibrant Raleigh-Durham, North WEDNESDAY - TOURS 13
Carolina, region. You can explore outstanding WEDNESDAY - SESSIONS, TRADE SHOW & DINNER 14-15
local gardens, visit vibrant retail garden centers THURSDAY - TOURS 16-18
and tour innovative production facilities. You’ll THURSDAY - SESSIONS, TRADE SHOW & DINNER 19-20
also hear and engage with industry experts from FRIDAY - TOURS 21-26
around the world. Most importantly, you’ll spend SPEAKER BIOS 27-34
time with the best in the industry. HOTEL & TRAVEL 35
REGISTRATION 36
2 PPA2018RALEIGH.COM
SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS AT THIS YEARS 2018 PPA SYMPOSIUM
We express our sincere thanks to sponsors shown here who have provided our event tote bags, water bottles, name badges, as well as sponsoring
our tours during the week, concurrent sessions and tour dinners.
SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS
Businesses who sponsor our event gain essential brand exposure through our on-site signage, online coverage, post-event publications,
and by providing one item to distribute in each attendee’s tote bag.
MEDIA PARTNERS
Spreading the word about our National Symposium is a big task, and we couldn’t
do it without the tremendous support of the industry publications shown here. Many
thanks to our media partners for helping to promote our symposium before, during
and after our event!
#PPARALEIGH 3
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
JULY 30 - AUGUST 3
WEEK AT A GLANCE JULY 30 JULY 31 AUGUST 1 AUGUST 2 AUGUST 3
TALKS SESSIONS TOURS TOURS TOURS
PLANT & MORNING GROWER & DARWIN OUTSIDE THE
BUSINESS SESSIONS DESIGN TOUR PERENNIAL TOUR BOX TOUR
AFTERNOON RETAIL TOUR AG3 TOUR
TOURS TRADITIONAL
SESSION RETAIL TOUR
DESIGNER AFTERNOON WALTERS
CONCURRENT GARDEN TOUR
TOUR ROUNDTABLES PRIVATE
SESSIONS
TOUR D GARDENS TOUR
GROWER TRADE SHOW
TRADE SHOW AFTERNOON PIEDMONT TRIAD
TOUR
SESSIONS TOUR
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY TRADE SHOW
DINNER
DINNER
THURSDAY
VISITS & BREAK-OUT TRADE RELAX &
TALKS SESSIONS SHOW DINNER
TOURS UNWIND
ITINERARY
Wednesday, August 1 Friday, August 3
Monday, July 30
Wednesday Tours, Sessions & Trade Show Friday Tours
Talks & Tours Grower & Design Tour: Hoffman Nursery Outside The Box Tour: Weymouth Woods
Plant Talks (All day) Retail Tour: State Farmers Market and Logan’s Sandhills Nature Preserve, Sandhills Horticultural
Featuring 9 perennial talks One Stop Garden Shop. Gardens, and Big Bloomers Flower Farm.
Business Talks (All day) Afternoon sessions, Roundtables and Trade Traditional Retail Tour: Kiefer Landscaping and
Featuring 7 business talks Show. Cap off the day with dinner at the JC Garden Center, Garden Supply Co., Fairview
Designer Tour (Visit 4 locations) Raulston Arboretum. Garden Center & Nursery, and Big Bloomers
Chatham Mills “Pollinator Paradise” Garden; Flower Farm.
UNC Botanic Garden; Honeysuckle Tea House Private Gardens Tour: Dan Krebill’s Garden (The
and Keith Arboretum; Red Door Garden Thursday, August 2
Uncommon Garden), Marcia Angle’s
BASF Grower Tour (All day) Thursday Tours, Sessions & Trade Show Garden (Deer Chase Gardens), Helen Yoest’s
Metrolina Tour Darwin Perennial Tour: J&B Herb Farm Garden (Bee Better Teaching Garden),
and Sarah & Michael’s Farm. Frances Alvarino Norwood’s Garden,
Tuesday, July 31 AG3 Tour: North Carolina Museum of Art and Peggy Titus’s Garden.
and the City of Raleigh. Piedmont Triad Tour: High Point University’s
Sessions & Trade Show Walters Garden Tour: Atlantic Gardening
Morning sessions, afternoon concurrent Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Botanical
Company and Homewood Nursery Gardens, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden,
sessions and Trade Show. Cap off the day Saunders Brothers Tour:
with dinner at Plant Delights Nursery and and Gateway Gardens.
Niche Gardens and The Unique Plant.
Juniper Level Botanic Gardens. Afternoon Sessions, Trade Show, Closing
and dinner at Sarah P. Duke Gardens.
4 PPA2018RALEIGH.COM
MONDAY PLANT TALKS 8 AM - 6 PM
PLANT TALKS
MONDAY, JULY 30
8 AM - 8:15 AM 9 AM - 9:45 AM 11 AM - 11:45 AM
WELCOME THE “OTHER” IRISES, GARDEN PHLOX: EXCITING NEW
PPA Representative USES AND RECENT ADVANCES AND OLD PHLOXES - BRED
Kevin Vaughan IN RUSSIA!
8:15 AM - 9 AM Retired Christian Kress
YOU AIN’T JUST WHISTLING Founder, Sarastro-Stauden
DIXIE - GREAT CAROLINAS Nursery
NATIVE PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM BREAK
Patrick McMillan 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Clemson University 10:15 AM - 11 AM TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS -
NATIVE PLANT INFORMATION THE PERENNIAL EVALUATIONS
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS OF THE MT. CUBA CENTER
John Kartesz George Coombs
Owner, BONAP Manager, The Horticultural
Research Program at Mt. Cuba Center
NETWORKING, LUNCH ON YOUR OWN 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM 2:15 PM - 3 PM 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
BIZARRE BOTANICALS - WITH FRONDS LIKE THESE, COPING WITH DROUGHTS BY
THE QUIRKY AND SECRET WHO NEEDS ANEMONES - GROWING SOUTHWEST
LIFE OF PLANTS THE DIVERSE WORLD OF PLANTS IN THE SOUTHEAST US
Dr. Larry Mellichamp HARDY FERNS Patrick McMillan
Retired Professor of Botany Judith Jones Clemson University
and Horticulture and former Owner Fancy Fronds Nursery at
Director of the Botanical the Fonderosa, WA 4:15 PM - 5 PM
Gardens at the University MEDICINAL PERENNIALS - GARDEN CURES
of North Carolina at Charlotte AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
3 PM - 3:30 PM BREAK Lauri Lawson
Plant Delights Nursery
Garden Supervisor
SPEAKER SOCIAL 5 PM - 6 PM
Join us for an evening with the speakers from lingering questions you may have and even
today’s Plant and Business Talks! This relaxed enjoy some light appetizers and beverages.
format allows for attendees to meet and Hope to see you there!
mingle with the day’s presenters, ask any
#PPARALEIGH 5
MONDAY BUSINESS TALKS 8 AM - 6 PM
MONDAY, JULY 30
BUSINESS TALKS
8 AM - 8:15 AM 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
WELCOME EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT BUYING AND SELLING
PPA Representative WHY IT MATTERS AND YOUR BUSINESS
HOW TO MEASURE IT Dana Massey
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Kellee O’Reilly President of Plantworks
THE BRAIN DOESN’T LIE: Chief Experience Nursery in Rougemont, NC.
USING NEUROMARKETING Officer, Monkey Bar Management
TOOLS IN YOUR BUSINESS Jim Snyder
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM BREAK Riverbend Nursery
Marco Palma, Associate Professor Previous Owner
Department of Agricultural Economics, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Texas A&M University CREATING A STRENGTHS-BASED Doug Chapman
CULTURE Owner and operator
Kellee O’Reilly Plantworks Nursery for 38 years
Chief Experience
Officer, Monkey Bar Management
NETWORKING, LUNCH ON YOUR OWN 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, BUSINESS FINANCE AND NURSERIES AUTOMATION
WHY, AND WTF - CREATING Barry Sturdivant Jack Ford
A NURSERY INVENTORY Vice President, TS Ag Finance Vice President of Sales
CONTROL SYSTEM AgriNomix
Robert Lawless
Plant Delights Nursery 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM BREAK
Dennis Carey
Plant Delights Nursery
SPEAKER SOCIAL 5 PM - 6 PM
Join us for an evening with the speakers from lingering questions you may have and even
today’s Plant and Business Talks! This relaxed enjoy some light appetizers and beverages.
format allows for attendees to meet and Hope to see you there!
mingle with the day’s presenters, ask any
6 PPA2018RALEIGH.COM
MONDAY DESIGNER TOUR 8 AM - 5 PM
MONDAY, JULY 30
TOURS
8 AM - 10:30 AM Travel from the mountains to the sea at the In Collaboration with EastWest Organics,
CHATHAM MILLS “POLLINATOR PARADISE” North Carolina Botanical Garden and get a Honeysuckle Tea House: 1) organically grows
GARDEN taste of North Carolina’s varied ecosystems its own produce, 2) invents its own recipes
and rich biodiversity. Participants will for tea blends, 3) designs and packages
embark on a guided tour of the nation’s a hand-picked and hand-crafted line of
first “Conservation Garden.” The tour will therapeutic products, 4) repairs that which
lead guests through our habitat and display becomes ‘broken’, and 5) repurposes that
gardens with an emphasis on conservation which becomes ‘waste’. Honeysuckle is a
and sustainable garden practices. Tour multi-faceted undertaking; an offering of
participants will also get a behind the quality goods created and served by a skilled
scenes look at the seed processing and and dedicated staff to a conscientious public.
nursery facilities that support native species
A demonstration garden created by propagation and restoration activities and 3 PM - 5 PM
Agriculture Agent Debbie Roos of the hear about the sustainability features that are RED DOOR GARDEN
Chatham County Center of North Carolina integrated into NCBG’s Platinum LEED certified
Cooperative Extension. Her overall goal for visitor center and surrounding landscape.
this project is to plant these demonstration
pollinator gardens where people can learn 1:30 PM - 3 PM
about the pollinators we rely on and the HONEYSUCKLE TEA HOUSE
plants that support them. AND KEITH ARBORETUM
The habitat features over 200 species of
perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses
(85% of them are native to North Carolina)
that provide resources for pollinators
including bees and butterflies. The garden
is at the Chatham Mills complex in Pittsboro,
NC and is open 7 days a week. Red Door Farm is a large private garden
located in Durham, North Carolina. The whole
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM property is twenty plus acres, with a third of
NORTH CAROLINA BOTANICAL GARDEN that dedicated garden space. Beds were
developed, working with the existing
Located on 17 acres of farmland just miles topography and handsome groupings of
west of Chapel Hill, the Honeysuckle Tea long established trees, many with striking
House is referred to as a tree house in the shapes. These trees plus some new ones
sky. Built on shipping containers and other and masses of shrubs form the backbone for
re purposed materials, the Tea House is an sweeping masses of winter hardy herbaceous
open-air structure; sitting in the tea house perennials. Many of the perennials are
you can see our herb gardens, playground ornamental grasses, a great love of the
(for kids of all ages), hammock garden, owners. The owners are very involved with
mandala garden and farm fields. Even in their gardens though several garden
the hot of summer, the tea house has a designers have assisted them in the layout.
cooling, shady breeze.
#PPARALEIGH 7
MONDAY, JULY 30
TOURS MONDAY BASF GROWER TOUR TO METROLINA 7 AM-7 PM (All Day)
Metrolina Greenhouses is a family-owned, wholesale plant and
services company that started business in April 1972. They are
the largest single-site heated greenhouse in the United States
at 162 acres under roof. In addition they have approximately
15 acres of outdoor growing space and are still expanding.
There’s also a second location in York S.C. that has 175 acres
of outdoor growing space.
Metrolina Greenhouses is one of the most automated
greenhouses in the United States and has many internally
designed machines from automatic plant transplanters to
mechanical shipping belts. They employ 725 people year
round, and 600 additional people in the spring and fall peaks.
They ship to big box retailers, mass merchandisers, home
improvement chains and other greenhouses along the
East Coast.
Their product typically stays within a 500-mile radius of the
greenhouse, but that still puts them in most states on the
East Coast. During peak season (March-June) they ship
over 180 trailer loads of product a day!
8
2018 PPA SYMPOSIUM WELCOME & KEYNOTE 7:45 AM - 9:15 AM
TUESDAY, JULY 31
SESSIONS & TRADE SHOW
7:45 AM - 8:10 AM 8:10 AM - 8:15 AM plants with ease. Appointed in 1993 as Head
WELCOME KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION Gardener of Great Dixter by Christopher
Janet Draper Lloyd, Fergus continues to keep the
PPA President 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM garden constantly changing throughout
Keynote Speaker the season by trying out new plants and
DESIGNING WITH plant-combinations. Fergus believes in
PLANTS THE GREAT passing his knowledge through national
DIXTER WAY and international student- and volunteer
Fergus Garrett programs at Dixter and through worldwide
Head Gardener lectures he gives every year. Fergus is keen
Great Dixter on plant communities in the wild and
especially plants native to Turkey. Among
Fergus will talk about how plants can be used other honors, Fergus was given the Royal
to create atmosphere and where one can be Horticultural Society Associate of Honours in
a companion to another. He will focus on the 2008 and in 2015, the Veitch Memorial Medal
Great Dixter way of combining plants using for outstanding contribution to the practice
color, shape, texture, repetition and balance. of horticulture.
The aim is to bring the audience closer to
designing their borders and associating
NC WELCOME & HISTORY 9:15 AM - 10 AM
BEYOND TOBACCY:
HORTICULTURAL ROOTS A whirlwind introduction and welcome to the gardens. This tradition continues with no sign
IN NORTH CACKALACKY Old North State and its horticultural character. of stopping, with numerous industry leaders
Dr. Richard Olsen A colonial crossroad with enduring legacies, and commercial enterprises, cutting-edge
Director North Carolina has produced its share of research and academics, and impeccable
The United States horticultural landmarks and personas that public gardens showcasing the best of
National Arboretum have and continue to influence American horticulture and gardening.
TRADE SHOW, NETWORKING AND SILENT AUCTION 10 AM - 11 AM
11 AM - 11:30 AM 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM around the world present their best and
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION NEW PLANT FORUM brightest to the industry. Hear what they
Janet Draper, PPA President Experience the cutting edge in perennial have to offer, discuss with colleagues,
plants when you attend this showcase of and give your perennial lineup a boost!
new plants. Breeders and plant dealers from
NETWORKING, LUNCH AND TRADE SHOW 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM 9
SESSIONS & TRADE SHOW AFTERNOON SESSION 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
TUESDAY, JULY 31
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM In January 2018, Amazon opened The Spheres, created a space that is comfortable
YEAR FIVE ON DAY ONE: a new take on the office environment that for people with a unique and meaningful
GROWING THE embraces biophilic design and takes it to plant collection that inspires curiosity and
AMAZON SPHERES the next level. The Spheres are a result of conservation. This presentation covers
Ron Gagliardo innovative thinking about the character of the philosophy behind the building,
Sr. Manager, Horticultural the workplace and an extended conversation technological advances and of course,
Services, Amazon.com LLC about what is typically missing from the urban a diverse plant collection from around
office environment- a direct link to nature. We the world.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2:15 PM - 3 PM
2:15 PM - 3 PM one can find a surprising palette of impressive Iranian perennials are very garden worthy
ELBURZ AND DAMAVAND... herbaceous perennials. The most impressive in for Europe and North America and are
IRAN INTO SOME AMAZING areas are the Alborz Mountains as well as the already being propagated in those areas.
PERSIAN PERENNIALS area around the Damavand volcano and Others perennials are rare beauties to be
Christian Kress the Zagros mountains. One can find great grown only by the most seasoned gardeners.
Founder, Sarastro-Stauden highlights of the Middle Eastern flora in In this talk Christian Kress shows the amazing
Nursery these areas. and unique flora of different parts of Iran as
well as fantastic combinations that he has
A country in the Middle East with the most Other unique landscapes and perennials can found in nature that can be found in today’s
welcoming people, Iran is home to an be found in the forests around the Caspian garden design.
extremely diverse flora within a unique, varied Sea, where many woody plants in situ call
landscape. In all deserts and semi-deserts home. Many of these plants are found in SPONSORED BY:
of the Iranian highlands, including its salt lakes, European woody propagation. A lot of
2:15 PM - 3 PM The good news is that residential gardens, in many cases, it is not based on scientific
THE ART AND SCIENCE in aggregate, can play a huge role in evidence. Some of the information is
BEHIND CREATING SUCCESSFUL providing much needed habitat, food misleading or flat out incorrect.
POLLINATOR HABITATS and water supplies, and nesting places for
Anne Spafford, MLA pollinators. No garden is too small to make In Anne’s presentation, she hopes to change
Associate Professor of Land- a difference. With over 40 million acres of the tide of misinformation and inspire great
scape lawn in the Unites States alone, there is gardens everywhere. Latest scientific findings,
Design, Department of Horticultural ample opportunity to make room for plus readily accessible and applicable land-
Science, North Carolina State University pollinator habitat. scape design guidelines will be shared that
enable gardeners and pollinator-enthusiasts
There has been a great deal of scientific While there is much concern for the plight of to tackle their home and community gardens
and public concern over the last few pollinators, many gardeners are unaware or through strategies that will help them
decades because bee populations have unsure how they can help. There is, in fact, a implement practical on-the-ground actions
been in decline. Given our dependence wide variety of information available if one with an eye towards pollinator protection.
on pollinators for crop production, reduced chooses to go looking: various sources
honeybee and other pollinator populations both online and in print provide vast amounts
pose a serious threat to agriculture and the of information—however, it can be confusing.
SPONSORED BY:
10 ecological health of our natural environment. Either the information is presented badly, orCONCURRENT SESSIONS 2:15 PM - 3 PM
TUESDAY, JULY 31
SESSIONS & TRADE SHOW
2:15 PM - 3 PM Successful Green Infrastructure needs plants program beginning in 2009 for professionals
PLANTS THAT WORK: that work. ESD practices (rain gardens, green that has been well attended and used as
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE roofs, dry wells, permeable pavements, etc) a model for other jurisdictions and colleges
AT THE SITE LEVEL create a matrix over the land that supports interested in offering such training. She served
Ann English, PLA, ASLA, what is now called Green Infrastructure. This on the technical review committees for SITES,
LEED AP BD+C, is a new area of design, installation and CBLP and NGICP, developed the permeable
Program Manager, RainScapes Program in maintenance for plant specialists to focus on. pavement training module for CBLP and
the Watershed Management Division of the taught the NGICP certification course when
Montgomery County, MD Department of In her current role, Ann developed a it was offered in 2017 in Montgomery
Environmental Protection. RainScapes/ Green Infrastructure training County, MD.
SPONSORED BY:
TRADE SHOW, NETWORKING & SILENT AUCTION 3 PM-4 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS 4 PM - 4:45 PM
4 PM - 4:45 PM 4 PM - 4:45 PM 4 PM - 4:45 PM
A GARDENERS PERSPECTIVE ON NOTES FROM A SOUTH EASTERN USING BIOLOGICALS FOR PEST
BREEDING BETTER PERENNIALS PRAIRIE – THE DESIGN AND CONTROL IN THE GREENHOUSE
Hans Hansen CREATION OF A VANISHING Michael Turner
Director of New Plant LANDSCAPE Owner, Sarah & Michael’s Farm
Development, Annabel Renwick
Walters Gardens Inc. Sarah P. Duke Gardens With increasing regulations and restrictions
on the use of chemicals in the greenhouse,
Hans’ presentation is a unique combination of It’s extraordinary to consider that three “bios” have become the hot topic in pest
using traditional plant breeding methods and hundred years ago the terrain surrounding control. Michael will discuss his experience
germplasm from the gardener’s view. what is now Raleigh would have been of using biologicals to control aphids in
open grassland supporting a myriad of wild the greenhouse.
Hans’ passion for perennials and gardening flowers, grasses and associated wild-life. The
began at a very young age. Born and raised ‘Piedmont Prairie’ in the Blomquist Garden of Begun in 1997 as a seasonal out-door cut
on a dairy farm in southwestern Minnesota Native Plants at Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a flower farm, Sarah & Michael’s Farm LLC has
his memory doesn’t go back far enough to one acre rendition of native grassland created grown into one of the largest cut flower lily
remember a time when he wasn’t out in the with 20,000 individual wild flowers and grasses, growers on the East Coast. Specializing in
garden working with plants. Perennials have close to 100 species and all grown from locally Asiatic and Oriental lily production, they sell
always been the focus of his passion, and he collected seed. Annabel’s presentation will throughout the Southeast with production
has had a lifelong affiliation with peonies, iris, not only cover the creation and development year round in their greenhouses.
lilies and baptisia. of this project but will also focus on the
outpouring of interest in this native landscape.
SPONSORED BY: SPONSORED BY: SPONSORED BY:
11DINNER JOIN US TUESDAY NIGHT FOR A DINNER AT PLANT DELIGHTS
TUESDAY, JULY 31
NURSERY AND JUNIPER LEVEL BOTANIC GARDENS! 5:15 PM
Plant Delights Nursery and Juniper Level plants, ferns, and ornamental grasses.
Botanic Gardens is an award winning online They periodically open up their beautiful
nursery in Raleigh, NC near Garner. They garden nursery to the public for retail sales
specialize in rare, and unusual perennials for events, classes, photography workshops,
sale and strive to carry a wide selection of and guided tours. They also host private
exotic plants, cold hardy tropical plants, groups like schools, plant societies, garden
native plants, and the best selection of new clubs, botanical societies, arboreta, and plant
plants online. At any time, they have over 1700 nurseries by appointment. Proceeds from sales
online nursery plants for sale. Many of their at Plant Delights Nursery support the Juniper
best perennials are available nowhere else in Level Botanic Gardens, a six-acre garden with
the US as they represent rare plants collected extensive research programs that grows over
by Plant Delights founder Tony Avent during 18,000 different plants...exotic plants, native
his more than 60 plant hunting expeditions to plants, unique plants...all types of
places like China, Crete, Taiwan, South Africa outdoor plants.
and Argentina or distributed by some of the
many specialty plant organizations of which
Plant Delights is a member.
Plant Delights grows all of their perennial plants
in greenhouses at their Raleigh, NC garden
nursery and customers can buy the best
perennials online through their website
and via their printed plant catalog. They
specialize in growing and selling perennial
garden plants, and have a wide selection of
flowering perennials in all colors, plus foliage
12WEDNESDAY - GROWER & DESIGN TOUR
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1
TOURS
HOFFMAN NURSERY 7 AM - 11:30 AM
Hoffman Nursery specializes in ornamental and automated production lines. The nursery
and native grass liners for the wholesale grounds and gardens highlight the beauty
trade. Owned by John and Jill Hoffman, and functionality of Hoffman Nursery’s plant
the nursery lies on a 45-acre, former tobacco palette. They include a native sedge garden,
farm in northeastern Durham County. Now in a densely layered hillside planting for erosion
its 32nd year of operation, Hoffman Nursery control, a 1,300-ft.-long mixed border
grows more than 140 varieties of grasses, planting, and demonstration gardens
sedges, and grass-like plants. Visitors will surrounding nursery offices. Visitors can
appreciate seeing and hearing about also learn about Hoffman Nursery’s efforts
management of the 51,000 sq. ft. to manage, conserve, and reuse
greenhouse, propagation facilities, water on site.
WEDNESDAY - RETAIL TOUR
STATE FARMERS MARKET 7 AM - 9:45 AM
More than fresh vegetables, it’s a family Plants are available starting in March
adventure. State Farmers Market in Raleigh and local fruits and vegetables are sold
is considered one of the nation’s best and throughout the growing season. The
most modern markets. Visitors enjoy 75 acres market is open 7 days a week, Monday
of indoor/outdoor specialty shops, restaurants thru Saturday 5am - 6pm and
and garden center, with fruits, vegetables, Sundays 8am - 6pm.
meats, and gift products from across the state.
LOGAN’S ONE STOP GARDEN SHOP 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Logan’s is a Garden Center located in center relocated in 1991. This new location
downtown Raleigh at the historic Seaboard provided space to add a gift department
Railroad Station. In 1965 Robert (Bob) Logan Sr. and a wide variety of household and
was full of determination to start his own gardening items.
business. His idea was to put vending
machines that dispensed worms around Leslie and Joshua Logan are now “on board”
a local lake to make fishing a convenient as the third generation of Logan’s, working
pastime. Listening to his wife’s advice, a alongside both of their parents to continue
railroad salvage business was begun instead. to grow and transition the company into a
A few years later Bob began selling bedding cutting-edge retail experience.
plants and other garden related products,
and Logan’s began to blossom. They carry trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals,
houseplants, tropicals, pond plants, pond
In 1983 Robert Logan, Jr. assumed leadership accessories, soil, mulch, soil amendments,
of Logan’s. With his love of retail business, garden tools, fountains, organic gardening
Robert continued to grow the family trade. products, outdoor furniture, fertilizer, seeds,
Robert and his wife, Julie, purchased the heirloom seeds, bulbs, gift items, and
Bagwell Seaboard Railroad Station in much more!
downtown Raleigh where Logan’s garden 13SESSIONS & TRADE SHOW
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1
NETWORKING LUNCH AND TRADE SHOW 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
ROUND TABLE SESSIONS 1:30 PM - 3 PM
Go A Round with the Experts - Attendees ROUNDTABLE SPEAKERS: Jeremy Schmidt - Juniper Level Botanic
rotate between 20+ round tables, each Garden Research Horticulturist, Urbanite
assigned with a topic and staffed by an Ann English - Rainscapes Program Manager, Outfitters - Creating a Crevice Garden
expert. Many of the experts are PPA speakers, Montgomery County Parks, MD with Recycled Materials
others have topics of interest to share, and
others are industry personalities. During this 90 Bobby Mottern - Director of Horticulture, Sarah Jim Dempster - apiarist at Bayer Eastern Bee
minute session, attendees will rotate every 15 P. Duke Gardens - horticulture at the gardens Care Center Technology Station
minutes (at the sound of the bell) to a different
table to chat with one of the experts. The goal Brent Heath - Co-owner, Brent & Becky’s Judith Jones - Founder, Fancy Fronds Nursery
is to allow more personal time for Q&A, and to Bulbs - bulbs in the perennial garden @ The Frondorosa
connect with other members who have
a similar interest. Brent Horwath - Founder, Intrinsic Perennial Kevin Vaughn - Iris breeder, and author of
Gardens; author of The Plant Lover’s Guide Beardless Iris
to Sedums; Sedum breeder
Lauri Lawson - Garden Supervisor, Plant
Dan Heims - Founder, Terra Nova Nurseries - Delights Nursery - medicinal plants
new perennial development
Mark Weathington - Director, JC Raulston
Dr. Joe Neal - Prof. of Weed Science in the Arboretum - horticulture at the arboretum
Dept. of Horticultural Science, NC State Univ.
- An apple a day doesn’t keep the weeds Mary Vanannen - Jelitto Perennial Seed -
away: weed control among perennials Living in a Seedy World
Ed Snodgrass - President/Founder, Emory Knoll Robert Lawless/Dennis Carey - Plant
Farms Delights Nursery Website Development
& Programming/ Assistant Nursery
Hans Hansen - Dir. of New Plant Development, Manager - Nursery Inventory Control Systems
Walters Gardens, Inc. - creating new and
garden worthy perennials Tom Fisher - Editor-in-Chief, Timber Press -
So You Think You Want to Become a
Hilary Nichols - Market Development Garden Writer
Coordinator, US Composting Council -
community contributions to your business Tony Avent - Founder, Plant Delights Nursery/
Juniper Level Botanic Garden - Horticulture
Janet Draper - PPA President, Smithsonian at Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Gardens Horticulturist - PPA sounding board
TRADE SHOW, NETWORKING AND SILENT AUCTION 3 PM - 4 PM
14 PPA2018RALEIGH.COMJOIN US WEDNESDAY NIGHT FOR A DINNER AT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1
DINNER
THE JC RAULSTON ARBORETUM 5:15PM!
Join us Wednesday night for dinner at the Since J. C.’s death in 1996, the Arboretum
JC Raulston Arboretum. Experience North has moved forward under the directorships
Carolina barbecue at its finest and wander of Bryce Lane, Bob Lyons, Kim Powell,
the garden rooms and world-renowned Denny Werner, Ted Bilderback, and Mark
collections of this expertly curated arboretum. Weathington. In 2002, the Ruby C. McSwain
Education Center provided needed space
This is a nationally acclaimed garden with one for offices, meeting rooms, and educational
of the largest and most diverse collections of classroom space, while staff buildings and
landscape plants adapted for landscape use a visitor center allowed for the growing
in the Southeast. Plants especially adapted number of activities and for staff, volunteers,
to Piedmont North Carolina conditions are and supporters to participate on-site in the
collected and evaluated in an effort to find life, maintenance, and mission of the
superior plants for use in southern landscapes. JC Raulston Arboretum.
In 1975, J. C. Raulston arrived in the Early landscaped garden areas included the
Department of Horticultural Science at Perennial Border, Mixed Border, White Garden,
NC State University to teach and to start an Lath House, Rose Garden, Winter Garden, and
arboretum which would serve as a living student-designed Model Gardens and the
laboratory for students and faculty, and a Necessary. Periodically rebuilt, revised, and
resource for professionals in the green industry replanted, these areas were later joined by
and for the public. In 1976, with a master plan the Asian Valley, Plantsmen’s Woods, the
drawn up by his graduate student, Fielding Swindell Contemplation Garden, Xeric
Scarborough, J. C. made the first plantings Garden, Scree Garden, and numerous other
at the North Carolina State University Research gardens and pathways made accessible for
Farm Unit 4 (now the Horticultural Field the disabled and all visitors. Outstanding plant
Laboratory) on Beryl Road on portions of collections grew and changed, including
an eight-acre parcel designated as the conifers, redbuds, magnolias, and others.
NCSU Arboretum, assisted by his research
technician Newell Hancock and a few
dedicated students. Over the years, the
Arboretum would grow to ten and a half
contiguous acres, be renamed in his memory
as the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State
University, and achieve international
recognition for its imaginative use of resources
and the excellence of its plant collections.
15TOURS THURSDAY - DARWIN PERENNIALS TOUR
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2
SPONSORED BY:
J&B HERB FARM 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
J&B Herb & Plant Farm Inc was founded in are biodegradable. J&B Farms also
1994 by John Wrenn and Burton Edwards. participate in herb festivals in 3 states. They
From generations past our farmland has been grow approximately 8500 10” Belgian mums
passed down through the Wrenn family. which will go to Meadows Farm garden
centers in Virginia, Whole Foods and other
Starting with one greenhouse in 1994, J & B independent garden centers.
now has 25 greenhouses and primarily does
contract growing. They are a southeastern In 2007, J&B Farms began organic farming
grower for Whole Foods producing herb and and became certified organic in 2008
vegetable plants and grow plants for 200+ growing heirloom spring and fall vegetable
independently owned gardens centers, plants, herbs and lettuces, as well
including Southern States, and Ace as perennials.
Hardware stores, using rice hull pots which
SARAH & MICHAEL’S FARM 10 AM - 11 AM
Sarah & Michael’s Farm in Durham specializes The coir comes from Sri Lanka, which is
in lily bouquets, growing year-round and farther than peat moss would travel, but it is
harvesting six days a week. They plant about a renewable resource, it works better, and it
5400 bulbs a day during the spring. The lilies can handle repeated growing and steaming.
grow in crates in greenhouses with controlled The lilies grow in the same crates that the bulbs
heat, air flow, and humidity. No spray is ship in. Bulbs are only used once because it’s
needed for pests or disease. In the summer, more economical to buy new bulbs. Also, after
Michael selects lily varieties that do better in flowering, bulbs work at reproducing, so the
heat. He grows both Asiatic lilies (more brightly second flowers might be smaller.
colored) and Oriental lilies (more perfumed
smell). Managing the farm is a huge task: staff Once planted with bulbs, crates sit in a cold
plant extra bulbs for holidays like Mother’s Day room for three-and-a-half weeks to stimulate
two months in advance and place bulb orders the lily roots to grow. In the greenhouses, rows
over a year in advance. of crates demonstrate all stages of growth:
un-sprouted bulbs, short green plants, tall
Sarah & Michael’s lily-growing process is plants with buds soon to open, the stubble of
environmentally conscious. Used crates are harvested stalks. With careful planning and
steamed to protect against disease and attention, Michael keeps a steady supply of
weeds. The steamed soil is then sifted to lilies coming from Sarah & Michael’s Farm.
remove old bulbs and leaves, which go to
the compost pile. Processed soil is reused. The
soil is actually “coir”—ground coconut husk.
16 PPA2018RALEIGH.COMTHURSDAY - AG3 TOUR
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2
TOURS
SPONSORED BY:
NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
The North Carolina Museum of Art is unique, that complements the Collection and offers
as a major art museum located within 164 programs that help sustain and expand future
acres of green space. NCMA has become memberships and public participation.
a national leader in the current revolution in
museum audience engagement, extroverting To unify the campus and create a more
beyond the walls and traditional modes of visible connection to the street front, a for-
community participation. mer prison site (Polk Youth Detention Center)
was transformed into an attractive cultural
The Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park campus. This park expansion includes new
functions as a literal and figurative bridge tree-lined parking, contemporary Wave and
to our community: an accessible means to Parterre gardens, a Promenade walk
encounter art, through recreational and social connecting Park and galleries, innovative The Museum Park currently draws more
pastimes. By extending the Museum and its storm-water management devices, and the than 150,000 annual visits, and we anticipate
programs to a more diverse community, Ellipse—a spectacular lawn overlooking the welcoming many more art, nature, and
the Park helps reverse perceptions that Park’s rolling meadow. The Museum also has recreation enthusiasts.
museums are not for everyone. The Museum installed significant sculptures by Mark
Park expands the Museum’s mission to include di Suvero and Hank Willis Thomas in the
management of an attractive landscape new gardens, with others to follow.
CITY OF RALEIGH 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Sassafras All Children’s Playground at Laurel filled with annuals and that had a real colorful filled with hundreds of perennials. These beds
Hills Park is seven years in the making and display. This was an exciting time for the Parks are truly unique to Downtown Raleigh and
designed to be a place where children of all Department and a challenge that they were really give Raleigh’s citizens and visitors a
abilities can play side by side. The playground ready to take on. They presented a plan that feeling of being in a meadow or sitting by a
stretches out across 3.5 acres, making it the was totally different than anyone has seen in dried-up river bed right in the mists of an urban
biggest in the city of Raleigh. It is planted with Downtown Raleigh before. environment. It is truly a relaxing way to spend
thousands of perennials intended to give your lunch or just take a break from your
children a variety of textures, smells, and The city came up with a design that busy schedule.
hiding places. included a dry river bed coupled with
perennials and an assortment of grasses.
The Raleigh Convention Center opened its They wanted to show that they could have a
doors in September 2008 and is a modern sustainable landscape with year-round interest
500,000-square foot LEED silver certified facility filled with color and do it with perennials. On
that is used to hold trade shows, conventions top of that they were going to eliminate the
and conferences. In 2015, the director of irrigation. The design was a complete success
the property approached the Raleigh and turned out so well that they were asked to
Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources do two other beds in the front of the building.
department to create a new landscape for Within the next two years another dry river bed
one of the rooftop beds located in the front was created, this one with a small water
of the building. They were looking for a bed feature and a large meadow looking bed 17TOURS THURSDAY - WALTERS GARDEN TOUR SPONSORED BY:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 ATLANTIC GARDEN COMPANY 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Atlantic Gardening Company was established and workshops to share their knowledge and
in the 80s and was recently purchased by experience, as well as different landscape
Gary Prevost. It includes not only a unique and container services. During this tour stop
retail space where customers find a wide you will learn about their mission statement
range of perennials, annuals, edibles and and their methods for setting them apart from
woodies, but also a great selection of other garden centers; for example, they serve
orchids and succulents. In addition to their beer inside their garden center for browsing
retail space, they offer a variety of seminars customers.
HOMEWOOD NURSERY 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Homewood is a classic grower/retailer The retail area includes an outdoor area for
independent garden center that has been in selling hardy plants, a retail greenhouse, an
business for over 50 years. The facility lies on 33 atrium where garden supplies are sold, and
acres in north Raleigh and has 85,000 square a gift shop. One of the unique features of
feet of production greenhouses, a 1 acre Homewood is its layout and the relaxing,
growing field, and over 110,000 square feet of park-like setting under the pines for the hardy
retail space. In addition to growing many of its outdoor plants department (aka the Nursery
own annuals and bedding plants, Homewood Dept.) which also includes space for selling
also grows a selection of perennials, and over fast-moving seasonal color plants and
25,000 poinsettias for the holiday season. hanging baskets.
THURSDAY - SAUNDERS BROTHERS TOUR SPONSORED BY:
NICHE GARDENS 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Niche Gardens is a mail-order and retail a native meadow area among others, which
nursery. They specialize in nursery-propagated are designed for your pleasure, learning and
wildflowers and natives, perennials, fun! The gardens are aesthetically pleasing,
ornamental grasses and some unusual while also providing a habitat for birds,
trees and shrubs. Their display gardens include butterfly and other wildlife. Niche Gardens
sun and shade areas, wet and dry beds, a takes pride in the fact that the plants in our
bog, a traditional medicine wheel bed, and gardens and nursery are pesticide free.
THE UNIQUE PLANT 10 AM - 11:30 AM
The Unique Plant was founded in 1997 by has always been to inspire and educate so we
Joann Currier on a beautiful four acre horse can all enjoy successful gardens.
farm outside Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Over
20 years they built a thriving specialty nursery Please visit the Unique Plant’s website!
and created a magical garden that combines http://www.theuniqueplant.com/
great design with plant diversity. Their mission
18 PPA2018RALEIGH.COMTHURSDAY, AUGUST 2
SESSIONS & TRADE SHOW
NETWORKING, LUNCH AND TRADE SHOW 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
AFTERNOON SESSIONS 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
1:30 PM - 2 PM Nearly two decades in the making, Dorothea Kate Pearce is the Senior Planner for
DOROTHEA DIX PARK Dix Park, is charting a path to become Amer- Dorothea Dix Park for the City of Raleigh. As
Kate Pearce ica’s next great urban park. This presentation the project manager she is responsible for the
Senior Planner will focus on the park’s evolution (its history stewardship, use and future planning of the
Dorothea Dix Park and legacy) and the master plan process park. Prior to joining the City she worked as
currently underway. both an urban planning and business
management consultant.
2 PM - 2:15 PM 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
POY™ 2019 – INTRODUCING PPA 2019 PROSPECTIVE SITE CHAIR OF PPA
THE PERENNIAL PLANT OF THE YEAR® Chicago will be the host for 2019 PPA
Learn the uses, and special attributes of next National Symposium!
year’s Perennial Plant of the Year®.
TRADE SHOW, NETWORKING AND SILENT AUCTION 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
CLOSING KEYNOTE 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM PPA SYMPOSIUM CLOSING
GREEN TRENDS IN prevalent in Germany, The Netherlands, 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
LANDSCAPE England and Belgium since World War I. Janet Draper
ARCHITECTURE: THE These styles are emerging as a significant PPA President
INCREASING DIVERSITY component of contemporary American
OF PLANTS IN PUBLIC landscape architecture. Project examples
AND PRIVATE PROJECTS will be private estate and gardens as well
Richard Hartlage as public projects, such as Citygarden in St.
Founding Principal Louis, Chihuly Gardens and Glass in Seattle,
and CEO, Land The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Tongva
Morphology Park in Santa Monica and others prominent
examples of this trend. This lecture will be
Richard’s presentation will be an overview presented with stunning and inspirational
of trends in planting design by the most images, and will include practical information
accomplished landscape architects, for the professional.
garden designers and public garden
professionals in the United States. Based
on the book, The Authentic Garden,
his lecture will explore the meadow
and matrix planting styles
#PPARALEIGH 19DINNER JOIN US THURSDAY NIGHT FOR A DINNER AT
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2
SARAH P. DUKE GARDENS 5:15 PM!
Join us Thursday night for dinner at Sarah P. Duke Gardens! Carefully
crafted garden tableaus and outstanding plant collections await
visitors to this world-class public garden. Curated by talented
horticulturists and designers, this North Carolina gem will have
you wishing for more.
More than 300,000 visitors from all over the world visit
Sarah P. Duke Gardens annually, enjoying its 55 acres
of specialized gardens in the heart of Duke University.
The gardens are divided into four areas,
the Historic Core and Terraces, the H.L
Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, the
William Louis Culberson Asiatic
Arboretum and the Doris Duke Center
Gardens. Duke Gardens living collections
promote knowledge of the vital connections
between people and plants, fostering
an appreciation of the natural world,
environmental awareness and sustainable
practices. It is an indispensable and lasting
feature of life at Duke University, accessible
to all, providing outreach and respite to a
diverse and vibrant local community and
visitors from around the world.
20FRIDAY - OUT OF THE BOX TOUR
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3
TOURS
WEYMOUTH WOODS SANDHILLS NATURE PRESERVE
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve A network of short, easy trails provides an
is a unique window onto the longleaf pine outdoor classroom for ranger-led hikes
forests that once covered millions of acres that teach about this ecology or for quiet
in the Southeastern U.S. The towering contemplation. With limited understory,
pines – some of them hundreds of years the forest is a natural theater for birding
old – tower over expanses of wiregrass and and viewing wildlife. The visitor center’s
rare and intriguing species, including the museum-quality exhibits explore the longleaf
red-cockaded woodpecker, pine barrens forest, its flora and fauna and its unique history.
tree frog, bog spicebush, fox squirrel and
myriad wildflowers.
SANDHILLS HORTICULTURAL GARDENS 11:30 AM - 2 PM
In 1978, the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens Garden, Ambrose Japanese Garden and
became a reality with the establishment the Desmond Native Wetland Trail Garden.
of the Ebersole Holly Garden. Over the Today, the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens
years, additional gardens have been cover thirty-two acres. They are open to the
implemented, including the Rose Garden, public every day of the year from dawn to
the Conifer Garden, the Sir Walter Raleigh sunset and offer an educational adventure
Garden, the Atkins Hillside Garden, the Fruit to anyone with an interest in plants, nature,
& Vegetable Garden, Hackley Woodland and design composition.
BIG BLOOMERS FLOWER FARM 2:30 PM - 4 PM
Big Bloomers Flower Farm opened in its goods constitute 80% of sales from our 17
current retail location on Pressly Foushee retail greenhouses representing over 30,000
Road in Sanford, NC in 1994 adjacent to its sq. ft. of enclosed greenhouses. An extensive
growing facility. From 1978 - 1994, the business selection of garden-related merchandise such
operated in a smaller, retail facility on Hawkins as garden statuary, fountains, metalwork and
Avenue as Wenger’s Greenhouses. The current pottery fill our 3,000 sq. ft. garden shop area.
location is on six acres of an original 40-acre
family farm. Big Bloomers specializes in new, unusual,
and native perennials, annuals, herbs and
Big Bloomers is a bona fide NC farm and is shrubs and offers seasonal crops such as
the grower and not just a retail outlet. Big poinsettias, garden mums, and Easter lilies
Bloomers grows specifically for the home and grows a fabulous selection of Pansies
gardener offering substantial savings directly each and every fall. Most of the Big
to the customer. Because of the numerous Bloomers staff are experienced gardeners
varieties of species offered, quantities are that are knowledgeable and ready to
limited and thus sells retail only and does not get your garden growing.
wholesale or offer quantity discounts. Green 21TOURS FRIDAY – TRADITIONAL RETAIL TOUR
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 KIEFER’S LANDSCAPING AND GARDEN CENTER
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Kiefer Landscaping was founded in 1984 by methodically grown to become one of the
Mark A. Kiefer, a recent graduate of the Duke area’s most capable landscaping companies.
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Mark achieved his NC Registered Landscape
Since his first field botany class in the 9th grade Contractor’s license in January of 1988. In late
to his botany classes as an undergraduate 1988, Kiefer Landscaping moved to its current
student at Moravian College with Dr. John location on 12 acres in southern Durham. In
Bevington, Mark realized he had a special 1995, Kiefer Nursery was opened for retail
connection to plants. Rather than pursuing trade. And, in 2001, Kiefer Garden Center
a career in forestry, Mark chose the more was established, specializing in water
creatively rewarding path of landscaping. garden supplies.
Since its inception, Kiefer Landscaping has
GARDENING SUPPLY CO. 11 AM - 12 PM
This friendly, family style garden center was necessary supplies to attract and retain
founded about two decades ago when it was bees and other pollinators. Their very
started as a landscape and design firm. Their knowledgeable staff is excited to show
mission is to supply the community with all our PPA members their secret to running
garden related tools, as well as a broad a successful garden center in the suburbs
variety of herbaceous and woody plants, of Raleigh.
indoor and outdoor decorations and
FAIRVIEW GARDEN CENTER & NURSERY 1:15 PM - 2 PM
For more than 40 years, Fairview Garden garden center was built in 2004 and features
Center & Nursery has provided exceptional everything you need for a successful garden,
plants and flowers in Raleigh, NC and across including gardening tools and supplies, bird
the Triangle area. They boast two acres of feeders and products, pottery and statuary
greenhouse space used for growing annual and more. To top it all off, Fairview Garden
flowers, houseplants, herbs, vegetables and Center & Nursery has a gift shop that’s ideal
seasonal favorites, such as poinsettias. In for finding the perfect gifts, home decor and
addition, they have several acres solely Christmas decorations.
devoted to trees and shrubs, perennials,
ground covers and more. Fairview’s Raleigh
22 PPA2018RALEIGH.COMCONTINUED
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3
TOURS
FRIDAY – TRADITIONAL RETAIL TOUR
BIG BLOOMERS FLOWER FARM 3 PM - 4:30 PM
Big Bloomers Flower Farm opened in its goods constitute 80% of sales from our 17
current retail location on Pressly Foushee retail greenhouses representing over 30,000
Road in Sanford, NC in 1994 adjacent to its sq. ft. of enclosed greenhouses. An extensive
growing facility. From 1978 - 1994, the business selection of garden-related merchandise such
operated in a smaller, retail facility on Hawkins as garden statuary, fountains, metalwork and
Avenue as Wenger’s Greenhouses. The current pottery fill our 3,000 sq. ft. garden shop area.
location is on six acres of an original 40-acre
family farm. Big Bloomers specializes in new, unusual,
and native perennials, annuals, herbs and
Big Bloomers is a bona fide NC farm and is shrubs and offers seasonal crops such as
the grower and not just a retail outlet. Big poinsettias, garden mums, and Easter lilies
Bloomers grows specifically for the home and grows a fabulous selection of Pansies
gardener offering substantial savings directly each and every fall. Most of the Big
to the customer. Because of the numerous Bloomers staff are experienced gardeners
varieties of species offered, quantities are that are knowledgeable and ready to
limited and thus sells retail only and does not get your garden growing.
wholesale or offer quantity discounts. Green
FRIDAY – PRIVATE GARDENS TOUR 8:30 AM - 4 PM
DAN KREBILL’S GARDEN (THE UNCOMMON GARDEN)
The Uncommon Garden is like nothing
you have seen before — and this is your
opportunity to experience it. Local artist Rik
Hermanson began designing the Uncommon
Garden in 2002, starting from a simple plan to
enhance the owner’s backyard. Today, after
hundreds of tons of rocks, concrete, soil,
boulders, water and plants have been
hauled in, this formerly ordinary backyard is an
intricate web of sculptural landscapes. Every
square foot is being transformed into an
exotic natural wonderland, with artful snakes,
dragons, water features, rock assemblages,
secret rooms, torii gates, performance
areas and unique twists everywhere. Wander
around, discover its surprises, and marvel at
a very unique collaboration of over 12 artists,
stone masons, carpenters and other
creative minds. 23CONTINUED
TOURS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3
FRIDAY – PRIVATE GARDENS TOUR 8:30 AM - 4 PM
MARCIA ANGLE’S GARDEN (DEER CHASE GARDENS)
Deer Chase Gardens is a magical Eden habitat, poolside butterfly garden, and
located in the heart of Duke Forest. For formal sun garden, connected by an
invited guests, it offers year-round appeal with alluring combination of cultivated allée,
a stunning display of perennials, 200-year-old rustic handmade bridges, and arched
oaks, mature cedars and showy maples. The passages. Sit and enjoy the garden’s many
property offers an expansive vista from one of water features (including streams, fountains,
the highest points in Orange County, adjacent and a formal reflective pool), and marvel at
to some of the best-preserved forestland in the the variety of avian and amphibian visitors to
North Carolina Piedmont. this wildlife paradise. Sculptures from local 5+ intensively-cultivated acres, and easily
artists, elaborate stonework, exquisite accommodate several hundred visitors
Guests will enjoy the experience of metalwork, and handsomely hand-crafted amidst both sunny and shaded garden areas.
wandering through ingeniously cultivated cedar structures enhance this unique The garden surrounds an architect-designed,
“outdoor rooms” which highlight many garden experience. beautiful home, built following the LEED
creative combinations of plantings in different (environmentally-sensitive) guidelines.
settings, including an Asian garden with an Charming and intimate seating Parking for large groups is subtly hidden
authentic hand-built Japanese tea house, groupings (including hand-hewn from thanks to the 10+-acre field, featuring
an organic orchard, a native Pocosin local fallen cedars) are nestled among the multiple native grasses, shrubs and trees.”
HELEN YOEST’S GARDEN (BEE BETTER TEACHING GARDEN)
In the heart of a Raleigh neighborhood, plants for easy landing, including liatris,
where azaleas and grass rein, sits a half-acre lantana, dill, carrots, parsley, zinnia, yarrow,
sustainable garden. Sustainability is key in milkweed, pentas, and many others. They
creating pollinator/wildlife-friendly, organic, are planted in large swaths to make
pesticide-free, waterwise, and various foraging easy.
elements and uniquenesses. Doing less with
our natural resources and more with plants, BIRDS
builds the foundation of life in the garden. We rely heavily on berry-producing trees and
shrubs, as well as seed-bearing plants for a
When we think of sustainability, it’s not only natural source through plants. While there are
caring for the environment, but also creating a a few feeders around, we depend mostly on
habitat to fully sustain wildlife, from brush, and growing the plants to provide food needs.
trees and shrubs, ground covers, vines, berries,
seeds, fruits, and general pollinator plants. Our BEES
main focus is to attract area birds, bees, and We must confess, the gardens focus on the
butterflies; and in doing so, all wildlife arrives. European Honey Bee. Helen, a twice-failed
beekeeper, wanted to do her part to provide
BUTTERFLIES for them. Of course, being sustainable is the
For butterfly host plants, we created this list beginning and the end, but we’ve also
of host plants, then made certain we were studied the nectar and pollen best for the
growing at least one host plant to meet honeybee. When a garden has limited space,
every area butterfly’s need. For butterfly it’s best to first study the plants that provide
24 nectar plants, we have many umbel-shaped the highest content of nectar and pollen.CONTINUED
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3
TOURS
FRIDAY – PRIVATE GARDENS TOUR 8:30 AM - 4 PM
FRANCES ALVARINO NORWOOD’S GARDEN
The garden of artist Frances Alvarino Peaceful, soft pastels and swaths of varying
Norwood and John Norwood is a romantic foliage textures unify the main garden. Hidden
sanctuary of artful agriculture and passionate around one corner is an intensive vegetable
sustainability. Our 3+ acres of cultivated garden. Plantings of ferns, asarums, hellebores,
gardens offer a wide variety of grouped and pulmonarias are tucked under dappled
perennials in sun and shade bridged by shade. Frances has been gardening here for
generous swaths of annuals. Hemlocks 33 years. The garden feels alive and cared for
stand sentry over our sanctuary. Drifts of but it’s not as intimidating as the more formal
self-seeding heirloom annuals and salvia gardens. It suggests anything is possible with a
highlight the winding, herbaceous borders of little work and a lot of love.
peonies and roses with sweet pea intertwined.
PEGGY TITUS’S GARDEN
The three quarter acre garden of Peggy Titus out the plantings. The garden combines
has been developed over a 19-year period different textures, leaf sizes and colors to
from the perspective of an artist and hostess. add to the artistic palette. All of the natural
The original bones of the garden included elements are complimented by over 70 pots,
three small spill ponds, a large man-made mostly in hues of blue including three fairy
50x20 ft. pond with waterfall stocked with gardens. Of the original “bones,“ the gazebo
over 200 pond fish, edged on one side by now is decorated as a seating oasis for 12,
an extensive bog, a bridge over the pond with a bar, the pergola now features a crystal
entered an 18 ft. octagon shaped gazebo on chandelier with dining for 12, and a dozen
stilts. It also featured a 25x15 ft. vine covered adult koi have been added to the large
pergola with the potential for dining. With an water lily and pond fish filled pond.
artistic eye and a sense of adventure, Peggy
laughingly admits that she purchased “a yard The front garden completely redesigned
with a house attached.” and created on 2008, consists of four large
raised island flower beds, filled with azaleas,
The rear enclosed garden containing all of the rhododendrons, hydrangeas, hostas, ferns,
original “bones” was developed with the idea daylilies, astilbes and New Guinea impatiens
of garden rooms, connected by a circular scattered across a sweeping lawn with a
path of natural stone and gravel, with stacked meandering stone path leading to the front
stone edged planting beds. It is accessed door of the house. Peggy’s garden featured
through two entrances of laser cut bronzed on two national open garden tours, has been
steel gates in an egret design created from the site of several weddings, political fund
Peggy’s design. Plantings consist of large trees, raisers, and both large and small parties all
and mostly shade tolerant plants including catered by Peggy. You are invited to spend
over 300 hostas. Astilbes, ferns, fairy wings, some time being entertained by the
azaleas, rhododendrons, and over 200 distinct sights and sounds of this lush, artistically
specimens, many from exotic locations round designed sanctuary. 25You can also read
