NEWS

A beautiful centerpiece at the Davidson Horticulture Symposium, created by Inta Krombolz. (News of Davidson photo by Allyson Ray)

The idea for a horticultural symposium grew from the germ of an idea that sprouted among six Davidsonians: Jane Avinger, Irvin Brawley, Laura Grosch, Phyllis Herring, Suzanne Sadler, and Margaret Zimmermann. During the early years, attendance was good, and through the years it has steadily increased. For the last several years, the event has been sold out. The programs take place in the Duke Performance Hall on the campus of Davidson College, and lunch, prepared by the college, is in Vail Commons dining area, also on campus.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating the Ever-Changing Garden,” was a huge success. Before the program began and during breaks, attendees visited vendors while enjoying homemade baked goods provided by Garden Club members. An interesting variety of houseplants was available for purchase, as were jigsaw puzzles, gardening books, and botanical prints. A variety of tree seedlings was given away. So many temptations for gardeners and even non-gardeners!

Linda Hoekstra, Garden Club president, wrote that “Education is a central goal of the Symposium and the Garden Club. We proudly recognize the teachers and students participating in our scholarship program and thank the local garden clubs, organizations, and individual donors who make these opportunities possible.”

Such an endeavor is a work of love for the 40 members of the Garden Club. They begin preparation for next spring’s symposium in April or May when a committee chooses the theme for 2027. Once the theme is chosen, the committee begins looking for speakers who have knowledge and expertise that follow the theme.

The Davidson Horticultural Symposium is a gift to gardeners in our area and beyond. The chair of this year’s event, Bruce Batman, said it best, “The Symposium is really a highlight of the spring season.”