Last week, the JC Raulston Arboretum and Juniper Level Botanic Garden hosted their Southeastern Plant Symposium and Rare Plant Auction in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event page describes it as the perfect place to “discover the latest plant innovations, connect with industry leaders and gain insights into modern gardening and horticultural practice.”
BLC floriculturist, Rachael Breen, attended the event and shared the following about her experience:
Left the Southeastern Plant Symposium feeling inspired & excited for the future of the plant world!
Today I happened to sit next to one of Bland’s former floriculturalists from ’96, Sarah Reeves, entirely by coincidence! While she doesn’t work as much with annuals these days, Sarah offered great plant recommendations and stories from her career.
I was thrilled to thank Bryce Lane, my former Home Horticulture professor at NCSU, who I largely attribute solidifying my decision to enter into the green industry.
I also met a fellow local home gardener, Marilyn, who inspired me with her creativity and unique garden solutions—particularly with deer. We bonded over our shared admiration for the enthusiasm and positivity of local horticulture legends, Brie Arthur and Bryce Lane.
I am so appreciative of the chance to pick the brains of other plant enthusiasts in tandem with the lectures. Combined, they offer a wide range of perspectives, experiences, geographical diversity, and deep knowledge of niches and opportunities for exploration in the plant world.
Hearing Tony Avent detail the progression of the Juniper Level Botanic Gardens was incredibly inspiring; seeing how he turned an essentially blank canvas landscape into a horticultural destination is impressive to say the least. I admire his vision and dedication to showing the transformative possibilities of plants and landscaping.
The JC Raulston Arboretum—an educational garden that has meant so much to so many and continues to inspire and delight—also celebrated it’s 50th anniversary recently.
It was a joy to see hundreds of rare plants auctioned to raise funds for these two fantastic organizations.
From Rachael Breen via LinkedIn