The Wheatley Horticultural Society’s first ever Living Landscapes Symposium was a huge success as the sold-out event attracted 145 eager garden enthusiasts.
The day began with registration and then a keynote session from Lorraine Johnson about climate change in the garden.
From there, participants were given a choice of their 11 am sessions, which included sessions from Rick Gray, Huda Oda and Alyssa Bachus.
After lunch, attendees got to choose from Bill Ross, Jan Dudgale and Tammy Dobbie, before wrapping up with sessions put on by Katherine DeGoey, Amy Ellard-Gray and Mary Jonsson.
The participants were given a quartet of lunch choices, all patronizing Wheatley’s eateries, including Renny’s Smokehouse, Lil Hils Coffee Shop, Heidi’s Eats and Sweets, and Lucky Wok.
Horticultural Society President Sophie Jefferson was thrilled with the turnout.
“When we first envisioned having a one day garden education symposium, we couldn’t have imagined how successful Saturday would be. Every chair in the building was in use, between our gathering and learning areas,” said Jefferson. “You could feel the buzz of excitement in the air as gardeners got together to learn and plan the growing season ahead. We had great support from industry sponsors, our speakers and volunteers, and couldn’t have done it without them or the Wheatley Baptist Church. Ordering from local restaurants and providing a mini Wheatley directory was a great way to support the businesses that support us throughout the year and we have heard that they benefited from the day as well.”
Plans are already underway for another such event next year.
Amy Ellard-Gray from the Hobby Homestead talks about vegetable gardens in suburban spaces and how her family of four gets 75 per cent of their vegetables from their property.
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