Today's Horticulture Symposium to take place at Longwood Gardens

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- The Professional Gardener Alumni Association (PGAA) will host its annual Today’s Horticulture Symposium Feb. 1 at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa. Sponsored by Longwood Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center and the Chanticleer Foundation, the daylong conference features eight speakers addressing contemporary topics for the horticulture professional, landscape designer and architect, passionate gardener, and student of horticulture. The PGAA is now accepting registrations for this annual event.

Among the featured presenters are chef-turned-farmer Aaron Keefer of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, who will address the interconnectedness of the kitchen and the garden in the evolving foodscape. Kate Kennen, author of PHYTO: Principles and Resources for Site Remediation and Landscape Design, will present on the tools and plants employed in effective phytotechnology approaches against site contaminants. Douglas Reed will delve into recent landscape works by design firm Reed Hilderbrand. Back by popular demand, the Professional Gardener Alumni Spotlight will showcase the careers of several of the program’s graduates in a shorter vignette format. In addition to the exciting selection of speakers and topics, a fantastic plant sale fundraiser organized by the current class of Professional Gardener students will be open throughout the event.

"Though much of the value of the Today’s Horticulture Symposium is in the unscripted moments of the day, chatting with colleagues, meeting the speakers, and soaking up the warmth of the lush Conservatory in the dead of winter, not everyone is able to attend in person," said Professional Gardener Program Alumna and Symposium Chair Emily Reuther. "This year, we are thrilled to offer our webcast for free to engage our colleagues from outside the region."  

The 2019 Today’s Horticulture Symposium will take place Feb. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Ballroom at Longwood Gardens. The symposium fee includes admission to Longwood Gardens, the lecture series, plant sale, refreshments, and a buffet lunch. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Register by Jan. 4 for a discounted early registration rate. Preregistration is required for the webcast. For more information and to register online visit: longwoodgardens.org/todayshorticulture.