ANNISTON, AL — Gardeners from across the region will have the opportunity to learn new skills and explore sustainable gardening practices during the 8th Annual Spring Garden Symposium at Longleaf Botanical Gardens.
Hosted by Anniston Museums and Gardens, the event will take place at 920 Museum Drive in Anniston and will feature a full day of educational sessions, demonstrations, and vendor shopping focused on practical gardening techniques and environmentally friendly practices.
The symposium will feature Master Herbalist Darryl Patton as the keynote speaker. Patton will present “Straight from the Garden: Plants that Heal,” sharing insights on the benefits of medicinal plants and their role in everyday wellness.
Participants will also hear from several gardening and environmental experts throughout the day. Sessions will cover topics including the role of bats in backyard ecosystems, composting techniques, garden safety, and choosing plants that provide the most value for home gardeners.
Additional presentations will be led by representatives from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and other gardening professionals. Attendees will also be able to choose between breakout sessions, including a demonstration on using a mini chainsaw and a guided tour of the Longleaf Botanical Gardens sensory garden.
Vendor shopping will be available throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering visitors the chance to explore local gardening-related products and resources. The vendor area will be free and open to the public, even for those not attending the full symposium.
Doors will open at 9 a.m. with registration and check-in, followed by a welcome session at 9:30 a.m. Educational sessions will continue through the afternoon, with time scheduled for lunch and vendor browsing.
Registration for the symposium is $50 per person, with Anniston Museums and Gardens members receiving a $10 discount. Complimentary coffee and light breakfast snacks will be provided, and lunch will be included for those who register by March 13. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
The event is designed for gardeners of all experience levels and will focus on practical strategies to improve garden productivity while supporting local ecosystems.
More information and registration details are available at www.ExploreAMAG.org.
