Annual Garden Symposium

About the Conference

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation invites you to join us for a symposium filled with inspiration and discovery as we explore the rich legacy and living beauty of some of America's most iconic gardens. From the carefully cultivated landscapes of Charleston to the wild and visionary gardens of Bunny Mellon, leading voices in historic and horticultural scholarship to explore how people, plants, and place have shaped one another over centuries.

Louisa Cameron examines the enduring beauty and evolution of Charleston’s historic gardens, while Jenny Rose Carey illuminates the pioneering yet often overlooked women who shaped horticulture in the early 20th century. Chris Strand (Winterthur) reflects on The Last Wild Garden, examining the relationship between cultivated design and ecological spontaneity. Sir Peter Crane explores discoveries in the botanical world of Bunny Mellon, revealing her lasting influence on modern garden aesthetics. Stacey Weir explores the design heritage of the Biltmore Estate’s historic gardens, and Neal Hurst revisits Arthur Shurcliff’s foundational concepts at Colonial Williamsburg. Eve Otmar follows the global journeys of 18th-century botanists and their plant specimens, tracing networks of exchange and exploration, while Jamie Helmick centers Indigenous gardening traditions in Virginia—both before and after colonization—reframing narratives of landscape stewardship.

Together, these talks invite participants to consider gardens not only as works of art, but as living archives of cultural exchange, ecological adaptation, and identity—sites where history is continually cultivated and rediscovered. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, landscape professional or simply seeking inspiration, this symposium offers a rare opportunity to delve into the stories and stewardship behind these remarkable landscapes.

Virtual and in-person attendees will have access to all mainstage lectures through June 1, 2026, as well as receive a ticket voucher to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and Art Museums, valid for 7 days from the time of redemption (by December 31, 2026). In-person registration includes receptions, breaks, and access to exclusive breakout sessions, such as hands-on workshops, and special tours throughout our iconic and historic gardens.

A limited number of scholarships (in person and virtual) are available for current or recently graduated students or emerging professionals in related fields.

Register Now