Join us as we celebrate the mission and the legacy of the Wing Haven Foundation with an event highlighting Wing Haven’s vision to inspire a passion for the natural world. Enjoy the national perspectives of leading horticulturist and award-winning author Kelly D. Norris speaking on his book New Naturalism: Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden and a presentation and live demonstrations by the renowned floral designer Michael Walter of Lexington Gardens (NYC) at a half-day coffee greet, book signing, symposium and luncheon at the Charlotte Country Club.
Agenda:
8:30 a.m. - Registration, Coffee and Book Sales
9:00 a.m. - Welcome and Introduction of Speakers
9:15 a.m. - “New Naturalism” with Kelly D. Norris
10:45 a.m. - Break
11:00 a.m. - “Finding Inspiration at Home and In Your Garden” with Michael Walter
12:00 p.m. - Luncheon
1:00 p.m. - Centerpiece and Book Sales
Includes two tickets to presentations and luncheon on Thursday and recognition in the Symposium program. Sponsorships may be made in honor of or in memory of.
Fauna Sponsor donations help support the purchase of native plants for bird habitat at Wing Haven.
For more information about sponsorships, please contact Susan Evans 704.331.0664 ext.108.
Includes one ticket to presentations and luncheon on Thursday and recognition in the Symposium program. Sponsorships may be made in honor of or in memory of.
Flora Sponsor donations help support the purchase of heirloom bulbs for Elizabeth Lawrence's garden.
For more information about sponsorships, please contact Susan Evans 704.331.0664 ext.108.
Includes speaker presentations and luncheon on Thursday.
Enjoy the national perspectives of leading horticulturist and award-winning author Kelly D. Norris speaking on the "New Naturalism" and a presentation “Finding Inspiration at Home and in Your Garden" with live demonstrations by the renowned floral designer Michael Walter of Lexington Gardens.
Individual Tickets $150. Registration closes October 6.
Symposium: Donation
I cannot attend, but I would like to make a generous donation to the gardens.
Plantsman, Horticulturist, Award-Winning Author
Kelly D. Norris is one of the leading horticulturists of his generation. In his practice, he explores the intersections of people, plants and place through ecological, site-specific design and art. An award-winning author and plantsman, Kelly’s work in gardens has been featured in The New York Times, Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, Fine Gardening, Garden Design and in numerous television, radio and digital media appearances. His most recent book New Naturalism was named one of the Top 10 Books of 2021 by the American Horticultural Society.
Kelly was practically born with a trowel in his hands: He planted his first garden when he was just nine; for his 15th birthday, asked for and received an iris nursery, which he ran with his parents for more than a decade; and published four books about gardening well before turning 40. The former director of horticulture and education at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is now creating beautiful, environmentally responsible landscapes for clients. “I like to think of New Naturalism as a synthesis of horticulture and ecology, weaving together contemporary trends in Western horticulture towards a greater nature in gardens: planting with a sense of place, building gardens from foundations of native plants, supporting pollinators and local ecosystems, sequestering carbon and gardening for climate change, among others”, says Kelly.
“New Naturalism”
Kelly will share his inspiring, ecologically-sound vision for home gardens created with stylish yet naturalistic plantings. Plantings that mimic the wild spaces we covet—far from the contrived, formal, high-maintenance plantings of the past. Touching on plant biology and ecology, he will share tips on how to design and grow a lush, thriving home garden by harnessing the power of plant layers and palettes defined by nature, not humans.
Preorder Kelly's book New Naturalism: Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden.
Floral Designer, Lexington Gardens (NYC)
Michael Walter, renowned floral designer, joined Lexington Gardens many years ago. He brought with him years of international recognition for his exquisite talent. Born in Europe, he studied horticulture, landscape design and traditional English-style floral decoration. In London, Michael joined Kenneth Turner, who has been long considered the grand master of floral design.
After two exciting years, Michael turned his sights on other European cities, spending several years in Zurich. A year-long teaching experience followed in Japan. His clientele ranged, nationally and internationally. He worked with the floral team as an active florist and consultant at the White House for seven years. By the time he arrived at Lexington Gardens, Michael had defined a unique approach to his work which is at once beautifully classic and refreshingly modern.
“Finding Inspiration at Home and in Your Garden"
Michael designs a variety of beautiful botanical combinations from arrangements for individuals to large-scale corporate installations, often using both natural and faux elements in his creations. During the symposium, Michael will share his expertise and hope to inspire the audience by creating tabletop designs from mystery boxes - combinations of china, backyard greenery, and natural materials from Wing Haven’s gardens. The contents of the boxes will be completely unknown to Michael before he opens them on stage. While Michael is challenged with creating magic in the spotlight, participants will learn about creating beauty from the ordinary things in their homes and yards.
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Wing Haven is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors.
