The 2009 Aiken Garden Show will feature some interesting speakers and
demonstrations. Plan to join us to learn the latest gardening tips and the best ways to grow your favorite plants.

Friday, May 8th ~ 9:30 am
Vegetable Gardening in the South
Sid Mullis
Learn which vegetables grow the best for our area and the techniques to use to make your garden successful, whether it be a traditional, raised bed, or organic garden. Click here to view Mr. Mullis' bio.

Friday, May 8th ~ 10:30 am
EZ Lawns
Doug Gregorie
Mr. Gregorie will share his approach to successfully growing a variety of grasses in South Carolina. Bring your questions or concerns about lawns for Mr. Gregorie’s input. Click here to view Mr. Gregorie's bio.

Friday, May 8th ~ 11:30 am
Improving Habitat for Birds in Your Backyard
Ron Brenneman
We will explore ways to enhance your backyard to attract more birds. This will include plantings, water features, and feeding stations. Participants will learn how to get their backyard designated as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat” through the National Wildlife Federation. Click here to view Mr. Brenneman's bio.

Friday, May 8th ~ 4:00 pm

Guided Tour of Hitchcock Woods
Dr. Harry Shealy
Join Dr. Harry Shealy as he takes you on a delightfully fascinating journey through Hitchcock Woods, the largest urban forest in the United States. Harry will astound you with his knowledge of the native flora and fauna.

2009 Featured Speaker

Saturday, May 9th ~ 9:15 am
Tart It Up!  Creativity in Horticulture
Jenks Farmer
"Beautiful landscapes and classic gardens have certain elements. In my gardens, I seek to add a Southern twist to the tried and true garden principles." Mr. Farmer will review photos of some of his favorite and current projects which show garden ideas on paper, in planning, in process, and after growing in. Click here to view Mr. Farmer's Bio.

Saturday, May 9th ~ 10:30 am
Carl Tilson
Hardy Orchids in the Southern Garden
Native orchids are among the most sought after plants due to their unusual beauty and their habit of growing out of reach of all but the most adventurous hiker. Some people never even get to see one of these plants in person. Give space in your garden to an endangered species. Mr. Tilson will be bringing some of his plants with him to sell. Click here to view Mr. Tilson's bio.

Saturday, May 9th ~ 11:30 am
David Scott
The Ecology of Isolated Wetlands, Including Carolina Bays
From the 1950-70s, the loss of wetlands in the southeast was greater than any other region of the country. There remain around 200 bays of the original thousands in South Carolina. This presentation is about the plants and animals of these bays and the ecology of these vanishing wetlands. There will be an optional tour of Hidden Bay, a protected bay in the city of Aiken, at 2 pm. Click here to view Mr. Scott's bio.

Saturday, May 9th ~ 2:00 pm
The Ecology of Aiken's Carolina Bay Nature Reserve
David Scott
Join David Scott at Aiken’s Carolina Bay Nature Reserve to learn about the ecology of these temporary wetlands and get up close and personal with the animals and plants found there.

Demonstrations & Workshops

Both Friday and Saturday afternoons at Banksia, various horticultural societies will offer demonstrations on a variety of topics. Societies expected to participate include the Rose Society, the Hydrangea Society, the Camellia Society, the Orchid Society, and the Ikebana Society. Demonstrations will include:

• Questions answered by Master Gardeners
• The proper way to re-pot orchids
• Ikebana flower arranging ~ 1-2 PM Saturday ~ Hideko Rainey will demonstrate Sogetsu School and Adrianna Fisher will demonstrate Ohara School arrangements. Three completed arrangements will be donated as door prizes on Saturday following the demonstration.
• How to propagate camellias, including air-layers and grafts ~ 6 camellia bushes also will be donated as door prizes.
• How to propagate hydrangeas
• Display and explanation of growing and pruning Bonsai ~Fred and Caroline Wieland will display some of their beautiful Bonsai trees, explain the history of Bonsai, and demonstrate how it is done.
• The Rose Society will provide fresh roses for the Ikebana Society to use in their arrangements.

Click here for a PDF schedule of events.