GREAT LAKES, GREAT PLANTS SYMPOSIUM

The Great Lakes, Great Plants Symposium is a two-day event for horticulture professionals and enthusiasts alike. A full day of lectures, rare plant auction, and exclusive tours of the natural and cultivated beauty of Northwest Michigan. Programming for 2024 focuses on coastal resiliency, gravel gardens, and intentional design. The event is sponsored by the Northern Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association and hosted by The Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City.

Early Bird Discount (until June 15th)

$199 Botanic Garden and MNLA Members

$225 Non-Member

After June 15th

$225 Botanic Garden and MNLA Members

$249 Non-Member

***Want to be a sponsor? Purchase a VIP table for the dinner and plant auction! You'll receive 8 full registrations to the event, a curated trio of plants for each attendee (8), and your logo or name in the program and all online promotions. Select this option when you purchase tickets on Eventbrite, or call The Botanic Garden at (231) 935-4077.

Thursday (Day 1): Lectures

9:00 – 9:30 - Opening Lecture, Welcome to The Great Lakes, Great Plants Symposium

9:30 – 10:30 - Gravel Gardens for our Changing Climate, Jeff Epping

10:30 – 10:45 - Break

10:45 - 11:45 - Cultivating Coastal Resilience, Andy Brand

11:45 – 12:45 - Lunch and Explore the Gardens

12:45 – 2:00 - Hands-on Horticulture Stations throughout The Botanic Garden

2:00 – 3:00 - Expanding your Plant Palette, Brian Zimmerman and Speakers

3:00 – 3:15 - Break

3:15 – 4:15 - Designing with Intention, Rachel Jawin

Thursday (Day 1): Dinner

6:30 – 7:30 - Cocktails and Dinner

7:30 - Silent Auction Closes

7:45 – 8:30 - Live Auction

Friday (Day 2): Tour of Gardens, Natural Areas, and Nursery

8:30 – 9:00 - Welcome and Overview

9:00 - Buses Depart from 1490 Red Drive

9:00 – 10:30 - Tour of Location #1

10:30 – 12:00 - Tour of Location #2

12:00 - 2:00 - Lunch and Tour of Location #3

2:00 – 3:15 - Nursery Tour

3:15 – 4:30 - Tour of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park

Host or Publisher The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park