Southern Symposium IX Kells Bay Gardens
Schedule
Fri Oct 04 2024 at 05:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Kells Bay House and Gardens Kells, Kells, Ireland V23 EP48 | Tralee, KY
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Join us for the Southern Symposium IX at Kells Bay House & GardensTo make a booking: https://www.kellsgardens.ie/the-southern-symposium/
Friday, 4th October – Sunday, 6th October 2024
A festival of friendship, fun, food and fronds.
This October our ninth Symposium promises to be better than ever.
With a distinct International flavour, you'll meet five expert speakers over three days. In beautiful surroundings and with great food too.
Every gardener from beginner to expert will find something to enjoy.
Listening, Questioning, Discussing and Learning.
Adam Frost, BBC Gardeners’ World, England
“For a Love of Plants”
Jimi Blake, Hunting Brook Gardens, Co. Wicklow
“A Deep Dive into the Woodland Plant Collection in Hunting Brook”
Scott McMahan, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, USA
“Plant Exploration in Vietnam and North East India”
Derry Watkins, Special Plants Nursery, England
“Breathless - Plants of the Andes, Himalaya and Alps”
Raf Lenaerts, Botanic Treasures, Belgium
“Cultivating Rare and New Magnolias”
A brief history of the Southern Symposium
In Summer 2014, after 7 years in Kells Bay, Billy Alexander reached the “End of the Beginning” of his work at Kells. The mammoth task of reclaiming the Gardens and restoring the House was in hand, and it was now time to celebrate and publicise the achievement. A Who’s Who of Irish horticulture assembled at Kells Bay heard talks from Seamus O’Brien of the National Botanic Gardens, and the legendary Roy Lancaster.
The weekend of discussion, food, wine and fun in the gardens was such a success it was instituted as an annual event to celebrate gardening, plants and landscapes.
Since then, the event has become fixed as a highlight of Munster’s horticultural calendar. Its roll-call of speakers is a list of the horticultural Pantheon.
The wonderful hospitality, relaxed and friendly atmosphere ensure delegates return annually to renew, refresh and learn.
To make a booking: https://www.kellsgardens.ie/the-southern-symposium/
Running Order for the weekend:
Kells Bay Gardens – Southern Symposium IX
Friday 4th October
All Day Gardens & Plant Centre are open to all delegates until Dusk
Plant availability list available in advance upon request
17.30 Neil Porteous to give a short, guided walk in the gardens
19:30 Symposium Buffet Supper in the Marquee
Join Billy and our Speakers (prior reservation required)
21:00 Jimi Blake, Hunting Brook Gardens
“‘A Deep Dive into the Woodand plant Collection in Hunting Brook”
Including Araliaceae collection, choice woodland perennials and more…”
Tickets for Friday - €50
Kells Bay Gardens – Southern Symposium IX
Saturday 5th October
08:00 Breakfast in the Dining Room (Residents only)
09:30 Delegates Gather on Terrace, complimentary Tea & Coffee - Get name tags
10:00 Welcome and Introduction by Billy Alexander
10:15 Raf Lenaerts
“'Cultivating Rare and New Magnolias”
11:30 Tea/Coffee
12:15 Scott McMahan, Atlanta Botanical Gardens
“Plant Exploration in Vietnam and N.E. India”
13:30 Thai-style Buffet Lunch served in the conservatory
14:45 Adam Frost, BBC Gardeners World
“For a Love of Plants”
16:00 Questions and Answers with our Guest Speakers
16:15 Billy Alexander - Closing Remarks
Details / announcement of Symposium X
October 3rd – Sunday 5th October 2025
16.30- 17.30 Guided walk by Neil Porteous in the gardens with speakers and Guests
Tickets for Saturday - €85
Kells Bay Gardens – Southern Symposium IX
Sunday 6th October
08:00 Breakfast in the Dining Room (Residents only)
09:15 Delegates Gather on Terrace, complimentary Tea & Coffee
9:30 Scott McMahan
“Ex situ Plant Conservation at The Atlanta Botanical Garden”
10:45 Tea/Coffee
11:15 Derry Watkins
“Breathless - Plants of the Andes, Himalaya and Alps”
12:30 Questions and Answers with our Guest Speakers
13:00 Soup and Sandwiches
13:30 Weekend formalities conclude…..
Delegates are welcome to visit the Gardens and Plant Centre
Tickets for Sunday - €55
Tickets for all 3 days - €175
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Where is it happening?
Kells Bay House and Gardens Kells, Kells, Ireland V23 EP48, Kells Bay House, Caherciveen, County Kerry, Ireland,Glenbeigh, Kerry, Ireland, TraleeEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
