Event Details

Join national gardening experts Brie Arthur and Jenks Farmer for an engaging and eye-opening look at “What I’ve Learned,” moderated by Magnolia’s Director of Horticulture. This powerhouse garden duo comes to us with unique histories, experiences and poignant stories making them the gardeners they are today. Attendees will enjoy an exclusive, curated plant sale, mimosa and mocktail mixer, lunch catered by Hamby Catering, special tours on property, and engaging garden talk with friends and fellow gardeners.

The program will run from 10:30am-4pm. Tickets are currently on sale here starting at $75: https://www.magnoliaplantation.com/magnolia-events/todayssouthern

Bestselling author and gardening personality, Brie Arthur, is widely known for her leadership with the national Foodscape movement and her lively, information packed presentations. With more than two decades of professional horticulture experience she is a long-time contributor on the Emmy award winning PBS Television show “Growing a Greener World”. You can follow Brie’s gardening journey through her website, BrieGrows.com or her social media and YouTube channel, Brie the Plant Lady.
Jenks Farmer, a versatile writer, designer, horticulturist, and a 10th generation South Carolinian, grew up on a failed farm near a Magnolia swamp. He spent a decade traversing the globe and then came home to shape the forefront of public gardens in the state. His career spans across iconic institutions such as Riverbanks Botanical Garden, Moore Farms Botanical Garden, and Historic Columbia.
Alongside his husband, Jenks manages an organic nursery and a farm education center, specializing in bulbs like crinum and amaryllis. He served as a book reviewer for the esteemed American Horticulture Society. Through his writing on Substack and his latest, thought-provoking fourth book, Garden Disruptors, Jenks explores the intersection of personal growth, sexuality, social justice, and the art of nurturing plants. His writings and presentations offer a soulful, frank perspective on Southern gardens.

Featured sessions include:

What I’ve Learned as a Southern Transplant with Brie

Prepare yourself for a green-thumb adventure as Michigan native horticulturist and gardener Brie Arthur weaves stories around the challenges of being a Southern transplant. Delving into the ups and downs adapting to a whole new gardening reality, Brie will share her unexpected successes to the inevitable pitfalls ultimately leading to valuable lessons for all Southern gardeners.

What I’ve Learned as a Southern Runaway with Jenks

This country boy’s innate understanding of place fueled his world-wide journey in horticulture. His determination to leave the South did not keep him from returning to his roots on the family farm in Beech Island, SC. Jenks has a passionate understanding of deep South soils, climate and plants fused with inspiration from all over the world. Expect stories, lessons and a plea for Southern gardening that protects and honors our land.