On dates Radiant Nature is open (through Feb. 23), the Garden closes early to daytime visitors at 4 p.m.
EVENTS

Garden Success Symposium

Conservation in Action

WHEN
February 8, 2025 9:00 am -
February 8, 2025 2:00 pm

Join the Garden’s in-house experts on the horticulture team for our annual day of learning about plants in the living collections, conservation efforts, and more, with a focus on sharing news and tips relevant to home gardeners, plant enthusiasts, nature lovers, etc. This year’s seminar highlights conservation, from the gardens and natural ecosystems on our 132-acre site all the way down to your own yard or patio.

In addition to the following informative lectures from our Garden experts, participants will enjoy opportunities to socialize with presenters and other attendees over coffee and lunch.

Garden Success Symposium Schedule
*see session descriptions below

  • 9-9:30 a.m. – Check-in and coffee
  • 9:30-10:25 a.m. – Tours of the Garden
  • 10:30-11 a.m. – “Building a Conservation Program at the Houston Botanic Garden,” with Brent Moon, associate director of natural areas, conservation, and facilities
  • 11:05-11:35 a.m. – “Lessons from the Wetlands,” with horticulturist Lyndsey Ware
  • 11:35-11:50 a.m. – Panel questions
  • 11:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch provided by the Garden
  • 12:30-1 p.m. – “Backyard Conservation,” with horticulturist Laura Webb
  • 1:05-1:50 p.m.  – “The Data Side of Home Gardening: How Data and Technology Can Help Bolster Your Conservation Efforts at Home,” with Jena Portanova, plant records manager, and Erin Mills, associate director of family programs
  • 1:50-2 p.m. – Panel questions, discussion, and networking

 

Non-member fee of $40 includes general admission to the Garden, access to all lectures and discussion, and food and beverages for the day (coffee and lunch). Garden members receive a $10 discount.

Houston Botanic Garden offers free parking for daytime events, which are held rain or shine. If you have specific questions, please email education@hbg.org.​

Session Descriptions

“Building a Conservation Program at the Houston Botanic Garden,” with Brent Moon, associate director of natural areas, conservation, and facilities

Learn more about the key role conservation plays in the Houston Botanic Garden’s mission, and hear how the Garden is working to protect some of the important species — namely oaks, magnolias, Louisiana iris — that are the focus of its early conservation efforts. There are several ways you can get involved, both at the Garden — through volunteer opportunities and programming — and in your own yard.

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“Lessons from the Wetlands,” with horticulturist Lyndsey Ware

This session will dive deep into the Gulf Coast to learn from our region’s original ecosystems. When thinking about conservation, native plants can teach us nearly everything we need to know about returning to a more sustainable state of affairs. Ware will share what plants have taught her along the way, and help participants learn how to start a native water garden at home.

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“Backyard Conservation,” with horticulturist Laura Webb

Incorporating conservation practices into your home landscaping has many benefits to both you and your local ecosystem. Learn the do’s and don’t’s of creating landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally friendly.

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“The Data Side of Home Gardening: How Data and Technology Can Help Bolster Your Conservation Efforts at Home,” with Jena Portanova, plant records manager, and Erin Mills, associate director of family programs

Learn how the Garden leverages data to support its living collections and conservation goals, including how our in-depth plant label system can help you make informed decisions about what plants will help fulfill your gardening goals. We will also explore some apps that will help you take your backyard conservation efforts to the next level.

Upcoming Events

Unleash Your Creativity
February 15, 2025 1:00 pm
With Park Place Regional Library
February 21, 2025 10:30 am
In Partnership with Urban Harvest
February 22, 2025 10:00 am
Meet with Like Minds
March 1, 2025 2:00 pm
Habitat of Flight
March 8, 2025 10:00 am