Garden Symposium will help symphony

Pam Beck

Toby Bost

Tom Wolpert

The Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Guild, in cooperation with the Cooperative Extension in Rowan County, will host a Garden Symposium to benefit the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra and its educational programs on Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2727-A Old Concord Road.

The guild has invited four North Carolinian gardeners and designers to discuss the challenges — and joys — of gardening in the state, which has three USDA hardiness zones. Due to the large variations in weather, plants that flourish in one part of the state may do poorly or fail in another area.

Pam Beck, a garden writer and photographer who is co-author of "Best Garden Plants for North Carolina," is the symposium's keynote speaker. She believes "it is time (North Carolina gardeners) re-evaluate their landscapes and their relationships with it." She will present ways to create a harmonious garden that is beautiful, sustainable and enjoyable throughout the year.

Copies of her book will be available for purchase and signing during the lunch hour.

Award-winning extension agent, conservationist and Master Gardener instructor Toby Bost will share designs for low-maintenance, high-impact landscapes appropriate for the state.

He is the author of four books, most recently "The Carolinas Gardener's Guild."

Charlotte artist Stephen Baldwin will demonstrate how to convert found objects in the garden and nature into exquisite home accessories, while Salisbury designer Tom Wolpert will reveal his secrets for putting vegetables center stage as the stars of home decor.

The symposium also will offer an exhibition hall with vendors, horticultural displays and book signings.

The registration fee is $40 per person and includes a catered lunch. Seating is limited. Tickets can be reserved by calling 704-638-3100. For more information, visit www.salisburysymphony.org/guild.asp Registrants also may use their symposium registration to buy half-priced tickets to the Salisbury Symphony's performance at Varick Auditorium at Livingstone College later that same day. The program is titled "Breaking Tradition" and will feature the work of Brahms, Barber and Beethoven, plus a pre-concert talk by symphony Conductor David Hagy.

The Salisbury Symphony guild is an affiliate of the Symphony Society, with membership open to all who are interested in working to promote and support the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.