Colonial Williamsburg’s 79th Annual Garden Symposium Returns April 16–18, 2026

Celebrating America’s Most Influential Gardens — Past, Present, and Still Growing

Colonial Williamsburg will once again become a national gathering place for garden lovers, historians, designers, and preservationists when the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation hosts its 79th Annual Garden Symposium from April 16–18, 2026. Offered both in person and virtually, this long-running and highly respected conference explores the deep roots and evolving legacy of some of America’s most iconic landscapes.

This year’s theme looks beyond flowers and formal layouts, inviting participants to see gardens as living records of culture, ecology, and human creativity. From the storied gardens of Charleston to the visionary work of Bunny Mellon, the symposium brings together leading scholars to examine how people, plants, and places have shaped one another across centuries.

A Distinguished Lineup of Speakers & Topics

Attendees will hear from an impressive roster of voices in horticulture, landscape history, and design, including:

Louisa Cameron, exploring the enduring beauty and evolution of Charleston’s historic gardens Jenny Rose Carey, spotlighting the pioneering women who helped shape early 20th-century American horticulture Chris Strand (Winterthur), reflecting on The Last Wild Garden and the balance between design and ecological spontaneity Sir Peter Crane, delving into the botanical world and lasting influence of Bunny Mellon Stacey Weir, examining the design heritage of the Biltmore Estate’s historic gardens Neal Hurst, revisiting Arthur Shurcliff’s foundational vision at Colonial Williamsburg Eve Otmar, tracing the global plant exchanges of 18th-century botanists Jamie Helmick, centering Indigenous gardening traditions in Virginia before and after colonization

Together, these talks frame gardens not simply as beautiful spaces, but as living archives — places where history, identity, and stewardship continue to grow.

What Registration Includes

Both virtual and in-person attendees receive access to all mainstage lectures through June 1, 2026, along with a seven-day ticket voucher to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and Art Museums (valid through December 31, 2026).

In-Person Highlights

General session presentations Two evening receptions Coffee and snacks during breaks Exclusive breakout sessions, workshops, and limited-capacity garden walking tours Access to special hotel room rates at Colonial Williamsburg properties

Registration Rates

In-person: $325 per person (through March 27, 2026) Virtual-only: $125 per person (through April 16, 2026)

Most conference activities will take place at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, located at 301 S. Nassau Street, Williamsburg, VA.

Scholarships Available

A limited number of scholarships are available for current or recently graduated students and emerging professionals in related fields, for both in-person and virtual attendance — a wonderful opportunity for the next generation of landscape stewards.

Sponsors & Additional Information

The Garden Symposium is proudly sponsored by Wells Fargo, Historic Garden Week of Virginia, and Virginia Living Magazine, with special thanks to the Phoebe Moyer Speaker Fund.

For full agenda details, registration, or scholarship information, visit

colonialwilliamsburg.org/learn/conferences, call 1-800-603-0948, or email educationalconferences@cwf.org.

About Me

I’m John Womeldorf — A.K.A. Mr. Williamsburg. While I’m known locally as a real estate advisor, I also see myself as a storyteller and ambassador for all things Williamsburg. From historic homes and neighborhoods to events like this Garden Symposium, I love sharing what makes this area so special — especially for those considering a visit, a move, or a deeper connection to the community.

If you have questions about Williamsburg, upcoming events, or living near places like Colonial Williamsburg, I’m always happy to help.

📞 Call or text: 757-254-8136

📧 Email: John@MrWilliamsburg.com

🌐 Website: https://mrwilliamsburg.com

Whether you’re here for the gardens, the history, or the lifestyle — welcome.