Colonial Williamsburg invites you to its 76th Annual Garden Symposium, Digging the Garden: Horticulture, History, & Archaeology, with Virtual and In-Person options, April 27 – 30, 2023.

To gardeners and horticulturists soil is a fundamental element which influences the survival of a plant in the future. To archaeologists, soil is the very thing that holds the remains of the past. Digging in the soil is key both to gardening and to archaeology, which converge for Colonial Williamsburg’s 76th Annual Garden Symposium.

Over the last several years, our archaeologists have dug up exciting discoveries at the site of Custis Square, home to John Custis IV (1678-1746), known by his contemporaries as a curious gardener whose ornamental garden was unparalleled in the American Colonies. This dig has expanded our understanding of not only the land, but the people, enslaved and free, who cultivated it.

According to Thomas Jefferson, “No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.” Here at Colonial Williamsburg our talented landscape staff strive to nurture this relationship as they work to balance historical practices within the needs of the contemporary environment.

This year’s Garden Symposium will feature an opening Keynote on Thursday evening by English garden designer Lady Xa Tollemache, Gold and Silver winner at London’s Chelsea Flower Show, and creator of gardens at England’s stateliest houses. Author, renowned garden historian, and historic landscape consultant Mark Laird also joins us Thursday evening to discuss Virginia’s own Royal Governor Lord Botetourt and his English gardener Thomas Wright’s work at Botetourt’s Stoke Gifford.

On Friday morning, we begin our focus from both an historical and ground up perspective with Colonial Williamsburg’s Director of Archaeology Jack Gary as he considers John Custis IV, the man and gardener, and the ongoing archaeological dig which provides the historic backdrop for this year’s symposium. Nationally recognized writer, speaker, radio and television personality Charlie Nardozzi continues the conversation, speaking on the necessity of soil for the modern gardener.

Saturday morning, we are joined by Daria McKelvey (American Horticultural Society’s Emerging Horticultural Professional Award Winner and Supervisor, Kemper Centerfor Home Gardening at Missouri Botanical) who will highlight how to combat pests and disease in your garden. Author, speaker, garden and design consultant and Gold Medal Award Winner—Massachusetts Horticultural Society Kerry Mendez speaks to Inspired Garden Design and lessons learned. Finally, our renowned gardening experts join Colonial Williamsburg’s Director of Landscape Joanne Chapman on the stage for our Ask the Gardener Panel.

Join notable horticulturists, archaeologists, historians, and guest experts as we examine best practices through an historical lens, using the past to inform the present and future, and take part in hands-on workshops and tours where you too can dig deep in our historic and iconic gardens. For registration links to both the in-person and virtual options, visit HERE.