The 6th Annual "Living in the Garden" Symposium 
at Gari Melchers Home and Studio in Falmouth Virginia was a great success!

Theme: Historic Trees and Historic Gardens of Virginia.  ​

The Gari Melcher Home and Garden was an exciting new venue for the symposium located above  the Rappahannock River in the historic town of Falmouth which is just across the river from Fredericksburg.   It contains beautiful historic gardens, historic mansion, art studio, and gallery.  The symposium was held in the Studio Pavilion,  with windows overlooking the historic gardens.  The attendees toured the historic home and studios during the extended lunch period. 

Four great speakers:

Beate Ankjaer-Jensen-  Ms. Ankjaer-Jensen, the Cultural Resource Manager at Gari Melcher Home and Garden since 1999, spoke about the extensive efforts to restore the landscape and gardens to the appearance of what the gardens may have been like when Gari and Corine Melcher were in residence in the early 1900's.
 
Nancy Ross Hugo- Ms. Ross Hugo is the author of the Remarkable  Trees of Virginia.  She spoke about Virginia's finest trees including a sample of Virginia's oldest, largest and most historic trees as well as important community trees, unique trees, fine specimens and culturally significant trees.  
 

Peggy Cornett-Ms. Cornett is the Curator of Plants at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.  She spoke about the beauty and utility of Jefferson's Botanical Laboratory at Monticello.  She shared her insights about the garden from her work at the gardens for 35 years.  
 
​
Connie Hilker- Ms. Hilker is owner of Heartwood Roses, an educational display and preservation garden.  She spoke about the Use of Antique Roses for Modern Gardens.