On October 3, the American Public Gardens Association Regional Learning Series brought together horticulture professionals and native plant enthusiasts for a day in western North Carolina. The event showcased Southern Highlands Reserve’s work in conservation horticulture and forest restoration.
The day began at Gorges State Park’s visitor center, where SHR Executive Director Kelly Holdbrooks offered an overview of SHR’s history, from its founding vision to its evolution as a hub for native plant conservation. She spoke about the challenges and triumphs of building a greenhouse on top of a mountain, the Reserve’s growing network of partnerships, and its innovative approaches to stormwater mitigation and ecological preparedness.
“We’ve learned that when you build a greenhouse on top of a mountain, you’re not just growing plants—you’re growing resilience,” Holdbrooks shared. “Every partnership we cultivate and every stormwater solution we implement is a step toward protecting these ecosystems for generations to come.”
The group then convened at Southern Highlands Reserve for lunch and an afternoon tour of the gardens and greenhouse. Participants included representatives from the North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville Botanical Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta History Center, Brookgreen Gardens, Calmia Gardens, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Lockerly Arboretum, Moore Farms Botanical Garden, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Salisbury University Arboretum, South Carolina Botanical Garden, and Woodlands Garden. SHR founders, staff, and volunteers enjoyed a day of connection and strengthening partnerships in native plant propagation, landscape design, and ecological stewardship.
The Regional Learning Series is a cornerstone of APGA’s commitment to professional development. With registration open to both members and non-members, the events attract a wide range of garden professionals, conservationists, and educators. As climate change and habitat loss continue to threaten native plant populations, events like the APGA Regional Learning Series events play a vital role in enhancing knowledge and tools for sustainable practices. Visit APGA’s website to learn more about upcoming programs and stay connected with opportunities. Thank you to Lauren Garcia Chance and the team at APGA for featuring SHR and coordinating a successful event.