East Texas boasts a rich history of gardening.
March 11, 2025 - The Southern Garden History Society just wrapped up its annual meeting in Mobile, Alabama. My mentor Dr. William C. Welch introduced me to this group and as a lifetime member of this organization I’ve long enjoyed these yearly gatherings filled with horticulture, history, and hospitality.
The South boasts a rich tradition of gardens and landscapes, each telling stories of our region's cultural and horticultural heritage. Preserving and celebrating this legacy is the mission of the Southern Garden History Society (SGHS), an organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of Southern garden history.
Established in 1982, the SGHS brings together enthusiasts and professionals alike, fostering scholarly research and raising awareness about historic gardens, cultural landscapes, and horticultural traditions across the Southern United States. Over the decades, members have explored numerous landscapes and gardens, ranging from Texas to Maryland and Florida to Kentucky, reflecting the society's commitment to understanding and preserving the vibrant garden history of the American South.
The SGHS is committed to promoting scholarship and raising awareness of historic gardens and cultural landscapes unique to the South. Through educational programs and publications, the society encourages the preservation, restoration, and documentation of these spaces, ensuring they continue to enrich the lives of future generations.
A highlight of the SGHS calendar is its Annual Meeting, which brings together members for lectures, tours, and discussions centered on Southern garden history. These gatherings provide opportunities to visit significant gardens and landscapes, offering firsthand experiences of the region's horticultural treasures. Additionally, the society organizes various events throughout the year, including ambassador events and landscape conferences, further promoting engagement and education among members.
The society publishes Magnolia, a journal that features articles on garden history, preservation efforts, and notable horticultural figures. This publication serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the nuances of Southern landscapes and gardening traditions. Beyond the journal, the SGHS offers a wealth of resources, including plant lists, business directories, and archives, all accessible through their website.
Membership in the SGHS is open to anyone with an interest in Southern garden history. Members enjoy benefits such as access to exclusive events, educational materials, and a network of like-minded individuals passionate about preserving the South's horticultural heritage. The society also maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, sharing insights, event updates, and engaging with a broader audience.
The work of the Southern Garden History Society is vital in ensuring that the rich legacy of Southern gardens and landscapes is not lost to time. By promoting research, education, and preservation, the SGHS plays a crucial role in maintaining the beauty and historical significance of these spaces for future generations to enjoy.
For more information on the Southern Garden History Society, including membership details and upcoming events, visit their official website at southerngardenhistory.org.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, read his “In Greg’s Garden” in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Rebel Eloy Emanis Wildlife Sanctuary.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
