2026 Speakers

BARBARA ADKINS 

Barbara is an Alabama antiques dealer, designer, preservationist and gardener.  Former President of the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation and now on its emeritus board and currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Southern Garden History Society.  
Fifth generation steward and owner of the Chancellor House and Farm in central Alabama, my book is about the house's moody interiors, the gardens, the summerhouse and potting shed, surrounding grounds and outbuildings.  It specifically speaks to using antiques in the design of living spaces (including the garden) in relevant and soulful ways.  

JEFF ALLEN

Jeff Allen Lanscape Architecture

As Founding Principal of JALA, Jeff Allen Landscape Architecture, Jeff and his associates practice the fine art of landscape architecture. The firm designs elegant, comfortable outdoor spaces distinguished by refined detailing, enduring craftsmanship, and a deep respect for traditional precedents. Our office manages historic renovations and new construction projects.    
To learn more, please visit our website www.jalallc.com/ or our Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/jalagardens/

DR. ALLAN ARMITAGE

Dr. Allan Armitage is Emeritus Professor of Horticulture at the University of Georgia and one of the world's most respected horticulturists, educators, and garden communicators. An internationally sought-after speaker, he has authored 17 books, including the award-winning Herbaceous Perennial Plants and the recent bestseller The Common-Sense Gardener. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Armitage has introduced numerous garden plants, developed the renowned University of Georgia Trial Gardens, and received many of horticulture's highest honors for his contributions to teaching, research, and writing. His engaging presentations combine decades of expertise with humor, practical advice, and a lifelong passion for gardening. 

HUNTER CHARBONNET

Award Winning Camellia Grower

Covington, Louisiana

Hunter has a passion for camellias that is exhibited by his approx. 800 different
varieties of camellias located on his property in Covington LA. Hunter notes that while
the rose is our national flower, he hopes through his efforts that camellias will become Americas favorite flower.

Hunter is the past President of the Northshore Camellia Club. He is a member of New Orleans, Gulf Coast, and the Atlantic Coast Camellia Societies. He is a past board member of the American Camellia Society although he now serves as the Louisiana State Director for the American Camellia Society. He and his wife, Meg, are members of the International Camellia Society and in March 2023, they travelled to Europe to attend the International Camellia Society Congress. Hunter and Meg had the opportunity to have private tours of about a dozen Villas, palaces, and gardens some of which are not open to the public.

RYAN COLE

Ryan Cole is a Landscape Architect, designing residental spaces with a strong focus on aesthetics. For over three decades Ryan has crafted timeless landscapes that marry classical elegance with the romance of the Southern garden. From intimate, walled courtyards in New Orleans to sweeping Texas ranches, his work is entirely bespoke-rooted in history, attuned to place, and designed to endure. Known for his artistry, horticultural expertise, and unerring sense of proportion, Cole transforms every commission into a living masterpiece. Ryan will share his approach at design during a Friday afternoon workshop- The Garden's Secret Language: Five Design Elements That Elevate Style. Attendees will see him again on Saturday as we take a closer look at the plants he selects to create structure and form in a formal, European inspired garden. We are delighted to have Ryan join the program and share his incredible design talents! 

WILL HUNT LEWIS

Hunt & Bloom

Will Hunt Lewis has spent over 25 years immersed in floral design and horticulture. His passion began as a fine arts elective at Mississippi State University, where he studied under premier educators and even changed his major to Horticulture, focusing on Floriculture and Retail Floristry. After earning his BS and pursuing graduate studies, he opened Stems Floral Designs, a full-service florist and home furnishings boutique in Greenville, MS, becoming a sought-after speaker on floral design and post-harvest care. His presentations focus on marrying the principles and elements of design and science to create floral masterpieces that are not only beautiful, but also long-lasting. Today, Will Hunt owns Hunt & Bloom, a Houston-based home furnishings business, where he channels his floral artistry and expertise into curated, transformative design.

LEE ROUSE 

Lee Rouse is a dedicated, licensed arboriculture and horticulture professional with extensive experience serving commercial, residential, and construction clients. His expertise includes tree care, plant propagation, and educational programming, supported by state and international certifications.

For seven years, Lee worked as a Horticulture Extension Agent across multiple Louisiana parishes. He developed research-based educational programs for school and community gardens, local nonprofits, and Louisiana Master Gardeners through classes, demonstration plots, workshops, and field collaborations.

As Head Propagation Coordinator, Lee managed crop production, planting schedules, greenhouse sanitation, and plant health experiments to optimize yields. As a Plant Nursery Supervisor, he identified and treated plant pests, assisted customers with plant selection, and supported landscape design.