Lectures

Learn from noted horticulturists and top industry professionals in our popular JCRA lectures. From new plant introductions, green industry trends, and exotic exploration trips in search of new plants, we cover a variety of timely, cutting edge topics that appeal to both home and professional gardeners.

Along with specially scheduled lectures, our Friends of the Arboretum Lecture series covers the entire spectrum of horticulture. Many lectures are offered online, or are recorded and shared to our YouTube channel.

Upcoming Lectures

The Light Eaters
Presented by the Garden Forum Collaborative
A Book Talk with Zoë Schlanger
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – 7:00 pm

Garden Miles
Exploring Public Gardens, Wild Botany and Backyard Horticulture
Jim Putnam
Thursday, January 15, 2026 – 6:30 pm

North American Rock Garden Society (Piedmont Chapter) Lecture
"A Plethora of Plants from Wake County to Wyoming and Tajikistan to Uzbekistan"
Jay Yourch, Nancy Doubrava, Chris Glenn, & Cyndy Cromwell
Saturday, January 17, 2026 – 10:00 am

North American Rock Garden Society (Piedmont Chapter) Lecture
“Garden Zillow: Creating and Finding Comfortable Homes & Habitats for Your Garden Flora”
Tony Avent
Saturday, February 14, 2026 – 10:00 am

Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
"Chlorophyll in His Veins"
Bobby Ward
Thursday, April 9, 2026 – 6:30 pm