Magnolia Study Day

Canceled

Cohosted by the Magnolia Society International and the JC Raulston Arboretum

Saturday, March 9, 2024 – 8:30 am–3:30 pm

Whatever comes to mind at the mention of Magnolia, while doubtlessly magnificent, can only fall short of the splendor of this majestic genus. With roughly 300 species worldwide (and more being found all the time) with flower colors of various whites, pinks, reds, yellows, and who-knows-what-else, this is one group of plants that deserves our attention, admiration, and love. Venture into the World of Magnolias with the Magnolia Society International and the JC Raulston Arboretum as we come together to share our passion for the beauty of these exquisite blooms!

Magnolia stellata 'Chrysanthemumiflora'

This symposium is for the magnolia-curious and the magnolia-obsessed alike. With a guided tour of the Magnolia collection at the JC Raulston Arboretum as well as talks highlighting selections of the best deciduous and evergreen magnolia species and the breeding work paving the way for the future of the genus, home-gardeners, extension specialists, and horticulture professionals will all have something to gain by attending. This Magnolia Study Day is bound to enchant, enlighten, and ignite your enthusiasm for all magnolias, so sign up today and save your spot!

Schedule Presentations

Schedule

8:30am: Registration and Networking
9:00 am: Welcome
9:05 am: "Deciduous Magnolias and How to Take Care of Them"
Greg Paige, Director of Horticulture, JC Raulston Arboretum
10:00 am: Tour of the JC Raulston Arboretum's Magnolia Collection
11:45 am: Lunch on your own
1:15 pm: "In the Garden of Innovation: Magnolia Breeding Explorations"
John Nix, Research Specialist, Horticultural Science, NC State University
2:00 pm: Break
2:15 pm: "Plant Exploration and Conservation in Asia in Search of Botanical Treasures"
Scott McMahan, Manager of International Plant Exploration, Atlanta Botanical Garden
3:15 pm: Wrap-up

Presentations

yellow flowering magnolia

"Deciduous Magnolias and How to Take Care of Them"

Greg Paige, Director of Horticulture, JC Raulston Arboretum

Delve into optimal care practices for your deciduous magnolias with Greg Paige, Director of Horticulture at the JC Raulston Arboretum. He will guide you through the process of selection, planting and providing topnotch care post-planting. Stay to the end for a showcase of some of Greg's personal favorites.

Greg Paige discovered his career goal early—creating and working in beautiful public gardens and sharing and teaching this passion with others. Prior to joining the JC Raulston Arboretum, Greg was the Director of Horticulture and Arboretum Curator for Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory in Charlotte, NC.

His 25-year career in public horticulture has involved work at some of the finest gardens in the country—Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, North Carolina; the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College; the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; the Holden Arboretum outside Cleveland, Ohio; and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

Magnolia 'Serendipity'

"In the Garden of Innovation: Magnolia Breeding Explorations"

John Nix, Research Specialist, Horticultural Science, NC State University

Join John as he takes you on an in-depth exploration into the art and science of magnolia breeding. From conceptualization to execution, this talk unravels the process behind continuous advancements made towards exceptional magnolia cultivars. Anticipate being captivated by exciting hybrids and germplasm, each boasting novel traits, as we delve into the profound impact these endeavors have in enhancing the beauty and resilience of magnolia varieties. Your journey will not only uncover the intricacies of magnolia cultivation but also reveal the limitless possibilities that await in the ever-evolving realm of magnolia.

With a BS and MS in Horticultural Science from NC State University, John Nix brings passion and expertise to the field of magnolia breeding. Currently a Research Specialist at the Mountain Crop Improvement Lab at NC State University, John assists with magnolia breeding and research in addition to his own breeding projects. His internships at institutions such as the NC Arboretum and Longwood Gardens, though not exclusively focused on magnolia, provided valuable experiences and played a role in shaping his understanding of horticulture, research, and plant conservation.

As a Royal Horticulture Society and Garden Club of America Interchange Fellow, John spent a transformative year studying horticulture in the UK, with a significant focus on magnolias. This experience provided valuable insights, expanding his global perspective and deepening his connection with these botanical wonders.

plant collecting team in the mountains

"Plant Exploration and Conservation in Asia in Search of Botanical Treasures"

Scott McMahan, Manager of International Plant Exploration, Atlanta Botanical Garden

Scott will chronicle his many plant exploration trips to China, India, Vietnam and Taiwan. These trips have resulted in important conservation efforts with key partners such as Vietnam Academy of Sciences where they are embarking on a magnolia grafting project. Scott will also share recent efforts from the Global Consortium for the Conservation of Magnolias to conserve magnolias globally.

Scott McMahan is the manager of the International Plant Exploration Program (IPEP) at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. IPEP focuses on plant exploration and plant evaluation and sponsors a visiting scholar program aimed at the exchange of information and germplasm with our international collaborators. Over the past 20 years, Scott has made nearly 30 exploration trips to China, Vietnam, India, Bhutan, Japan, Taiwan, and Mexico.

Cost: $40.00 per participant.
Registration: Registration is closed
Cancellation: Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks before the program's start date. A 15% cancellation fee applies.
Location: Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Directions: Need directions? Click here.
Parking: Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
Questions: Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.

JC Raulston Arboretum