Tom McClendon designed and installed the Gathering Garden with Augusta horticulture expert Joe Le Vert in 1996. Tom is president of the Southeastern Palm Society and member of the American Camellia Society. He is past chair of the St. Mary’s Georgia Tree Authority Board and also served on the Greensboro Tree Board. He recently led a Camellia Class to a wonderful group of participants here at Lake & Local
When we began working on our building, Tom stopped by one day to introduce himself and asked us what our plans were for the garden, hoping we wouldn't get rid of it. We assured him that the garden was the highlight of Lake & Local, and we were excited to bring it back to life and open it up for the community to enjoy!
He and his wife Kaye periodically stop by the shop, and one day we asked him about teaching a gardening class. After a bit of deliberation, he agreed, and we are thrilled that he did!
On Thursday afternoon, February 24th, Tom led a group of 22 people, teaching them about various varieties of camellias, how and where to find the right varieties for their home gardens, and how to propagate and root clippings.
After the informative presentation, the group headed outside to the Gathering Garden where they received their own clippings and put their newfound knowledge to work.
They learned how to properly air graft, as well, so they can grow more beautiful camellias in their home gardens.
This was such an amazing class! Tom McClendon is a wealth of knowledge, and we're already talking about other class ideas for him to teach.
CLICK HERE to check out our upcoming classes and events.
Visit Lake & Local and our gorgeous garden at 104 S. Main Street in Greensboro, Georgia.
