“The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture.” – Thomas Jefferson

27^th Annual CNU Gardening Symposium

The Purposeful Garden: A Symposium on Pollinators, Plant Breeding, and the Evolution of Agriculture

Jefferson’s quote only scratches the surface when it comes to the importance of gardens in our lives! From seed to bloom and harvest, gardens around the world serve life’s most essential needs. CNU’s annual Gardening Symposium brings together passionate gardeners and experts to share insights, ideas, and inspiration with our community! This year’s speakers will highlight the many different purposes your home garden serves. From an active laboratory, where you’ll explore plant breeding with Joseph Tychonievich (author of The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food: Step-by Step Vegetable Gardening for EveryoneI and Rock Gardening: Reimagining a Classic Style) and the evolution of agriculture with Nan McCarry (“The Wild and Weedy Plants We Need for the Future of Agriculture”)  to how your garden serves as an ecological haven for native plants, insects, and other bio-diversity with Nathan Brauner (“Planting for Pollinators”). Your garden has never been a more purposeful and powerful place!

Join us to celebrate the purposeful garden on SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026 in the David Student Union (DSU) Ballroom at Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606. Enjoy plant sales, the Symposium’s Local Artisan Market and exhibits on the York River Lawn in front of the DSU! Check back here for updates on vendors and exhibits!

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 16, 2026

Early Bird Registration (Until March 6, 2026): $45.00

Registration (Until March 30, 2026): $50.00

Interested in sponsoring or vending? Questions? Call (757) 269-4368 or email lifelonglearning@cnu.edu