March 19, 2026
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Ross Hall
“Gardening is so much more than just digging a hole and placing a plant in the ground,” says plantsman Tony Avent. One of the keys to creating and maintaining a diverse garden collection is understanding a plant’s habitat and adaptability.
Tony Avent established Juniper Level Botanic Garden (JLBG) and its accompanying Plant Delights Nursery in central North Carolina in 1986, with the mission to actively promote and preserve botanical diversity. Today, JLBG serves as a repository of plant genetics, with over 27,000 different species grown and shared with gardeners around the world.
Explore the complexities of garden microclimates, soils, and habitats with Avent as he shares insights from his experience building this 28-acre horticultural wonderland and community, which consists of 30 greenhouses, expansive research gardens, and several dozen of the world’s largest collections of perennials.
CEUs available: LA CES and APLD
Tony Avent is an American horticulturist and plantsman. He and his wife and business partner, Anita Avent, own Plant Delights Nursery and Juniper Level Botanic Garden in Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition, he is a plant explorer, author and public speaker.
Location Ross Hall