The tenth Winedale Gardening Symposium is the product of a successful planning meeting held at Festival Hill, where Gwen Barclay graciously consented to host the meeting in the Menke House dining room. Our task was to plan a program and related events for the tenth Symposium.Committee members included William C. Welch, Chairman; Gloria Jaster of The University of Texas Winedale Historical Center, Elizabeth and Jerald Mize, Mary Anne and Bob Pickens, Kate Adams, Denise Mayorga of The University of Texas Center for American History, Madalene Hill, Zilla Oden, Tony Scanapico, Jayme and Harley Ponder, Mary Reeves, Cynthia W. Mueller, Gwen Barclay, Gary and Agelia McGowan, Irene Pendergrast, Charlotte M. Meyer and Henry Flowers. We agreed to involve the International Festival-Institute, the Winedale Historical Center, the Pioneer Unit of The Herb Society of America, and the Texas Cooperative Extension Service of Texas A&M University as cooperating sponsors, so that participants would get exposure to many of the unique cultural opportunities in the Round Top-Winedale area.
After thorough study of many options, the Committee decided to focus on highlights of horticulture in the Texas Country Garden such as vintage and newer varieties of figs, citrus, vegetables and ornamental plants. Speakers were suggested for each topic, and we were pleased that our choices graciously accepted for every topic. This is a major commitment, since we ask each speaker to produce material for this Proceedings well in advance of the program so that it can be in the hands of participants for the meeting.
This year the tours will begin on Saturday afternoon, after the Symposium and Plant Sale. They will feature the homes and gardens of Elizabeth and Jerald Mize, Agelia and Gary McGowan, Kay and Tony Scanapico, and the grounds of Festival Hill.
Madalene Hill and Gwen Barclay have added wonderfully to the international reputation of the Institute for music, architecture and gardens. The Pioneer Unit of The Herb Society of America has made a valuable contribution to the Winedale facility by researching and developing a period herb garden at the McGregor House. Their members are involved as docents at the Winedale and Festival Hill Gardens, and as volunteers for the Plant Sale.
The Texas Cooperative Extension is lending support through my involvement and the facilities of Extension Horticulture at Texas A&M University. We are also involving a graduate student from Texas A&M to assist with the plant sale and program. The organization of the program, printed materials, the editing, and publication of these Proceedings are all contributions of TCE, with special thanks to Cynthia Mueller for editorial and other assistance. Access to Texas A&M University through their local County Extension Office is a unique opportunity for all Texas citizens.
William C. Welch, Professor & Landscape Horticulturist
Texas A&M University