The 20th Anniversary A Writer's Garden Literary Symposium & Luncheon is November 10, 2026, hosted by the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and Chaired by Dorothea Meltzer. "Garden Bliss: Magical Abundance" will feature the following speakers:
- landscape architects Edmund Hollander and Melissa Reavis of Hollander Design, who will discuss their philosophy of creating landscapes that reflect the character of a place as explored in The Landscape of Home: In the Country, By the Sea, In the City (Rizzoli New York)
- acclaimed botanical photographer and author Ngoc Minh Ngo, who will present her latest book, Roses in the Garden: Stories of Treasured Collections.
About The Women's Council and A Woman's Garden
Founded in 1982 the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden supports the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman's Garden. A Woman's Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women, and dedicated to the universal spirit of women. All Financial support for A Woman's Garden comes from the fundraising efforts of the Women's Council.
Since 1986 the major goal of the Women's Council has been the funding for the design, construction, and endowment of a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum. To that end, A Woman's Garden was conceived and became a reality with the opening of Phase I in September 1997 and the opening of Phase II in May 2006. Funding has been accomplished by the proceeds from annual fundraising events such as A Writer's Garden and the generosity of the benefactors who have honored the Women's Council with financial gifts in the naming of features of the Garden. A Woman's Garden was created out of the deep respect for nature and the feminine ideal. As the Garden continues to develop, it has transformed the City of Dallas with its enduring legacy of inspired design.
The Women's Council is an All-Volunteer Nonprofit 501c(3) Organization.
About A Writer's Garden
The inaugural year of A Writer's Garden Literary Symposium was in 2007 which featured different aspects of gardening and writing with Susan Wittig Albert, Nancy Ashley, Nancy Collins, Susan Haltom and Julia Reed. Through the years the subject matters have grown to include interior and garden design, unstoppable local women in our community, authentic Texas food and gardens, and England influences with Lady Carnarvon of Highclere Castle.
While each symposium has been unique, educational, and entertaining, they all have the common goal of raising funds for our beloved A Woman's Garden.
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