GPPA PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

The GPPA views education and community building as essential parts of its mission. To that end, we aim to develop programs and host events that offer the gardening community opportunities for learning and fellowship. Our programs are run and organized by the following GPPA committees: Programs, Social, and Symposium, and are designed to provide a diverse range of experiences that engage with experts and fellow gardeners, support local businesses, and foster community.

GPPA Gwinnett Tech Horticulture Scholarship 

The GPPA is committed to supporting students pursuing a horticulture diploma, certificate, or associate degree program who have displayed a particular interest in ornamental horticulture. In support of this commitment, we make an annual $1,000 contribution to the Gwinnett Tech Foundation in our name, on behalf of our members. You can donate to the GPPA GTHS directly on our website. Make a Donation here 

Speaker Meetings 

As part of our commitment to education, our Program Committee organizes regular lectures on wide range of garden and horticulture topics. Our speakers come from a diverse range of horticultural backgrounds, including plant exploration, breeding, trial garden testing, home garden design, arboretum redevelopment, and the selection of specific plants for every garden type imaginable.

Speaker Meetings begin with a Gardener's Social Hour at 6:30 pm, with the evening's Program beginning at 7:30 pm. 

All Speaker Meetings are live-streamed on our Zoom Webinar platform and are available to members online for one month following the event. Zoom Webinar live stream links are sent via email the day prior to the Program, and post online viewing links are sent the day following the program. 

Master Gardeners may use attendance at our Speaker Meetings or viewing them virtually as part of their required annual 10 hours of Continuing Education.

Garden Parties  

As part of our commitment to community, our Social Committee organizes both a Spring and a Fall Garden Party at one of our member's gardens. These events are an opportunity for members to share their gardens, meet, and socialize. 

Check out our Calendar for upcoming Garden Parties. If you would like to host one in your garden, please get in touch with our Social Committee, we would love to work with you and share your garden journey.

Garden Tours 

Garden Tours are an integral part of both community and education. Our Social Committee plans outings to notable gardens in the North Georgia area and beyond. They are a great way to get away, enjoy a new garden, learn from a gardening companion, and spend a day with other members. 

Check out our Calendar for upcoming Garden Tours. If you know of a great garden you think we should visit or want to offer your garden for a tour, please get in touch with our Social Committee. We would love to hear from you.  

Sip and Shop 

As part of our commitment to supporting our local small businesses, our Social Committee organizes Sip and Shops. Join other GPPA members as we travel to local breeders, nurseries and businesses to sample their wares, then head on to enjoy each other's company at a local lunch spot. 

Biennial Symposium 

The Biennial Symposium is GPPA's signature educational event, which brings together several speakers to present talks on that year's chosen theme. Held on a Saturday, the all-day event contains a morning session with two speakers, a break for lunch, followed by an afternoon session with an additional speaker. Attendees may choose to order a catered box lunch for an extra charge or bring their own. Our Symposium Committee organizes the event in even years, while the event is held in odd years. Our next upcoming Symposium will be in 2027. Proceeds from the Symposium support our Speaker Meetings. 

Biennial Auction 

The Biennial Auction is one of GPPA's biggest fundraisers. Every other year, we gather interesting plants, garden decor, gift certificates, and assorted garden paraphernalia to tempt our attendees. The inherent excitement and competition of the bidding process, the potential for finding great deals on unique or rare items, and the thrill of winning and acquiring sought-after goods make this event an engaging crowd favorite you don't want to miss.