Soil3
Event Tickets: From Soil to Success - Gardening for Beginners
DATE & TIME | LOCATION |
Sat, March 1, 2025 |
The Portico |
Does this describe you?
I'm eager to start gardening, but I don't know where to begin.
I'm daydreaming about growing some of my own vegetables.
I'm eyeing the ground under a big tree; what can I plant there?
I'm itching to plant flowers that will attract butterflies to my yard.
Then this afternoon at The Portico is for you!
We'll address these questions and more in our three classes:
1:00 PM - Soil: The Foundation of Every Successful Garden with Nestor
2:00 PM - Shade Gardening Explained with Jennifer
3:00 PM - How to Start a Pollinator Garden with Hillary
This event on March 1st from 1:00 to 4:00 PM will give you the inspiration and confidence to start gardening right away!
Meet the Speakers
Nestor Vela began his career in agriculture in his native Colombia. When he moved to the US, he utilized his skills in landscaping, starting his own business in 1996 to offer organic-based solutions for managing lawns and ornamentals. His passion for soil health led him to further education, earning certificates in integrated pest management and soil science, then traveling to France in 2014, where he studied biochar production and its applications. After selling his business, he worked for a biochar company and now serves as Head Agronomist for Soil³.
Jennifer Petritz is a horticulturist with deep roots (ha!) in Georgia. She gives many gardening talks around Atlanta and currently serves as president of the American Hydrangea Society. Jennifer had a previous career in public horticulture at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Atlanta History Center. Now she puts those skills to use in her home garden where shade gardening plays a leading role.
Hillary Thompson is the communications director for Soil³. She earned her BS in Horticulture from UGA and has spent the last 30 years marketing plants and gardening products. She has many hobbies, with her top pursuits being growing vegetables, identifying roadside weeds, and taking pictures of butterflies in her pollinator garden. Her great love is helping people garden better, and enjoy the journey.
🎟️ Admission is $5.00
All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit two community gardens in Walton County, in conjunction with the Walton Master Gardeners. Plus we'll donate two of our BigYellowBags of Soil³ compost or Veggie Mix.
Tickets: Your confirmation email is your ticket. Print it and bring it with you or show us the email on your phone.
Children: Please note, this is not an event geared toward children, but children who are interested in listening to three hours of speakers are welcome to attend. Children under 12 are free; when you order your tickets please let us know they are coming by replying to the confirmation email.
☕️ Coffee: Cups of coffee will be available to purchase from Shepherd's Roasting Co., a local roaster.



