Finding Tropical Plant Speakers for Zone 7 Garden Events

Connecting with Local Tropical Plant Experts

Organizing a garden symposium in North Georgia (Zone 7a-7b) and need a speaker on tropical-style gardening? Your best resource is closer than you think.

Primary Resource: Cooperative Extension Service

Contact your county Cooperative Extension office. The Extension Agent maintains networks of Master Gardeners, horticulture professionals, and local experts who present at community events. Many specialize in cold-hardy tropicals for marginal zones.

What to Request

• Speakers experienced with Zone 7 tropical-look plants (hardy bananas, palms, gingers, elephant ears, etc.)
• Master Gardeners with demonstration gardens
• Local nursery owners specializing in marginal tropicals

Alternative Contacts

• Georgia Native Plant Society chapters
• Botanical gardens (Atlanta, State Botanical Garden of Georgia)
• University of Georgia horticulture department
• Local garden clubs and plant societies

Planning Tips

Book 3–6 months ahead. Provide audience size (100), date, topic focus, and honorarium budget. Many Extension-affiliated speakers present for travel reimbursement or modest fees.