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Work on our new website is still in progress. If the event you’re looking for isn’t on this page, please also check out our old events page for the latest updates or call the Garden at 912-478-1149.

Plant Thieves

Thursday, October 9, 2025
12:00PM – 1:00PM
Cost: $25 ($20 Members)

Join Drs. Chad Posick and M. Dylan Spencer for a compelling presentation on the hidden world of botanical crime. From illegal timber harvesting to ginseng poaching and rare plant theft, this Gather & Grow explores the environmental, economic, and legal consequences of plant-related crimes. Learn how these activities harm ecosystems, fuel black markets, and undermine conservation efforts. Discover what actions we can take to prevent them.

Perfect for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of law, ecology, and environmental justice.

Botanic Garden Heritage Pavilion
1503 Bland Avenue
Statesboro, GA 30458

Register for "Plant Thieves"

Contact Info

Todd Beasley

Director

Upcoming Gather & Grow Events

The Gather and Grow logo with a frying pan and a state map.

Speaker: David Shields, University of South Carolina Distinguished Professor & Author

David Shields returns to the Garden to share his new Georgia cookbook of traditional recipes – “Taste the State: Georgia – Distinctive Foods and Stories from Where Eating Local Began”

* For this event there is an outside chance of a cidery being here for a tasting.

Location: Botanic Garden Heritage Pavilion, 1503 Bland Avenue, Statesboro

Cost: $30 ($25 for Garden Members)
Includes: Program, Food & Refreshments
The Chef cannot accommodate for any food allergies

Register for "Taste the State"

Previous Gather & Grow Events

Join us for a unique botanical journey exploring the connection between our native Georgia junipers and the art of craft gin distilling. This special Gather & Grow features 1861 Distillery from historic Thomasville, where descendants of bootleg whiskey makers continue a legacy of craftsmanship. 

Native Juniper Ecology – Learn about juniper species growing in our region and their role in gin production

  • 1861’s Story – Discover how tradition meets innovation in Southern craft distilling
  • Guided Gin Tasting – Sample handcrafted gins while learning about botanical flavors
  • Meet the Makers – Connect with the artisans behind these exceptional spirits

About 1861 Distillery

Named for the year the railroad brought visitors to Thomasville’s legendary hospitality, 1861 Distillery draws from one of the world’s purest limestone aquifers. Their slow, meticulous distillation process honors tradition while creating spirits that bring people together around good stories and great company.

Join us for an enlightening lunchtime exploration of Himalayan Hindu traditions through sacred plants with Dr. M. Alyson Prude, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Georgia Southern University.

Dr. Prude will share insights into the significant plants used in Hindu rituals and their cultural importance, drawing from her expertise in Nepalese religious practices.

Jared Jester, founder of Hull & Husk, collects discarded husks, shells, pits, and grounds from peanuts, pecans, and peach pits from regional farmers, giving these materials new life as sustainable cooking fuel.

Discover common snakes you might find in your garden and why they aren’t all bad.

Featured Speaker: Dr. Lance McBrayer
Professor and Curator of Herpetology
Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University

Dr. McBrayer is a passionate biologist whose research reveals how reptiles survive in challenging environments. Since 2007, his field studies in Florida’s Ocala National Forest have documented remarkable animal adaptations, while his curation of 36,000 specimens preserves our region’s natural history.

Botanical Walk & Talk Series

Front of the Bland Cottage Courtyards

Step into nature’s classroom with our expert-guided Garden walks. These relaxed strolls invite you to pause, observe, and engage in conversations about the plants, wildlife, and natural wonders surrounding you. Each walk highlights different aspects of the Garden, focusing on seasonal events and captivating creatures.

Complimentary with Garden admission

Upcoming Walk & Talk Programs

A beautiful fall garden in misty dawn light.

Complimentary with Garden Admission.
Please meet at the Garden entrance.

A deer chewing in the midst of a garden.

Complimentary with Garden Admission.
Please meet at the Garden entrance.

People browse plants under tents at the annual plant sale.

Complimentary with Garden Admission.
Please meet at the Garden entrance.

A collection of winter-growing vegetables like kale.

Complimentary with Garden Admission.
Please meet at the Garden entrance.

Previous Walk & Talk Events

Explore the fascinating world of bees with garden educator Morgan Dunn. Discover the essential role these creatures play in our ecosystem as Morgan guides you through the garden, pointing out some of their favorite plants. Learn about pollinator conservation and how you can support these vital insects in your own garden!

Guide: Morgan Dunn, Garden Educator

Learn about resident birds in the garden and those migrating our way. We recommend bringing binoculars (or borrow a pair from us) and your favorite bird ID app. No app? We’ll help you get set up!

Guide: Darrell Lucas
Graduate Assistant, Botanic Garden

Fall 2025 Plant Sale Fundraiser

October 25-26, 2025

Exclusive Preview

Friday, October 24, 2005
Garden members enjoy exclusive early access to shop before the public opening.

Not yet a Garden member? Join or upgrade your membership today to enjoy this exclusive benefit while supporting the Garden’s mission.