Tom Oder – Southeast Gardening Blog & Garden Events
The Royal Horticultural Society named the orchid nothogenus Oderara after Tom. Shown here, Oderara Orange Scorpion, the species that defines the nothogenus. Photo by Larry Watson, used with permission of Kherwin Cheng Chua.
Atlanta and Southeast Gardening
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Subscribe to Tom Oder's blog for updates on the gardening scene in Atlanta and the Southeast. TomOder.com features the region's only curated calendar of garden sales, shows, workshops and other garden happenings. Subscriptions and calendar listings are free!
My latest blog: Reblooming Your Phalaenopsis
Part five of a five-part series. The flowers fell — but don't throw your baby out with the bath water! Here's how to bring the Phalaenopsis you brought home from the grocery store back into bloom.
The final installment of the Taiwan orchid series
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Pollinator Census Countdown has begun!
The final countdown has begun for the annual August 21–22 Pollinator Census. To learn more about how gardeners, schools, families, nature centers, Master Gardeners, Extension offices, Scouts, libraries and community organizations can help create one of the largest community science snapshots of pollinator activity in the Southeast, visit the 2026 Great Southeast Pollinator Census. It is open to residents of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.
Blooming now in my garden
Phlox paniculata 'Jeana' is putting on a show right now — and the pollinators can't get enough of it. This remarkable cultivar, discovered growing wild along a Tennessee riverbank, produces smaller florets than most summer phlox, which turns out to be exactly what butterflies and bees prefer. It blooms for weeks, shrugs off powdery mildew better than almost any other tall phlox, and stops traffic in the summer garden. If you don't have it, you want it.
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In progress: A children's picture book
I have written a children's picture book about the epic migration of the monarch butterfly. When I was developing the idea for the book, one of the most respected voices in pollinator science in the Southeast told me I would need a new angle. I found one.
The book is built around new tracking technology that allows children — in a classroom setting or at home — to follow tagged monarchs in real time via a smartphone app, turning the reading experience into a living, interactive journey. The classroom application in particular suggests strong potential for school system adoption. This technology angle makes it meaningfully different from previously published children's picture books about monarchs. I am seeking representation for a single book, but the real goal is a trilogy covering the full migration.
The manuscript — scientifically accurate and narrative-driven — has received a very positive review from the director and an acquisitions editor at a major academic press, an editor with a children's book background who offered specific suggestions to strengthen it. All have been incorporated. I am now seeking literary representation.
Plant sales, shows, workshops & more in atlanta and the southeast
Garden events calendar
Listings are free! Use the button to the right to provide information about your event.
Butterfly Encounter — Chattahoochee Nature Center
Grab your friends, your family, or even a date, and head to CNC for the year's most popular exhibit! Join hundreds of live soaring and sleeping butterflies in CNC's outdoor, tented Butterfly Encounter. Photo opportunities abound — be sure to bring your camera! Nectar and host plants are also available for purchase to start your own butterfly garden or supplement your existing garden. Special visiting opportunities will also be available. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1302094788163111/1302094811496442/?active_tab=about
2nd Annual Think Natives First™ Plant Conference
The 2026 Think Natives First™ Plant Conference — "Specify It Right. Native Plants from Plan to Performance" — brings together civil engineers, landscape architects, designers, growers, contractors, and maintenance professionals for a day of actionable learning and networking. Topics include writing native-forward specifications, aligning plant selection with stormwater and site goals, reducing long-term maintenance costs, and navigating plant availability challenges. Attendees can earn PDH/CEUs. Tickets: Student $75; Professional $150. Each ticket includes full conference access, vendor area and networking event, light refreshments, lunch, PDH/CEUs (where applicable), listing on EMMA the Eco-Map of Metro Atlanta (where applicable), and a complimentary membership to the TNF Green Coalition ($50 value). Presented by Native Forest Nursery. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.thinknativesfirst.com/
Edible Fall Container Gardens
Learn how to grow a variety of edible plants in containers for the fall season. Participants will take home a grow bag and 3–5 plants to get their fall garden started. For more information and to register, visit https://www.active.com/alpharetta-ga/gardening/classes/edible-fall-container-gardens-2026
Great Southeast Pollinator Census
A citizen science event inviting gardeners and nature lovers across the Southeast to count and record pollinators in their gardens and green spaces. For more information, visit https://gsepc.org/
All About Monarchs & Their Migration with Kim Bailey
Talk about picky eaters! Monarch butterflies have captured the imagination of young and old with their exclusive milkweed diet and unfathomable migration from Canada to Mexico. This class covers milkweed seed collection and stratification, species options for different settings, dangers of tropical milkweed, the milkweed insect community, raising monarchs responsibly, reporting monarch sightings, and tagging monarchs. Instructor Kim Bailey is an avid wildlife habitat gardener and environmental educator for over 25 years, and founder of Milkweed Meadows Farm in Fruitland, NC. Cost: $25 ($18.75 for Asheville Botanical Garden members). For more information and to register, visit https://beecityasheville.org/events/all-about-monarchs-with-kim-bailey-2026
Native Plant Celebration: Diversity & Discovery
A two-day symposium bringing together botanists, ecologists, gardeners, conservation professionals, students, and plant lovers for talks, field experiences, and conversations focused on the remarkable diversity of native plants in the Southern Appalachians. Topics include plant conservation, native gardening, regional flora, and rare species. For registration and event details, visit https://highlandsbiological.org/2026-native-plant-celebration/
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Sale
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens' annual Fall Plant Sale features a diverse selection of perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, herbs, and vegetables selected for the region. Members enjoy early access and a gift plant. For more information, visit https://bbgardens.org/plant-sales/
Flutter Festival 2026 — Monarch Ranch Butterfly Conservatory
South Carolina's immersive butterfly garden and festival, combining butterflies, flowers, artisan vendors, educational experiences, food trucks, photo ops, and whimsical garden experiences. Features a special presentation on the Great Monarch Migration, a butterfly release experience (weather permitting), and the return of Mariposa, the Monarch Princess. An easy day trip from Charleston, Columbia, Aiken, Augusta, and Savannah. Car pass tickets available in advance. For more information and tickets, visit https://monarchranchsc.com/flutterfestival/
Coastal WildScapes Fall Native Plant Sale
A fall native plant sale featuring vendors from across the coastal Georgia and South Carolina region, including pre-sale options from multiple nurseries. For more information, visit https://www.coastalwildscapes.org/Native-Plant-Sources
Chattahoochee Nature Center Native Plant Sale
Over 100 varieties of native plants that attract butterflies, pollinators, birds, and more. Herbs and veggie seedlings also available. Free admission, rain or shine. Plants $5–$35; CNC members receive a discount. For more information, visit https://chattnaturecenter.org/events/members-only-plant-sale-2/
DSGA Booth at Duluth Fall Festival
The Daylily Society of Greater Atlanta will have a booth at the Duluth Fall Festival, offering daylilies from member gardens for sale. For more information, visit http://www.atlantadaylily.org/plant-sales.html
American Rose Society Convention and Show
The annual American Rose Society national convention and show, bringing together rose enthusiasts from across the country for exhibits, education, and celebration. For more information, visit https://medleyofroses.org
Tennessee Valley Wild Ones Fall Native Plant Sale
Tennessee Valley Wild Ones has held community-wide native plant sales each spring and fall for over 10 years. This smaller fall sale at Grace Episcopal Church features native plants perfect for fall planting. For more information, visit https://tnvalley.wildones.org/native-plant-sales/
Midlands Fall Plant & Flower Festival
Celebrate the season at the South Carolina State Farmers Market with a wide selection of fall plants, flowers, pumpkins, seasonal décor, and handcrafted items from local vendors. Certified SC Grown produce available. Master Gardeners on hand to answer fall planting questions. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit https://www.lakemurraycountry.com/event/midlands-fall-plant-flower-festival/2026-10-09/
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Two great weekends at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds featuring first-class music performances, arts & crafts, carnival rides, Pioneer Village, and a glimpse into North Georgia's rich history and culture. For more information, visit https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/fallfest
Blue Oak's Fall For Natives Plant Sale
Join Blue Oak Horticulture and a community of native plant enthusiasts for a fall native plant festival and sale. Local native plant growers open their fields for this event. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/894176399964651/
FallFest at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville
Celebrate the beginning of Scarecrows in the Gainesville Garden with this family-friendly fall event featuring live music, food, activities, performances, a Plant Doctor table, mini-market, and crafts. 2026 date TBA. For more information, visit https://atlantabg.org/calendar/fallfest/
Spring Starts in the Fall: Bulb Gardening
A free hands-on class hosted by Cherokee County Master Gardeners covering bulb selection for the Georgia climate, lasagna bulb planting, soil preparation, and planting depths and spacing. Held outdoors at the BAES Garden at Veterans Park. Registration required. For more information and to register, visit https://cherokeemastergardeners.com/event/spring-starts-in-the-fall-bulb-gardening/
Deep South District Convention and Rose Show
The American Rose Society's Deep South District Convention and Rose Show, hosted by the Tampa Rose Society. Theme: "Kick Up Fun with Roses." Rose show chair: Karen Prevatt. The show is governed by the standard rules, regulations, and guidelines of the American Rose Society. For more information, visit https://www.ars.org
Alabama Plant Show
The Alabama Plant Show in Huntsville, featuring plant vendors, exhibits, and enthusiasts from across the region.
Virtual Firefly Symposium — Save the Date!
The Xerces Society is planning its second free virtual firefly symposium, gathering firefly experts and enthusiasts to share knowledge and stories about firefly research, conservation, and outreach. Registration for attendees is not yet open — check back soon. Interested in presenting? Fill out the interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzxIbuJCX3hlagBsivHW5ZAs8WH3cJ5kbM6xaY1Ts-kr2Mfw/viewform
Fall Festival of Roses — Antique Rose Emporium
Three days celebrating the beauty, history, and stories found within the garden. Thousands of roses available for purchase, educational presentations from leading gardening experts, artisan vendor market, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and beautiful gardens to explore. This year's theme: "Storytelling." For more information, visit https://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/pages/fathers-day-2026
99th Annual Garden Club of Georgia Convention
The Garden Club of Georgia holds its 99th Annual Convention at the beautiful Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in the North Georgia mountains. Organized by the Laurel District. Set-up day is March 29, 2027. For more information, visit https://gardenclubofgeorgia.org/event/the-99th-annual-garden-club-of-georgia-convention/
NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens — 50th Anniversary
The Garden Club of Savannah celebrates two extraordinary milestones: the 50th Anniversary of the NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens and the 100th Anniversary of the Garden Club of Savannah. NOGS — North of Gaston Street — began in the 1970s as Savannah's historic preservation movement took root, and has grown into one of the city's most beloved traditions. The tour opens private courtyards, elegant landscapes, and secret green spaces rarely accessible to the public, set amid cathedral live oaks, Spanish moss, and cobblestone streets. For more information, visit https://www.gardenclubsavannah.org
San Diego World Rose Symposium 2027
A landmark 5-day event serving as both the 2027 World Federation of Rose Societies Regional Convention and the 2027 American Rose Society National Convention and Rose Show — the first WFRS Convention held in the United States in over 25 years. Presented by the San Diego Rose Society, the symposium includes America's 2027 National Rose Show, great presentations, and a Gala Dinner-Dance celebrating the San Diego Rose Society's 100th Anniversary. Optional garden tours include private rose gardens and the WFRS Garden of Excellence in Balboa Park. Theme: 'California Dreamin'.' For more information, visit https://www.sandiegorosesociety.com/2027
Peak Bloom Party — Peony's Envy
Join Peony's Envy for their annual Peak Bloom Party at their stunning display garden in Bernardsville, NJ — one of the most extensive peony collections in the United States, featuring woodland, tree, herbaceous, and intersectional cultivars. For tickets and more information, visit https://peonysenvy.com/shop?store-page=2027-Peak-Bloom-Party-5-22-27-p837787259
Gardens, Nature and the environment
What I'm reading, plus magazine articles I've written you might enjoy
Islands in a Common Sea
Jenny Jefferies
A fascinating new book featuring stories of farming, fishing and food from around the world — 25 next-generation farmers and fishermen linked by a universal quest to feed a hungry world.
Lightning bugs
Tom Oder
A feature story in Georgia Magazine about Lightning bugs — those magical summer insects that light up the night in gardens across the South.
Atlanta Botanical Garden turns 50
Tom Oder
A feature story in Georgia Magazine celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Atlanta Botanical Garden — one of the South's most beloved horticultural treasures.
Monarchs' magnetic sense
Dec. 23, 2025
A New York Times story exploring the remarkable science behind how monarch butterflies use a magnetic sense to navigate their extraordinary annual migration.
About Tom
A global gardening voice
You may not know: I have a background as an award-winning senior editor at a major American newspaper and the orchid nothogenus Oderara is named for me.
Invited to Taiwan twice as an international journalist by the government of the Republic of China to write about Taiwan's signature agricultural export, the Phalaenopsis orchid.
Won the Chicago Horticultural Society Medal at a Southeastern Flower Show for organizing a greenhouse exhibit about orchids and their light requirements.
Served on the boards of two plant societies, the steering committee of a native plant conference and as the president of the Atlanta Orchid Society.
Awarded the Bill Farley Service Award by the Atlanta Orchid Society.
Founded and edited an international orchid journal, Phalaenopsis, for the International Phalaenopsis Alliance.
Awarded the American Orchid Society Affiliated Societies Award for dedication to excellence at the recommendation of the Atlanta Orchid Society.
Get in Touch
Contact me
Questions, comments and inquiries from editors and literary agents welcome.