Tom Oder – Southeast Gardening Blog & Garden Events
Atlanta and Southeast Gardening
Discover the joys of gardening
Subscribe to my blog for updates on the gardening scene in Atlanta and the Southeast. Check out the events calendar for the region's only curated calendar of sales, shows, workshops and other garden events.
My latest blog: Outwitting a raccoon
I knew I was on a fool's errand when I matched wits with a raccoon that was digging up my garden. He got mad on the nights I remembered to bring in his favorite bird feeder of black oil sunflower seeds. When the feeder was gone, he retaliated by uprooting plants I planted that day. I was planting heavily to prepare for a garden party. The morning I found a newly planted rose, deep roots and all, lying on the ground, I decided to go nuclear. I bought a Havahart trap. Check out my blog to find out who's the fool now!
Read the story
Blooming now in my garden
French Lace rose. This is a floribunda variety introduced by Jackson & Perkins in 1980. It is named for the ruffled, lace-like appearance of its creamy white petals. It is one of several roses whose names were inspired by "The post-World War II rediscovery of sensuous fabrics, piqued by Dior's New Look," according to the Kansas City Rose Society. The very double and high-centered flowers with their subtle hint of apricot were an instant hit. French Lace won the prestigious All-America Rose Selections award in 1982. It grows to about three feet tall and two feet wide, has disease-resistant foliage and a mild, fruity fragrance. Floribunda roses have a hybrid tea look (single large flowers on a long stem) but bloom in clusters.
In progress: A children's picture book
I am seeking a literary agent for a children's picture book I have written about the monarch butterfly. I have a completed draft that has received a very positive professional review. While I have an extensive journalism background, I have found that becoming a debut children's book author is a big hill to climb. One step at a time ...
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.
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
Southeast Plant Show
A showcase of plants from across the Southeast, featuring vendors, exhibits, and plant enthusiasts from around the region. For more information, visit https://www.southeastplantshow.com
Cullowhee Native Plant Conference
An annual gathering celebrating native plants of the Southeast, featuring workshops, field trips, and presentations by leading horticulturists and conservationists. For more information, visit https://www.wcu.edu/engage/professional-enrichment/conferences-and-community-classes/the-cullowhee-native-plant-conference/index.aspx
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
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
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/
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/
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
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.