P. Allen Smith
Television Host, Garden Designer, Conservationist
Lunch and Talk
Thursday, September 9, 2021 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
SOLD OUT
Complimentary Valet Parking!
P. Allen Smith, often described as one of America’s most talented garden designers, is the product of five generations of southern nurserymen. Mr. Smith’s family imbued him at an early age with an appreciation and love of the land. His passions were further directed at Hendrix College where he received a B.A. with an emphasis in Biology and History and then formalized in the classroom and by experience in England. During his time in Cheshire, Smith retraced the route, 200 years to the day, of Thomas Jefferson and John Adam’s famous tour of important English country homes, gaining insight into archetypal and enduring design components.
Often heard describing his approach as “blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor,” he considers particular grade, color and density of crushed stone on a garden path, height and volume of water falling from a fountain, the provenance of garden sculpture, or the history and environmental suitability of specific plant varieties. For Smith, the details are paramount. His portfolio includes diverse projects: plantations, townhomes, campuses, golf courses, new town developments, and rooftop gardens.
Part of Smith’s life mission is to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for design and beauty. His generosity of spirit has produced a significant body of accessible work for the public. To date, he is the author of six bestselling books, host and producer of one of PBS’s most successful and award-winning television shows, he runs a media enterprise focused on garden design and health, he is a speaker at many of the country’s important architectural and historic homes and opens his own home to the public each Spring and Fall. He is often quoted in national publications and was a regular garden contributor on the Today Show and Good Morning America. Smith’s work has been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post, Architectural Digest, People Magazine, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Southern Living, Southern Accents, Flower Magazine, and over 100 additional publication titles.
Smith makes his permanent home with his partner, two Scottish Terriers, and hundreds of heritage birds in Arkansas.
Thank you, Sponsors!
Lead Sponsors:
Linda Smith
President’s Circle Sponsors:
Kendra and Si Garrett
Patsy Haws
Anne Robinson
Lucinda Schreeder
Loretta Spencer
The Ledges
Carolyn Wade
Artists’ Circle Sponsors:
Beverly Farrington Alm
Charlie Bonner
Robbie Burlison
Kerry Doran
Joyce Griffin
Carole Jones
Eleanor Loring
Betsy Lowe
Susan Park
Jean Penney
Randy Roper and Ken Rivenbark
Cathy Scholl
The Doris Burwell Foundation
Kathi Tew
Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties, Inc.
(Given in memory of Sibyl McDougald Wilkinson)
Jerry Ann Wynn
Reception Sponsors:
Cynthia and Rey Almodovar
Sarah and Carl Gessler
Media Sponsor:
Additional Support:
Mullins Special Occasions
Catering by Narvell
Church Street Wine Shoppe
The Greenery
Event Committee:
Beverly Farrington Alm
Leslie Crosby
Sarah Gessler
Patsy Haws
Carole Jones
Shelbie King
Betsy Lowe
Jean Penney
Cathy Scholl
2020-2021 Series Sponsors:
