One of the South’s most-recognized horticulturist names is headlining the 12th annual Native Plant Symposium held Sept. 16-17 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Michael Dirr, author of the Manual of Woody Landscape Plants and a professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia, is one of the speakers.

There’s also a list of 10 fieldtrips to choose from, ranging from a tea party in the Highlands Botanical Garden to a tour of the Southern Highlands Reserve, plus several guided hikes. Woody plants are this year’s focus at this annual event by the Highlands Biological Foundation.

The symposium concludes with a wine reception and native plant auction.

All of the proceeds raised go to support the Highlands Botanical Garden, which was established in 1962 as a refuge for more than 450 species of southern Appalachian plants. Seating is limited to 200; early registration is encouraged.   www.wcu.edu/hbs/NPSymp.htm to register online and download a brochure, or 828.526.2221.