Elms & Roses Garden Council will host its fourth annual Garden Lecture on Monday, Oct. 23 featuring special guest, Jason Powell, owner of Petals from the Past in Jemison, Alabama, speaking on “Tough Plants for Southern Gardens.”

This event will be held at Del’avant, 141 Main Street, beginning with a wine, hors d’oeuvres reception and Petals from the Past plant sale at 5:30 p.m. followed by the lecture at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, when purchased in advance, and $25 at the door.

Tickets can be purchased locally from Plum Southern and Tournesol or for more information and tickets by mail, call (706) 884-5081.

Jason Powell earned his B. S. degree in Horticulture/Landscape Design from Auburn University and his M. S. degree in Horticulture from Texas A&M University.

With his wife, Shelly, he owns the nursery, Petals from the Past, in Jemison, Alabama. The nursery specializes in antique roses, heirloom shrubs, cottage perennials, and herbs.

In addition, the Powells produce a handful of classic varieties of vegetables and fruit trees.

The nursery features display gardens, fruit gardens, growing facilities and an educational facility.

In 2001, Jason’s parents Dr. Arlie and Gwen Powell joined the business. Jason’s father retired from Auburn University where he was the university’s Extension Fruit Specialist for 22 years and authored over 200 papers, articles and books on this specialty.

One of the primary goals of the Powell’s nursery is to approach gardening from the educational standpoint.

To achieve this goal, the Powells integrate everything they grow into a garden setting so customers can see what these plants look like as mature specimens.

The nursery has 45 acres to develop, 17 of which are currently being used.