OCtech Foundation Home and Garden Symposium

Beautiful cut flowers and enameled cast iron cookware will be the talk of campus as Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Foundation presents its 14th annual Home and Garden Symposium on Wednesday, May 9. This year’s guest speakers include Kathleen “Katie” Dickson, senior horticulturist at Moore Farms Botanical Garden in Lake City, and Faye Gooding, CEO of Le Creuset North America, who will share their expertise with the audience. Roy Dickson of The Oaks will also demonstrate how to prepare an exquisite charcuterie board for gatherings. The day will begin with flower show entry drop-off from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a silent auction and brunch catered by Buckridge Plantation from 10 to 11:45 a.m. in the atrium of OCtech’s Math and Science Center, Building R. Beginning at noon in Roquemore Auditorium, Katie Dickson will talk about her top 10 annual and perennial plants that provide exceptional cut flowers and give tips for successful floral arrangements. Gooding will speak about her career at Le Creuset and the iconic cookware, and Roy Dickson will share his ideas for the perfect charcuterie board. Guests will see one of Dickson’s finished products before watching him build a board. Two lucky guests will take home his delightful meat-and-cheese creations. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the flower show and purchase plants following the presentations. Tickets to the Home and Garden Symposium are $45 per person. Funds raised assist in providing scholarships for deserving OCtech students and special projects at the college. For more information or tickets, call the foundation office at 803-535-1246, email blanchardmr@octech.edu or visit www.octech.edu.