Founded in 2001 by Clare Ellis and Lyn McDonald, the Savannah Garden Exposition was devised as a creative and unique way to raise funds for the Isaiah Davenport House Museum and Historic Savannah Foundation. The founders of this event envisioned a fundraiser that was different than all of the other fundraisers in Savannah at the time. They were looking for a way that people could come and have fun in a more casual way than the traditional fundraising gala -- do some shopping and maybe learn a few things, all while still supporting two wonderful organizations.

Originally organized by a committee of 16 members, the Savannah Garden Exposition was held in the vacant lot behind the Davenport House in the 300 block of East Broughton Street. Over the years, the event has grown so large that it is now held at the historic Roundhouse Railroad Museum and has been expanded from two days to three.

The subsequent committees have held fast to the founders’ intention that the event would highlight the unique heritage of Savannah’s secret and public gardens while continuing to expand the event. The most popular feature of the Expo has always been the walking tours, which allow patrons the chance to visit some of the most beautiful private gardens in the historic Landmark District. Each year, the featured gardens are rotated so that no garden is on a tour two years in a row.

The founders of the Expo felt strongly that the event should be educational; therefore, they incorporated a lecture series and invited authors, professors and horticulture experts to speak. A few of the past speakers include: P. Allen Smith, Tony Avent, Mary Palmer Dargan, Suzanne Turner, Mary Kay Andrews, Dr. Allan Armitage, Rosalind Creasy, Damon Lee Fowler, Richard Westmacott, Chip Callaway and Dr. William Welch.

Another visitor favorite is the Open-Air Marketplace where various vendors display their wares for purchase.  There are offerings as diverse as rare and collectible plants, garden ornaments, decorative birdhouses, garden furniture and unique items for the home and garden.

The volunteers and organizers of this event hope that you will come and enjoy the beauty and excitement of the Savannah Garden Exposition.