Backroads/Backrooms: The Camellia City In and Out

Take a walk back in time to 1892’s Nocturne, a majestic home now on the National Register of politician, teacher, jurist, and Confederate soldier Henry Gray Turner. This gem was in disrepair and painstakingly renovated by Brett Nevers and Doug Johnson, who married the the best of the Victorian era with today’s comforts. Learn about the aesthetic details and how you can integrate your own antiques and contemporary furnishings with interior designer Jason Little of J. Walker Little Designs.

Then, bring the outdoors in with Carol Selph, founding member of the Wiregrass Camellia Society. She currently grows over 4,000 camellias including 1,200 different varieties on her family farm in southern Brooks County and opens up for a thorough Quitman camellia
history and tell-all.

Finally, step onto the grounds and join our group of plein air painters to learn how the
immediate capture of light became the rage in Henry Turner’s time. Beth Weidner, formerly the director of Tallahassee’s Maclay Gardens (and a painter herself), will explain some of the challenges faced by our artists when creating in the elements.

We’ll see their work materialize as we wrap up the day with wine and nibbles.