Since 2007, A Writer’s Garden Literary Symposium has presented an outstanding group of authors and speakers who have engaged our minds, delighted our senses and touched our hearts with their rich histories of gardens, architecture and art, and illuminating stories of extraordinary individuals and events and their impact on our way of life and culture.

We invite you to embark on an unforgettable journey around the globe and through America with Lisa Fine, renowned textile designer, and James Farmer, Southern lifestyle author and interior designer for the 14th Annual A Writer’s Garden Literary Symposium – Near or Far…There Is No Place Like Home.

All funds raised will benefit the development and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden.

Program Details

The virtual symposium will kick off as we raise our glasses with a James Farmer inspired drink at 9:45 a.m. CST. At 10:00 our program will begin with greetings from your WCDABG president, Kay Weeks. The live portion will be brought to you from the DeGolyer Home on the grounds of the Dallas Arboretum. Our first speaker Lisa Fine will deliver a fascinating discussion about her beautiful book Near & Far. She will share with us about the people and far away places that inspire her textile designs. Her book is rich with stories and sumptuous furnishings. After Lisa’s presentation we will hold our raffle drawing. Next on the program is our second author designer, gardener, and chef extraordinaire James Farmer. He will be streamed into our homes via a recorded session which will include a tour of his gardens and home. What a privilege!

About James Farmer

James Farmer is a Southern author, interior designer and speaker who is truly a fresh voice for all generations.  His natural Southern grace and warm personality light up any room, and his dynamic ability to capture the hearts and attention of an audience is one of his strongest talents.

James is the author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling books:  A Time to Plant; Sip & Savor; Porch Living; Wreaths for All Seasons; A Time to Cook; Dinner on the Grounds; A Time to Celebrate; and A Place to Call Home, his first interior design book which features eleven homes from Sea Island to Atlanta to St. Louis. In addition, his work has been recognized on national broadcast networks and published in various magazines including: Southern Living, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Southern Home, and FLOWER. 

Arriving Home – A Gracious Southern Welcome, his newest interior design book, was released in August by Gibbs Smith and featured at A Writer’s Garden.

About Lisa Fine

Mississippi-born textile guru Lisa Fine is the founder of Lisa Fine Textiles, which specializes in hand printed linens that are sold in sixteen showrooms worldwide.  With a southern drawl and a truly adventurous spirit, Fine splits her time between New York and Dallas with frequent trips to Paris and India.  Over twenty years ago at a camel festival in Jaisalmer, Fine fell in love with India.  The colors, the patterns, the Mughal palaces and gardens were her original inspirations for Lisa Fine Textiles.  Since then, Fine’s far-reaching travels have continued to influence her collection, where exotic and traditional prints in vibrant and romantic colors feel both worldly and timeless.

Fine’s work has appeared in Departures, Elle Décor, House & Garden UK, House Beautiful, The New York Times, The Herald Tribune, The World of Interiors and Vogue.  Prior to designing textiles, Fine worked as a contributing editor for Elle Décor and House Beautiful.  She is currently a contributing editor for Town & Country.  Her book, Near & Far: Interiors I Love, was published in October 2019 by Vendome.