Who are the Fayetteville Camellia Club?

Our club meets once a month for nine wonderful months of the year—and every gathering feels like reconnecting with friends who share a love for beauty, nature, and discovery. We usually meet on the third Monday evening, where a guest speaker leads us into fascinating worlds: the history of Camellia sinensis (yes—the very plant that gives us tea!), the surprising role birds play in pollination, and even how to grow other garden favorites like roses and hostas. Every meeting brings something new, inspiring, and genuinely enjoyable.
May is always a highlight. That’s when we host our annual picnic and auction at Cape Fear Botanical Garden on a warm Sunday afternoon—good food, good company, and great camellias in a gorgeous setting. Throughout the year, we also spice things up with special Saturday morning workshops and tours. These might include visits to private camellia gardens, behind‑the‑scenes nursery tours, or hands‑on sessions where you can actually learn planting techniques, practice air layering, or discover how to prepare blooms for a show. Whether you’re brand‑new or seasoned, these events are fun, relaxed, and full of learning.
Our annual Fayetteville Camellia Show is another moment we’re proud of. In 2014, we showcased an incredible 725 blooms—and we continue to grow! Held the first weekend of March, the show is open to the public and is always a breathtaking celebration of color and creativity.
Former FCC President Finley Bryan said it best:
“Beauty is precious and necessary, and does not need to be rare. Underlying our club’s mission is this simple fact: anyone can grow a camellia, but most people don't know it. — We can help.”
And that’s truly who we are: a warm, welcoming group ready to share, teach, and cheer you on. Whether you’re curious about your first camellia or eager to dive deeper into the world of gardening, you’ll find a place here—and we’d be thrilled to have you grow with us. 🌸
Why Join?

Learn
- through meetings, workshops, tours and newsletters
the best varieties and blooming periods for this area
planting, pruning and nurturing prize winning camellias
air layering and other propagation techniques
and much more!

Enjoy
- mission oriented programs
plant sales with members discounts
prominent speakers, picnics and private garden tours
contributing to the renowned Annual Fayetteville Camellia Show
maintaining the Mary McLaurin Camellia Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, on the American Camellia Trail

Meet
- people with similar gardening interests
national and regional organization leaders and members
landscaping and gardening professionals
Master Gardener and Cape Fear Botanical Garden volunteers
award winners from Camellia and other gardening shows
members of garden clubs & societies, Rose, Orchid, Ikebana

Visit
a monthly educational programs and meeting: September - May
- Educational Meeting are normally on Saturdays to make it convenient for those not wanting to drive at night.
- Meeting normally have an eating element which means a lot of social time


