Despite the heat, everything was literally coming up roses at Donna and Herb Weitzman’s marvelous Volk Estates home this evening. With more than 100 guests arriving for the announcement of plans for the 15th Annual A Writer’s Garden 2021, the backup along Lovers Lane was parking-lot status for a while.
But once inside the house, Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum President Lisa Loy Laughlin and A Writer’s Garden 2021 Chair Sandy Ammons revealed plans for the annual fundraiser benefiting A Woman’s Garden.

Following the news that Marilyn and Ben Weber will serve as honorary co-chairs, it was announced that the luncheon and symposium would take place on Tuesday, November 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arboretum, preceded by the patron party the night before.
Dorothea Meltzer followed up that announcement, revealing that this year’s crop of speakers will include Newport’s Bettie Bearden Pardee of Parterre Bench and Private Newport fame, noted author of “Southern Hospitality at Home” Susan Sully of Charleston, and Professor and Texas AgriLife Extension Service Horticulturist Dr. William “Bill” Welch, who will be driving up from College Station.
Ironically, this year’s luncheon/symposium theme is “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” and Bill just so happened to have co-written “The Rose Rustlers.”
Lisa warned the guests to be prepared for additional developments in the weeks leading up to the big day.
Tickets are going for $250 per person, with patron tickets starting at $500 per person and sponsorships currently available.