Bulbs and Stories: A Morning with Chris Wiesinger

For years, Chris Wiesinger traveled down old, forgotten roads across the South searching for beautiful flower bulbs hidden behind abandoned houses or vacant lots. This passion became his vocation, and now identity as “The Bulb Hunter.” Chris will share his stories and expertise on cultivating these unique plants and how yes, you too, can successfully grow bulbs in the deep south.

A variety of heirloom bulbs will be offered for sale as well has his books: “Bulb Hunter” and “Heirloom Bulbs for Today.” Book signings and early access to some special bulb selections will be available.

Morning refreshments will be served in Hilltop Arboretum’s beautiful natural setting. Sign up quickly, space is limited.

Registration is $50 per person - register at lsu.edu/hilltop

Chris Wiesinger founded The Southern Bulb Company in 2004 along with several friends in an attempt to recapture that which was once “lost” to the Southern gardener: bulbs that thrive in warm climates. Chris began collecting bulbs when he was young. He used his bulb passion for a college project at Texas A&M which then grew into a lifestyle and business. Chris sought out heirloom and rare flower bulbs like the red spider lily. Mr. Wiesinger was featured in a New York Times story that affectionately dubbed him “The Bulb Hunter” and Chris later used that as the title for his book in 2013 when he wrote “The Bulb Hunter” which details his life as a bulb collector and farmer. Chris loves to share his passion for life and bulbs with others. His talk shares the stories of collecting, conveys valuable horticulture knowledge of bulbs, offers ideas and examples for using bulbs in the landscape, and delights the listener with a journey filled with beautiful forgotten places.

You may also like the following events from LSU Hilltop Arboretum:

• Next Wednesday, 1st October, 09:00 am, PlantFest 2025 in Inniswold