After bringing thousands of Savannah-Chatham County students together for a historical event in 2023, Cohen’s Retreat will host the 2nd annual Savannah Camellia Festival, celebrating the Savannah Camellia Project, Camellia Bloom Show & Plant Sale on February 22, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Savannah Camellia Festival is a community celebration honoring the efforts of more than 3000 Savannah Chatham County Public & Private School students who in the Fall of 2023 planted 1500 Royal Velvet camellias along the beloved Harry Truman Bike Path. This community service endeavor showcased the profound influence young people can wield on their city while gaining insight into the storied history of Savannah.
Festival guests will be treated to a variety of activities, including a bloom show, plant sale, keynote speaker, information sessions, and arts & crafts activities. The Bloom Show will allow participants to showcase their camellias for judging by the public. The plant sale, with Hobbes Hill Farms, will offer dozens of camellia varieties, with a portion of the sales supporting the upkeep of the camellia trail.
Keynote speaker Charles Daniels, a renowned camellia expert, will share his insights on camellias in an engaging presentation. Savannah-native Jessica Leigh Lebos, author of The Camellia Thief & Other Tales, will read excerpts from her book and host a signing. Additional activities include arts and crafts, along with a flower arranging workshop.
"We are thrilled to host the Savannah Camellia Festival," said Colleen Smith, owner of Cohen’s Retreat. "This festival celebrates the hard work and dedication of our community's youth while providing an opportunity to learn more about the beautiful camellia flower and its significant place in Savannah’s history."
The event is free and open to the public, welcoming guests of all ages to enjoy light refreshments, a cash bar, and explore Cohen's Retreat and its amenities.
“This is a celebration of community spirit, youth empowerment, and the timeless beauty of the camellia flower,” said Grayce French, Director of the Savannah Camellia Festival. “We are looking forward to bringing together history, education and nature in a vibrant and memorable event at Cohen’s Retreat."
Event Details:
- What: Savannah Camellia Festival
- When: February 22, 2025, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: Cohen's Retreat, Art Tank
- Who: Open to everyone, free entry
For more information, visit Cohen's Retreat website or contact Cohen's Retreat Community Foundation.
