Oxfords award -winning landscape design camp for the Grand Finale

What started as a visionary seed in 2016 has developed into one of the most popular events in Oxford.

Landscaping Camp, which was launched by the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, has brought garden enthusiasts from all over the country to the beautiful campus of the University of Mississippi-and this year it will celebrate its grand finale.

After eight years of growth and national attention, the landscape from 2025 from 23 to May 24th will be the final that creates a new chapter at the University of Texas as Jeff McManus, the famous director of landscaping services to Ole Miss and cornerstones of the event.

“Jeff's vision and leadership not only shaped Ole Miss's campus, but also the entire experience of landscape design,” said Rosie Vassallo, EDF representative and founder of the event. “It is only fitting that we close this chapter with a celebration that is worthy of its legacy.”

The camp, launched in 2017, was founded to present the award -winning landscape design of the university and to attract those who appreciate southern gardens and hospitality in Kleinstadt. Every year the participants enjoyed the seminars, tours behind the scenes and the rare opportunity to walk through the Grove with the team that designed it.

Since its foundation, the event has been sold out annually, which welcomes more than 400 guests from all over the nation and creates measurable economic effects for Oxford. Hotels, restaurants and local shops benefit from the influx of participants and show how tourism events can support long -term growth of the community.

In 2018, landscaping camp was awarded a Pram (Public Relations Association of Mississippi) in the category of special event programs.

The success of the event was reinforced by strong partnerships with the University of Mississippi, the city of Oxford, the Visiting Oxford and a large number of prominent media. The reporting is in: Veranda, Mississippi Magazine, Stage Mississippi Magazine, Garden and Gun, at home in Memphis & Mid South Magazine, Southern Lady Classics, Delta Magazine, Southern Home, Ideal Life, Desoto, explanation And The Oxford Eagle.

Together with the generous support of numerous sponsors, these collaborations have contributed to the widespread recognition and the continuing effects of the event every year.

A trademark of the camp was the personal note. Each speaker receives an individual painting from Vassallo, which is tailored to his topic and inspired by Oxford's charm.

“It is a little thank you that is becoming a permanent becoming-and it is often shared on social media and helps to be known about our incredible city,” she said.

Apart from the event itself, the landscape design camp has become a case study in the economic development of the community.

“People sometimes think that economic development only means a big business,” said Vassallo. “But it is also a matter of cultivating culture, supporting entrepreneurs, organizing events and creating pride of the place. This camp did that year after year.”

The emotional heart of the event can be traced back to his first year when a motorhome left a note of thanks that Vassallo has never forgotten:

“What a wonderful weekend full of pleasure and knowledge that you delivered … Your attention to detail was in everything we did, and her generous, friendly spirit clearly in everything you did.” – Gwen Anderson, Jackson

The gesture moved them to tears.

“This 50 dollar bill is still integrated in the note,” said Vassallo. “I never spent it – and I will never do. It reminds me of why we do what we do.”

This moment became an inspiration for future camps – always after being better, more sensible and inviting.

Now that Jeff McManus prepares for his next chapter at the University of Texas, the landscape building camp in 2025 will be a celebration of everything that has been achieved – and a warm farewell to a chapter that has brought beauty, joy and connection to so many.

“I really think that Oxford is more than one place – it's a feeling,” said Vassallo. “And this camp helped hundreds of people to feel a weekend, a painting and an unforgettable experience at the same time.”

Contact Rosie Vassallo at 662-234-4651 to learn more or reserve a place for the final landscape camp camp.