The Garden Dirt

FOR FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

TOSHINAN: REAWAKENING A TREASURE

Two expert craftsmen help authentically restore the Gardens’ teahouse to its original condition.

Take Advantage of Your Member Benefits

This Fall

Your annual membership in the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens helps keep these beloved Gardens growing. Be sure to take advantage of these great member benefits. Thank you for supporting this urban oasis and all that it makes possible!

Fall Plant Sale

Enjoy Member Priority Shopping on Thursday, Sept. 5, and be sure to stop by the membership table near the entrance to the sale to pick up your annual Member Plant Gift—a Catawba Crepe Myrtle courtesy of Leaf & Petal!

Antiques at the Gardens

Members at the Friends ($50) through Supporter ($250) levels will receive one complimentary, single-day general admission to our 2024 show on the day of their choice. Members at the Ambassador ($500) and Benefactor Circle ($1,000) levels will receive two complimentary three-day general admission tickets. Members of the Friends also receive 10% off advance book purchases at Leaf & Petal at the Gardens (in store only, through Oct. 2); simply show your membership card at checkout.

Member Partner Nurseries, Garden Centers & Flower Shops

Enjoy 10% off select purchases at our member partners! Visit bbgardens.org/membership for details.

DOROTHY MCDANIEL’S FLOWER MARKET

FARMSTAND BY STONE HOLLOW • LEAF & PETAL AT THE GARDENS • MYERS PLANTS & POTTERY

PETALS FROM THE PAST • SHOPPE/GENERAL

SWEET PEAS GARDEN SHOP • VIVATIA PLANT CARE SERVICES

WILD THINGS

Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

2024 Board of directors

Emily Bowron Chair

wally Evans immEdiatE Past Chair

KirK ForrEstEr sECrEtary

d�C Coston trEasurEr

dEriCK BEldEn Chair oF CommuniCations & marKEting

EvElyn JonEs Chair oF dEvEloPmEnt

CarolinE littlE Chair oF EduCation & Community EngagEmEnt

John smith t Chair oF govErnanCE

liBBa vaughan Chair oF govErnmEnt rElations

lEE mClEmorE Chair oF oPErations

Members at Large

Maggie Brooke

Sharon Deep-Nelson

Eleanor Estes

Sid Evans

Wendy Evesque

Nicole Faulk

David Germany

Leigh Haver

Janet Kavinoky

Desmond R. Layne

G. Ruffner Page, Jr.

Anne Sanders Rand

Martha Emmett Sims

Sarah Slaughter

Joanice Thompson

Larry D. Thornton, Sr.

Jesse Vogtle, Jr.

Sharon Walker

Ginny Willings

Mazie Bryant, Junior Board President

Our Mission

The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. We are dedicated to serving the Gardens, serving the community, serving our visitors, and inspiring a passion for plants, gardens, and the environment.

Staff

Tom Underwood.....................................................Executive Director

Julia Adams Horticulturist—Japanese Garden

Katelyn Bahr Horticulturist—Specialty Gardens

Stephanie Banks Chief Financial Officer

Dawn DeFrank Donor Services Coordinator

Amelia Haas Office Coordinator

Ellen Hardy Education Program Coordinator

Penney Hartline Director of Development

Cassia Kesler Director of Communications & Marketing

Tina Nelson Accounting Clerk

Sebastian Ortiz Muñoz…............Communications & Marketing Associate

Kendra Poleshek Education Associate

Drew Rickel Donor Relations Officer

Kensley Sandlin…............…...........….............Development Associate

Rebecca Stivender Director of Education & Community Engagement

Emma Thompson Volunteer Coordinator

Keith Turney Senior Horticulturist—Kaul Wildflower Garden

Jane Underwood Director of Gardens Support

Editor: Cassia Kesler

Art & Design: Ellen Padgett

Cover & Lead Photos: Sebastian Ortiz Muñoz

Contributors: Julia Adams, Susan Alison, Katelyn Bahr, Dawn DeFrank, Ellen Hardy, Penney Hartline, Molly Hendry, Wendy Wallace Johnson, Carmen Michael, Sebastian Ortiz Muñoz, Kendra Poleshek, Drew Rickel, Graham Yelton

A facility of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the result of a public/private partnership between the City of Birmingham and the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a mission-driven membership organization that seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of the Gardens. We hope you enjoy this issue of the Friends’ award-winning quarterly publication, The Garden Dirt. Thank you for visiting and supporting the Gardens! Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens practices a policy of equal opportunity and equal access to services for all persons regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, orientation, or gender identity.

Dear Friend,

We have much to be thankful for as we celebrate this season of harvest. One thing that quickly comes to mind for me is the contribution of time and talents that so many people make to the Gardens throughout the year, from our dedicated volunteers and staff members to the many specialized craftspeople and experts who help us accomplish so many things in the Gardens, through our programs, and behind the scenes.

One of the pillars of the Friends’ work at the Gardens is marshalling private support to help steward the Gardens. This summer and fall, the Friends has been focused on two vital enhancement projects that will help ensure continued enjoyment of the Gardens for years to come. First, we undertook a thorough restoration of the Toshinan teahouse in the Japanese Garden. We are so grateful to carpenter Hirøshi Awano and copper craftsman Taichirou Ishii for their careful craftsmanship repairing damaged wood and restoring the copper roof. Read more about their work on page 18. Then, in late summer, we broke ground for one of our largest garden enhancement projects in recent history—a project that has been in the planning stages for several years—the renovation of the Herb Terrace. We are excited to see this work underway.

Another important aspect of our work is inspiring a passion for plants, gardens, and the environment. Our Spring and Fall Plant Sales are great examples of this—in addition to being important fundraisers for us! Featuring hundreds of plants specially selected for our region, these sales offer an unparalleled opportunity to learn about plants and find just what you need for your garden. Our annual Fall Plant Sale is set for September 5–7. As a special thank you to our members, we will once again be offering a Member Plant Giveaway at the fall sale. This year’s plant will be a Catawba Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’) donated by Leaf & Petal.

One of the most anticipated events of the year is right around the corner—we invite you to join us October 3-6 for the 18th annual Antiques at the Gardens! This year’s Gala will honor longtime Gardens supporter William R. “Bill” Ireland, Jr., whose love for the Gardens has been passed down through his family for generations. Our co-chairs, Paige Albright, Marguerite Johnson, Bart McCorquodale, Rachael Rummel, and their dedicated committee have assembled an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed speakers and curated vendors. Learn more about Antiques at the Gardens and view the schedule on page 12.

In this season of thanksgiving, please know we are grateful for your support and involvement. We thank you for your Friendship and look forward to all that lies ahead.

Tom Underwood Executive Director, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

free & open to the public

Friday, Sept. 6 | 8 A.M.–5:30 P.M.

Saturday, Sept. 7 | 8 A.M.–2 P.M.

AT B IRMINGHAM B OTANICAL G ARDENS

Benefiting the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

MEMBERS-ONLY SHOPPING: Thursday, Sept. 5 | 1 P.M.–5:30 P.M.

Natives • Perennials • Tropicals • Camellias

Herbs • Trees & Shrubs • Ferns

Bring a cart or wagon • Check and credit card only

Stop by the membership table at our Fall Plant Sale and receive your annual Member Gift Plant, a Catawba Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba') courtesy of Leaf & Petal. Thank you for being a friend of the Gardens!

CELEBRATING OUR SPECIALTY GARDENS

How five specialty gardens weave Birmingham Botanical Gardens together and reflect the integral part our volunteers play in maintaining this urban oasis

By SEBASTIAN ORTIZ MUÑOZ

WINDING THROUGH THE BIRMINGHAM Botanical Gardens, between the Japanese Garden and the Kaul Wildflower Garden at either end, are smaller specialty gardens that offer varied examples of different types and styles of gardening. The Southern Living Garden, Bruno Vegetable Garden, Forman Garden, Thompson Enthusiast’s Garden, and Little Ones’ Memory Garden each offer a unique experience while blending aesthetic beauty, horticultural knowledge, and emotional resonance. Together, they create a harmonious,

lovingly cultivated symphony of diverse natural spaces, reflecting the cultural heritage of our region and enriching the visitor experience.

The backbone of these gardens are the volunteers who nurture and care for each of them. They have been an essential part of the Gardens’ culture since it opened six decades ago. Join us in exploring each of these special gardens and celebrating the dedicated volunteers who assist talented Specialty Garden Horticulturist Katelyn Bahr in tending to these spaces.

Photos by Sebastian Ortiz Muñoz and Graham Yelton

ITOH PEONY (PAEONIA CVS.)

BRUNO VEGETABLE GARDEN

Where Sustainability Grows

“I’ve been interested in gardening since I was a child playing in the dirt,” said Bruno Vegetable Garden volunteer Pat DeMotte. Pat’s childhood passion for gardening led her to the Jefferson County Master Gardeners program and later to volunteering at Birmingham Botanical Gardens almost 15 years ago. Pat volunteered first in the Kaul Wildflower Garden and then in the Bruno Vegetable Garden.

Managed by horticulturist Katelyn Bahr and a group of volunteers, this garden is not only a source of fresh produce but also a living classroom for visitors, children, and volunteers alike. From winter greens to summer tomatoes and fall pumpkins, the Bruno Vegetable Garden inspires joy and wonder in growing food.

“Although I am especially interested in native plants, I found that working in Bruno is very rewarding,” Pat said. Her love for vegetable gardening at home deepened through her work at Bruno, where she learned from other volunteers and staff. “I also like that the food grown there is donated to nonprofits and helps to feed hungry people,” she said.

Pat’s favorite project this year has been working on a recent addition to the Bruno Vegetable Garden known as the “backyard garden.” This space offers a practical demonstration of how urban gardeners can maximize small spaces.

“The first bed when you walk into Bruno is designed to look like a backyard garden,” Katelyn said.

The bed is divided into smaller sections with temporary brick pathways, mimicking a typical home garden layout. It includes a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, illustrating how companion planting can enhance both aesthetics and productivity.

“It’s an education bed, showing people that even if they have a small area, they can still break it up into multiple sections and grow all their veggies, herbs, and companion plants,” Katelyn explained.

“I am very interested in how using native and pollinator plants in home vegetable gardens can help reduce the use of chemicals in our gardens,” Pat said. She has enjoyed learning about companion planting and its benefits. “Hopefully we can learn to understand the connection between feeding ourselves and keeping all parts of the food chain alive and well. Plus, the fact that it makes the garden beautiful is very motivating!” she added.

The Bruno Vegetable Garden also features garden beds dedicated to traditional methods, such as the Three Sisters method used by Native Americans, as well as experiments like a split tomato bed where visitors can compare the growth of tomatoes in well-fertilized versus poorly fertilized conditions.

Thanks to Katelyn’s vision and the crucial role of the volunteers, the Bruno Vegetable Garden continues to be a dynamic and ever-evolving space—a veritable cornucopia that feeds both mind and body.

LITTLE ONES’ MEMORY GARDEN A Place of Reflection

“When people visit this garden, my prayer is that they experience a glimmer of hope, feel the whisper of peace, and just pause for a moment,” said Little Ones’ Memory Garden volunteer Susanne Lambert.

Nestled in a serene woodland clearing, the Little Ones’ Memory Garden is a sanctuary of remembrance and healing, a place where Susanne has witnessed its evolution over the past years.

“I became involved as a volunteer for this garden about 30 years ago in fundraising efforts. My son Eli was stillborn, which led me to this group,” Susanne shared.

Established in 2005, this garden provides solace for families who have experienced infant loss, offering a space to remember and celebrate their little ones.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Jan Street cares for the Forman Garden. Bruno Vegetable Garden volunteers Kitty Lineberry and Harriet Hackney harvest tomatillos. Katelyn Bahr harvests sunflower seeds. Susanne Lambert lays down pine straw in the Little Ones’ Memory Garden. OPPOSITE: A garden bed in the Bruno Vegetable Garden is divided into smaller beds. Horticulturist Katelyn Bahr designed this “backyard garden” project to show how home gardeners can maximize their space.

BELOW: Ryan’s Pink mums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Ryan’s Pink’) in the Little Ones’ Memory Garden.

TOP TO BOTTOM:

Part of the “Three Obelisks” sculpture by Jeremy Roegner in memory of James Forman. Yuwei Song and Katelyn Bahr tend the Southern Living Border in the Southern Living Garden. Pat DeMotte tends to the Bruno Vegetable Garden.

“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to be with families who initially came to work in the garden, raw and hurting, and who eventually become the ones who reach out to others,” Susanne said. The idea of working in the garden originally came from Gene and Lucy Gilmore, whose son, Wint, had died in childbirth. “Once staff at the Gardens saw we could do it, we had the green light to take care of this garden,” she said.

“It is significant that this plot of ground was initially a forgotten corner of the Gardens that was ravaged and eroded by a storm. This place is literally evidence of how storms in life can be transformed into beauty and purpose. We cannot choose the storms but we can choose how we respond,” said Susanne. Visitors can experience a sense of community and hope through the efforts of the volunteers and the seasonal plantings within the garden. “The daffodils in spring and Ryan’s Pink mums in fall help symbolize the passage of time and the cycle of life,” said Katelyn.

Working alongside fellow volunteers, Susanne finds joy and healing. “Once a month, working alongside people who create a place of hope in this corner of the world is such a privilege. We work, we laugh, we talk, and we get to witness God’s miracle of creation,” she said.

SOUTHERN LIVING GARDEN

A Southern Oasis

To recharge and rest from the demanding lab work of her graduate program, Yuwei Song found great joy exploring the Gardens. As she found herself spending more and more time surrounded by the Gardens’ blooms and the canopy of overhanging trees, her desire to contribute to this special place grew.

Her enthusiasm for the Gardens quickly translated into a deep commitment to the Southern Living Garden, where she has dedicated much of her time and energy.

Designed in collaboration with Southern Living magazine, and spearheaded by former editor and longtime supporter of the Gardens Dr. John A. Floyd, Jr., the Southern Living Garden radiates the charm and hospitality of classic home gardens throughout the South. Here, the mild climate and generous growing season of the region are celebrated through curated landscapes. From the Southern Flower Border, a riot of colors cascades through the seasons, beginning with daffodils in early spring and continuing until the first frost. Adjacent to this floral spectacle lies the Echo Reflecting Pool and Terrace, where visitors can relax amidst the serene ambience under Japanese maples and gaze upon the tranquil waters.

For Yuwei, the Southern Living Garden holds a special place in her heart. “I found two compelling reasons to continue working in this particular garden. The beauty of the blooming flowers captivated me, and the wonderful people I’ve worked with, including Katelyn, Director of Gardens Support Jane Underwood, and all the other volunteers, have made my experience truly fulfilling,” she said.

Her favorite project so far has been working on new plantings in accordance with Katelyn’s garden design vision. Katelyn’s recent focus has been on the upkeep of the flower border and the replanting of the Southern Living Plant Collection.

“The Southern Living Plant Collection showcases ornamental plants that are best suited for the hot and humid climate of north-central Alabama, offering bigger blooms and unique foliage,” said Katelyn.

Yuwei hopes that visitors to the garden share in her appreciation for its allure and tranquility. “I hope others are simply captivated by the exquisite beauty of this garden, and take pleasure in the view from the swing as well,” said Yuwei.

Photos by Sebastian Ortiz Muñoz, Graham Yelton, and courtesy of Bham Now

SOUTHERN LIVING GARDEN

FORMAN GARDEN

LEFT TO RIGHT: Yuwei Song in the Southern Living Garden. An espalier pear tree in the Thompson Enthusiast’s Garden.

CONEFLOWERS

FORMAN GARDEN

A Symphony of Seasonal Color

When visitors stroll through the Forman Garden, weekly volunteer Jan Street hopes for each person to feel inspired by the beautiful landscaping. Adjacent to the Conservatory, the garden offers an ever-changing palette of blooms throughout the year. “The Forman Garden is a great place to get landscaping ideas for everything from full sun to shady areas,” said Jan. Jan Street is one of the Forman Garden’s volunteers who tend to this intimate garden space named in honor of avid local gardeners Jim and Mary Forman. The Forman Garden volunteers meet weekly on Wednesdays to tend to the garden. With their help, horticulturist Katelyn Bahr creates a natural space showcasing a dazzling array of annuals and perennials that bloom in succession from winter through fall. The design is meant to continue the couple’s legacy of inspiring others to create beautiful gardens, regardless of size or season.

Central to the Forman Garden’s allure are its seasonal displays. Katelyn’s creative touch is evident in the annual beds, which transform with each season. “I strive to introduce new designs annually,” she said. “This approach ensures returning visitors always encounter something fresh and captivating.”

Volunteering in the Forman Garden has enriched Jan’s own gardening practice. “Generally, whatever garden maintenance we have done in the Forman Garden that week, I go home and do it in my yard. Katelyn teaches me something new every week!” said Jan. With volunteers like Jan Street, the Forman legacy continues to inspire garden enthusiasts through the delicate Lenten roses of spring and the fragrant gardenia blooms of summer—bringing new delights each season.

THOMPSON ENTHUSIAST’S GARDEN

Where Function Meets Beauty

The months of June and July are always special for volunteer Carol White, because that’s when the crepe myrtles bloom. As she walks to volunteer in the Thompson Enthusiast’s Garden, she passes a particularly special crepe myrtle, the one she dedicated as a tribute to her mom. There in the assembly of colors hanging over her head, Carol is reminded of her loving mother and the sweet memories she left behind. This act of remembrance sparked a connection for Carol that would grow into a passionate commitment to volunteering.

After making this tribute, Carol became a frequent visitor to the Gardens, and then realized she wanted to help care for this special

place. This simple decision transformed her initial grief into a growing dedication to the Gardens, where she now spends every week contributing to the beauty and upkeep of the Thompson Enthusiast’s Garden. Created in 1987, this garden was a gift to Lucille Ryals Thompson from her husband, Hall, and their five children. Over the years, it has evolved, but the vision remains: to demonstrate how small spaces can serve multiple purposes while offering a serene retreat.

In the garden, visitors are welcomed by the towering crepe myrtles at the entrance, setting a tranquil tone for their visit.

Toward the back, a quaint shed provides an ideal backdrop for an array of plants, pots, and an espalier pear tree.

Beyond the horticultural aspects, Carol treasures the garden for the joy and connection it brings to people. “People always tell me ‘Oh, this is lovely. This is so pretty.’ It’s wonderful to see how much people enjoy it,” she said.

Carol said she also finds solace and happiness in her volunteer work. “It’s a nice way to escape from your daily work, to escape from whatever’s on your mind, and just go out and get dirty,” she said.

As we wander from one specialty garden to another, we are reminded of the profound impact that a committed community can have on preserving the natural world. Each beautiful garden that threads Birmingham Botanical Gardens together reflects back the collective dedication of the horticulturists and volunteers who infuse their skills, love, time, and effort into cultivating this community treasure.

If you are interested in helping gardens like these flourish, please visit bbgardens.org/volunteering or call 205.414.3950.

GERBERA DAISY

OAK-LEAF HYDRANGEA (HYDRANGEA QUERCIFOLIA)

Lessons from English Gardens

By MOLLY HENDRY

ARUNDEL CASTLE

During the first week of June, the Friends took off across the pond to spend a week exploring gardens and castles of the English countryside. Fourteen participants in FBBG’s first international garden tour journeyed through a swath of English history, from being immersed in Tudor England during our stay at Hever Castle to visiting the first English Landscape movement garden masterpiece at Rousham, as well as basking in the glorious 20th-century Arts and Crafts movement gardens at Great Dixter and Sissinghurst, plus meeting several modern-day designers who have created their own personal paradises in their home gardens. They say a garden is a grand teacher, and we were not at a loss for inspiration after such a variety of experiences. Below are three major takeaways for our own home gardens that we can all learn from the rich legacy of English gardens.

THE STRUCTURE OF A GARDEN CAN LAST WELL BEYOND OUR LIFETIMES

COTTESBROOKE HALL

It is hard to walk the grassy paths of a garden like Rousham and not think about what a gift it is to be experiencing the garden nearly 300 years after it was first imagined by William Kent. Although the garden has changed in some ways over those years, what remains is the structural integrity and spatial choreography as you move through the garden. Giant canopy trees, architectural focal points, garden walls, and rills of water winding into pools all hold true to the original vision. This is a masterclass in how to build a garden’s bones thoughtfully and intentionally. William Kent once said, “Garden as if you will live forever.”

GARDENING IS AN ACT OF DESIGN

It is natural to think that the design of a garden is dependent on what is drawn on paper and directly translated to the ground. But a true garden is always in motion, always growing and changing with a gardener’s guiding hands.

MATTHEW RICE

GARDEN TOUR FRIENDS

As we were led on a tour of Great Dixter by Matthew Wachter, a gardener at Dixter for over 10 years, it was evident that the secret of its lush and energetic plantings was hidden in the dayto-day design decisions that each gardener makes. How you prune a shrub, train a rose, treat self-seeding plants, and tweak methods based on the observations from last season about what worked well and what did not are all design decisions that continue to curate the garden as it subsequently grows over the weeks, months, and years.

GARDENS ARE DEEPLY PERSONAL CREATIVE ENDEAVORS

One of the most touching parts of our week was having the opportunity to step into the personal and private gardens of several creatives, such as Matthew Rice, illustrator for Emma Bridgewater, and Emma Burns, managing director at Colefax Fowler, and hear from them how they have transformed their gardens over the years to reflect their own taste and unique flair. One of the highlights of the tour was serendipitously bumping into Charlotte Molesworth as she was painting the long border at Great Dixter during our tour, and her inviting us back to her personal garden down the road. As Charlotte toured our group through the garden, she detailed how for over four decades she and her husband, Donald, have transformed the barren field surrounding their home into a topiary garden paradise. For their wedding they asked friends and family for gifts of seedlings and cuttings from their gardens, which have grown with time and careful clipping into a whimsical manifestation of Charlotte’s own artistic vision! It was a great reminder that often the most inspiring moments of a garden are born not from following the text book, but from following one’s own heart.

Curated by Mary Baskin of Vagabond Travel and Cosmo Brockway, this tour offered a unique experience of private homes and exclusive garden tours from Northamptonshire down to Kent and Sussex.

EASTON NESTON

ROUSHAM HOUSE & GARDEN

CHARLOTTE MOLESWORTH'S TOPIARY GARDEN

ROUSHAM HOUSE & GARDEN

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Grow your green thumb and explore the Gardens’ fall wonders by joining us for these fun, educational offerings. Learn more and register at bbgardens.org/classes.

1. A SURVEY OF FERNS

Tuesday, September 10 | 11 a.m.–noon

Location: Adventure Classroom

Hardy ferns are among the most adaptable plants for home gardeners, offering textures and colors unavailable in any other perennial. In this one-hour presentation, Charles Murray and Louise Billings of the Birmingham Fern Society will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of various hardy ferns, spotlight their favorites, and share important lessons they have learned in the garden.

Cost: $20 (Members) | $25 (Nonmembers)

2. CREATE YOUR OWN DESERT TERRARIUM

Thursday, September 12 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Location: Outdoor Classroom

Build your own mini ecosystem in an engaging make-and-take workshop with Astrid Jerez of Vivatia Plant Care Services. You will learn how to craft a desert oasis and how to make it thrive. This workshop is perfect for low-maintenance plant lovers and small-space gardeners.

Cost: $55 (Members) | $60 (Nonmembers)

3. GROWING FALL GREENS & ROOT VEGGIES

Tuesday, September 17 | 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: Adventure Classroom

What grows best in a fall garden? When is too late to plant? Learn best practices for growing fall greens and root vegetables in central Alabama. Regional Extension Agent Holt Akers-Campbell will share tips for garden preparation, planting dates, and maintenance

particular to these cool-season vegetables. A demonstration and discussion will take place in Bruno Vegetable Garden during the last 30 minutes of this class.

Cost: $25 (Members) | $30 (Nonmembers)

4. FALL COMMUNITY HARVEST!

Thursday, September 19 | 9–10 a.m.

Location: Bruno Vegetable Garden

Harvest time at the Gardens is the perfect opportunity to get your hands dirty and a fun way to contribute to our community! Join Specialty Garden Horticulturist Katelyn Bahr in the vegetable garden for our end-of-summer harvest. Produce goes to The Foundry Ministries, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

Cost: Free. Space is limited; registration required.

5. PASSALONG PLANTS: BOTANICAL HEIRLOOMS

Friday, September 27 | 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: Outdoor Classroom

Passalong plants span generations as they are shared among neighbors, friends, and family members. Director of Longleaf Botanical Gardens and Urban Regional Extension Agent Hayes Jackson will showcase an array of passalong plants and work with participants on dividing, taking cuttings, and growing seedlings in this hands-on workshop. Registrants will receive a plant to take home.

Cost: $35 (Members) | $40 (Nonmembers)

6. BEEKEEPING BASICS

Tuesday, October 8 | 11 a.m.–noon

Location: Adventure Classroom

Did you know that bee behavior varies greatly across climates? For instance, the busy foraging season for bees will be much longer in the warmer South than it will be in the North. In this introductory class, Jeff Lisenby of the Jefferson County Beekeepers Association will discuss honeybee biology and behavior followed by an overview of beekeeping and honey production. There will be time reserved to examine a frame of live bees, handle beekeeping equipment, and sample a taste of honey.

Cost: $20 (Members) | $25 (Nonmembers)

7. PREPARING YOUR SOIL FOR SPRING PLANTING

Tuesday, October 22 | 11 a.m.–noon

Location: Adventure Classroom

Fall is the right time to prepare your garden for spring. Improving your soil’s physical properties and nutrient balance is a goal of every gardener, as it creates a better environment for plant growth. In this class, Friends’ Director of Gardens Support Jane Underwood will explain and demonstrate how to determine the current condition of your soil, and walk through the necessary steps to get your garden beds ready for spring.

Cost: $20 (Members) | $25 (Nonmembers)

8. TECHNIQUES IN WATERCOLOR PAINTING Thursday, November 7 | 9–11 a.m.

Location: Outdoor Classroom

In this workshop centered on the wonder of exploring nature with an artist's eye, local teaching artist and naturalist Melissa Shultz-Jones will guide you through the painting process, beginning with the practice of observation. You will learn essential watercolor techniques, including sketching, composition, color mixing, and painting. No experience necessary; all levels of expertise are welcome.

Cost: $40 (Members) | $45 (Nonmembers)

9. WILDFLOWER WALK

Friday, November 8 | 10–11:30 a.m.

Location: Kaul Wildflower Garden

Boasting more than 200 different species of native plants, the Kaul Wildflower Garden celebrates the diverse flora of Alabama and demonstrates the variety of roles native plants can play in our gardens. Join Senior Horticulturist Keith Turney for an autumn walk among the wildflowers. Keith will focus on the plants that grow in this special garden, delving deep into their fascinating adaptations and ecological relationships.

$25 (Members) | $30 (Nonmembers)

10. BACK TO NATURE: FALL TABLE ARRANGEMENTS

Friday, November 15 | 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Location: Potting Shed (Meet in Plaza)

Try your hand at naturalistic flower arranging with local landscape and floral designer Zachary Westall as your guide. In this twohour workshop, you will learn how to select seasonal plant materials and properly clip clip from a plant without damaging it or the environment. Then experiment with composition using unexpected elements along with principles of design to create a stunning arrangement to take home.

Cost: $100 (Members) | $120(Nonmembers)

11. FALL BULBS, SPRING FLOWERS

Thursday, November 21 | 11 a.m.–noon

Location: Adventure Classroom

Planting bulbs is a great way to add seasonal color to garden beds and containers. Among the many factors that determine success with bulbs, getting them in the ground at the right time is key. In this class Jefferson County Regional Extension Agent Bethany O’Rear will talk about spring-blooming bulbs including variety selection, soil preparation, fertilization, and more! Join us as we discuss what you can do now to make sure your flowering bulbs are the envy of the neighborhood.

Cost: $20 (Members) | $25 (Nonmembers)

JAPANESE GARDENING SERIES

1. INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE MAPLES FEATURING HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GARDENS’ COLLECTION

Thursday, October 10 | 11 a.m.–noon

Location: Hodges Room

Few trees are as beautiful as the “autumn welcoming tree,” or Japanese maple. With thousands of varieties and cultivars, including hybrids, the iconic Japanese maple tree is among the most versatile small trees for use in the landscape. Join us to hear Ross Callaway, longtime Gardens volunteer and Japanese maple enthusiast, tell the story of the Gardens’ collection.

Cost: $20 (Members) | $25 (Nonmembers)

2. THE LIVING ART OF BONSAI

Saturday, October 12 | 10 a.m.–noon

Location: Outdoor Classroom

Curious about bonsai? Experience this fascinating and living art

as a part of the Gardens’ Fall Japanese Gardening Series. You will learn to start, care for and train your very own bonsai in this hands-on workshop with Victor Wilson of the Alabama Bonsai Society. Registrants will receive a dwarf Satsuki azalea to pot and begin training. Tools and supplies donated by Walking Tree Bonsai and Friends of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Cost: $40 (Members) | $45 (Nonmembers)

3. JAPANESE PRUNING TECHNIQUES

Thursday, October 17 | 10:30 a.m.–noon

Location: Japanese Gardens

Learn about the Japanese art of pruning and karikomi, the technique of shearing back shrubs that is a distinctive element of Japanese gardens. Horticulturist Julia Adams directs this hands-on workshop on proper pruning techniques for maples and shrubs in our Japanese Garden.

Cost: $35 (Members) | $40 (Nonmembers)

ALLIED EVENTS

LITTLE ONES’ MEMORY GARDEN: 34TH ANNUAL

WALK TO REMEMBER

Sunday, October 13 | 2–4 p.m.

Each October as part of Perinatal Loss Month, families who have experienced infant loss are invited to join Little Ones’ Memory Garden volunteers for a time of reflection and healing amid the beauty of nature. Led by those who give their time to help care for this special space—including nurses, social workers, and chaplains, as well as parents who have suffered all forms of infant loss—this meaningful

afternoon features an information table with community resources and culminates in a walk through the Gardens. All are welcome.

Free and open to the public

BIRMINGHAM FERN SOCIETY STUMPERY GARDEN GRAND OPENING

Sunday, October 20 | 2–4 p.m.

Please join us to celebrate the new Stumpery Garden in the Fern Glade—a collection of tree trunks and stumps arranged in such a way as to compliment vast plantings of ferns and mosses, accented by companion plants. Explore this rare specialty garden and meet Fern Society members.

Free and open to the public

KIDS & FAMILY

STORYTIME AT THE GARDENS

Fridays | 10 a.m.

Location: Southern Living Garden (weather permitting)

Cost: Free and open to the public

Bring your little one to enjoy a story followed by a nature activity, all while being surrounded by the beauty of nature. This program is designed to promote a love of reading, creativity, and gardening.

MUSICAL GARDEN STORYTIME

Tuesday, October 8 | 10 a.m.

For preschool children under age 5* and their caregivers

Location: Outdoor Classroom

Musician and Children’s Librarian

Alyssa Jewell, a.k.a. The La La Librarian, will lead this interactive playgroup for young children and the caregivers who love them—combining music and movement with storytelling centered on nature. Following the program, we invite you to let your little ones explore

and play in our newly refreshed Garden Lab. *Siblings under the age of 18 months may attend for no fee.

Cost: $10 (Members) | $15 (Nonmembers) | $5 (Additional Family Member)

SCHOOL DAYS OUT AT THE GARDENS: FALL

Select School Holidays | 9 a.m.–noon

For children in Grades K-5

Join us for fun adventures in gardening and nature, literature, science, and art! These half-day classes are modeled after our summer camp program. Teachers are certified or otherwise qualified.

Cost: $32 (Members) | $40 (Nonmembers)

LIBRARY & ARCHIVES

1. Monday, October 14: Pollinator Artists

Join us for an exciting adventure in the Gardens as we explore native plants and pollinators. Discover the colors that attract pollinators and create art inspired by the Gardens using watercolor and more!

2. Monday, November 25: Herb Garden Chefs

Join us as we explore a scavenger hunt in our new Garden Lab to discover and identify a world of culinary herbs! Chefs will harvest and prepare fresh ingredients to make a special treat. We will discover more as we visit Bruno Vegetable Garden.

The Library at the Gardens is a wonderful resource for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone who would like to learn more about gardening. Bring your Jefferson County library card to check out books. Visit the Library 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekdays.

THYME TO READ

A monthly book club

Select Tuesdays | 4:00 p.m.

Location: Library at the Gardens

Free and open to the public

Tuesday, September 3

A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavarii

Tuesday, October 8

Ten Birds That Changed the World by Stephen Moss

Tuesday, November 5

Endangered Eating: America’s Vanishing Foods by Sara Lohman

NATURE TRIVIA Tuesdays: September 10

October 8

November 12

7–9 p.m

Location: Outdoor Classroom

Do you know what kind of plant eats microscopic aquatic creatures? Or how many eyes a bee has? Join naturalist Henry Hershey for an evening in our outdoor classroom to play trivia, enjoy complimentary drinks, and perhaps even learn something cool. Novices to experts are welcome to compete for a chance to win a prize.

Cost: $15 (Members) | $20 (Nonmembers)

OCTOBER 3–6, 2024

JOIN US AT BEAUTIFUL BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS FOR

A BOUTIQUE SHOWCASE OF DESIGN, FLORAL ARTISTRY, AND EXQUISITELY CURATED ANTIQUES

THE FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS IS pleased to celebrate the 18th Antiques at the Gardens this fall. Presented by McCorquodale Transfer and featuring design sponsor Lee Jofa, Birmingham’s premier antiques show will once again welcome a prestigious lineup of nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers, interior designers, landscape architects, and floral designers.

The show will also include 25 celebrated dealers offering exquisitely curated antique furniture, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, silver, rugs and textiles, home decor, and garden accessories, with five new dealers in addition to old favorites. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The weekend will kick off Thursday, October 3 with our Gala in the Gardens, an enchanting soiree sponsored by Jones Walker LLP & ServisFirst Bank and honoring William R. “Bill” Ireland,

Jr. Guests will be transported into a delightful evening as they arrive through our Gardens entryway created by landscape designer Norman K. Johnson, and Will Newton and Kate Newton, owners of Landscape Services.

Please see the full schedule of panels, lectures, and workshops on page 14. Talks will be followed by book signings, with books available for purchase at Leaf & Petal prior to and during the show. In its 18th year, the annual show attracts visitors from all over Alabama and nationwide. Proceeds benefit the mission of the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of the Gardens.

Tickets on sale now! For tickets, show schedule, speaker bios, and dealer information, visit bbgardens.org/antiques. Follow show announcements and reveals on Facebook and Instagram @antiquesgardensbham. We look forward to seeing you at Antiques at the Gardens!

2024 HONOREE

WILLIAM R. IRELAND, JR.

Having inherited his mother Fay’s passion for gardening and philanthropy, Bill Ireland continues the family legacy at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Acknowledging the ongoing nature of gardening, he honors his mother’s contributions and served on the board to enhance the Gardens’ role in the community. He’s committed to conservation, and works to protect land through the Ireland Opportunity Fund. Bill sees a promising future for the Gardens, aiming to elevate its status and maintain its importance in Birmingham. The family’s impact is evident in various Gardens’ spaces and events, showcasing their dedication to nature and community.

A NOTE FROM OUR CO-CHAIRS We would like to thank all of our generous patrons and supporters, including presenting sponsor McCorquodale Transfer and design sponsor Lee Jofa. Your support helps sustain our exceptional Gardens. To purchase tickets to our 2024 events, contact the Friends at 205.414.3950 or visit bbgardens.org/antiques. We look forward to seeing you October 3–6 at the Gardens!

— (From left) Marguerite Johnson, Rachael Rummel, Paige Albright, and Bart McCorquodale

A NOTE FROM OUR GALA CO-CHAIRS Our 2024 Gala in the Gardens on Thursday, October 3 promises to be an enchanting black-tie affair! Get your tickets today for this special evening honoring Bill Ireland, Jr., and benefiting the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Thank you for joining us to support the Gardens!

— (From left) Symone Shaw, Fran Keenan, Kathleen Varner

ANTIQUES DEALERS

Antique Cupboard • Barometer Fair • Beau Matthews • Beth Poindexter Luxe • Black Sheep Antiques • Dana Kelly Oriental Rugs • Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge • Edwin C. Skinner • Embellish Antiques • Foreign Affair International • Gum Tree Farm • Hedgerow Antiques • Justin Westbrook Antiques • Kravet • McDonough Fine Art • Piggy Kitchen • Recreo Jewelry • Relic Interiors Limited • Right Proper • Roger D. Winter Ltd. • Susan Hable Fine Art • The Pigeonniere • Thomas M. Fortner Antiques • Whitehall Antiques • Whitford James

10. MARY MCDONALD

Award-winning, L.A.-based interior designer Mary McDonald is one of today’s most sought-after tastemakers, known for her

Moderated by Margot Shaw, Editor in Chief, FLOWER l 2 P.M. l Book signings to follow 9 10

fearless, exuberant style immersed in classicism. Consistently ranked one of House Beautiful ’s top 100 designers, her gorgeous, feminine interiors have graced the cover of every major design magazine. Dubbed the “decorating daredevil” by Domino magazine, Mary began her career as a milliner and retains a sense of “couture chic” that inspires the look of her interiors, combining bold patterns, chinoiserie, and Indian influences with contemporary lines and an impeccable sense of color. She is the author of “Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style.”

11. MICHELLE NUSSBAUMER

The guiding force behind Ceylon et Cie, founder Michelle Nussbaumer has always had a passion for creating timeless spaces inspired by travel. Her design career began in Rome, decorating a villa and guiding

visitors to find Italian treasures. After moving to Los Angeles, Michelle opened her design business and chic antique shop in La Brea. A decade later, she returned to Dallas and opened her celebrated shop Ceylon et Cie. Her work has been featured in Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, VERANDA, Marie Claire, House & Garden, and The New York Times. Through Ceylon et Cie, Michelle and her team of visionaries are turning Old World inspiration into modern, soulful interiors for youthful spirits.

12. MODERAT0R MARGOT SHAW

Margot Shaw, founder of FLOWER Magazine, inspires, educates and entertains readers with a point of view that stems from seeing the world through a botanical lens. Margot is also the author of "Living Floral," published by Rizzoli, and is a dedicated philanthropist.

DESIGN, STYLE, AND INFLUENCE WITH ALEXA HAMPTON Sponsored by Visual Comfort & Co.

11 A.M. l Book signing to follow

Alexa Hampton has been president of Mark Hampton, LLC, her iconic father’s interior design company, since 1998. She has been named one of Architectural Digest’s AD100 Top Interior Designers every year since 2002 and has been included in House Beautiful ’s list of America’s 100 Best Designers every year since 1999. The creator of the recurring “Where-to” feature for the Wall Street Journal, she is also the designer of eponymous licensed products for the home and a member of the board of the New York School of Interior Design. In 2012, she became the first female designer to win the International Market Centers’ Design Icon Award.

She is the author of three books. Her most recent book, “Alexa Hampton: Design, Style, and Influence” is a memoir about her journey into design and the inspirations that shaped her signature style.

DESIGNING A HOME TOGETHER

13. JAMES F. CARTER

James Carter’s frequent travels and an ever-expanding personal library have yielded a thorough understanding of and passion for classical architectural principles. He earned his degree in architecture from Auburn University and opened his namesake studio in 1996 after years of experience working with a respected Birmingham architect. James, along with associate architects Scott Boyd and Andy Taylor, create timeless homes that portray an “easy grace.” Project concepts and designs are inspired by classical vernaculars, based on historical precedent, and reflective of the homeowner’s lifestyle and personality. Highly detailed, hand-rendered construction drawings, along with James’ personal involvement through project completion reflect the firm’s “hands-on” philosophy. His firm’s work can be seen from Texas throughout the South and as far north as Massachusetts and Missouri.

14. RICHARD KEITH LANGHAM

Alabama born and Manhattan based, Keith has been a force in the decorating world for more than 30 years. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and studying at the Study Center for the History of Fine and Decorative Arts in London, he then apprenticed with design legend Mark Hampton. Keith spent 10 years with Irvine & Fleming before founding his own firm in 1990. His keen eye and ebullient talent serve well in assembling his signature rooms—those that speak to the past in a fresh way and are brimming with luscious color, pattern, and couture detailing. Perhaps no one summed up his aesthetics better than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who once proclaimed him to have “a sorcerer’s eye.”

15. BEN PAGE

Ben Page is an award-winning, nationally renowned landscape architect with over 40 years of experience. Growing up in Tennessee, Ben gleaned knowledge of the land, natural systems, and horticulture during a childhood spent on his grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ farms.

Over the years, his passion led him to specialize in residential landscape architecture. Ben strives to design projects with his clients that are richly detailed and often incorporate a combination of historical influences interpreted for the 21st century. His work has received numerous awards and has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Garden & Gun, Southern Living, The Washington Post, and House Beautiful

16. MODERATOR MICHAEL DIAZ-GRIFFITH

Michael Diaz-Griffith is an art historian, designer, and executive director and CEO of the Design Leadership Network, a national member organization supporting community, education, and best practices in the design industry. Previously, he served as executive director of Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation, the New Yorkbased nonprofit supporting the Soane Museum in London, and associate executive director of The Winter Show, America’s most prestigious and longest-running art and antiques fair.

As a consultant, he has advised fairs, auction houses, galleries, and museums on strategy and development, and he was recently named to House Beautiful ’s list of “Visionaries” for his advocacy of antiques, historic art, and preservation. His book “The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors,” was released in June 2023.

Toshinan: Reawakening a Treasure

By JULIA ADAMS, HORTICULTURIST FOR THE JAPANESE GARDEN

Seated in the Cultural Center of the Japanese Garden, beyond the Taylor Gate, visitors may discover a 16th-century, Sukiya–style teahouse named “Toshinan.” While the teahouse might look untouched since its construction in 1993, the scent of freshly shaved and sanded cedar that lingered in the breeze this past summer is evidence of the restorative construction completed by carpenter Hirøshi Awano and copper craftsman Taichirou Ishii.

Since its creation, the teahouse was built with the intent of honoring Japanese culture and tradition. The teahouse was crafted entirely from materials brought from Japan, and built by Kazunori Tago, one of the finest miyadaiku, or Japanese temple and shrine builders, using only traditional tools and techniques. This construction was made possible through partnership with Birmingham’s sister city, Maebashi, Japan. Toshinan was the name given to the teahouse and literally translates to “light, heart and mind, and retreat.” It’s also a homonym for the Japanese phrase that translates to “the wick of a lantern.” Together, Toshinan has been more thoughtfully translated as the name of the teahouse in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to: “The place where those gathered can light a wick [of understanding] in each others’ hearts.”

Because this unique structure is made mostly of wood, copper, and bamboo, some sections of the teahouse have been damaged over time by insects, animals, and the elements. This summer, two professional craftsmen worked together to make repairs and upgrades to Toshinan. Hirøshi Awano, carpenter, and Taichirou Ishii, copper craftsman, worked together to replace damaged wood and repair the roof. Because the roof of the teahouse is made entirely out of interlocked strips of copper, certain repairs required the removal and replacement of the copper roof. The wood had to be matched not only by type— Western Red Cedar and Hinoki Cypress— but also in grain, stain, thickness, and texture. The two craftsmen worked together to flawlessly restore Toshinan

TRANSLATION 101:

(TO) = LIGHT

(SHIN) = HEART

(AN) = HUT/RETREAT

pronounced TOE-sheen-on, these are the characters carved into the plaque at the top of the teahouse.

through their thoughtful decisions and impressive attention to detail. Damaged wood has been replaced; copper accents have been added in select places to prevent future damage; doors and windows were sanded to encourage easier and smoother closure; and components were cleaned, sanded, and re-stained to give everything a fresh, cohesive finish. We are very fortunate to have Awano-san and Ishii-san make these much-needed repairs, and grateful that they felt so passionate about this unique and exceptional structure. Whenever thanks and admiration were given to their team, they responded with equal gratitude, as they expressed, “It is our honor and pleasure to work on Toshinan.” Their hard work and dedication is displayed through their beautiful craftsmanship, honoring the original structure.

With repairs complete, we hope that Toshinan may be more frequently opened for tea ceremonies, community events, outreach, and education. Because it is an authentic Sukiya-style teahouse, it can host only three to five guests at a time for chado, or the formal tea ceremony. This makes for a very personal and genuine experience of tea ceremonies. Most of these opportunities will be offered with the support of the knowledgeable and passionate Chado Urasenke Tankokai Birmingham Association, a school of Japanese tea ceremony located in Birmingham. Please stay tuned for upcoming events or sign up for our monthly newsletter at bbgardens.org

The restoration of the teahouse was made possible by generous support from the Protective Life Foundation.

ABOVE: Copper craftsman Taichirou Ishii and carpenter Hirøshi Awano stand inside the preparation room of the teahouse, known as the mizuya, or water room. BELOW: Exposure to weather and animals had damaged the teahouse roof. Window pocket with newly added copper to prevent future damage. BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: Japanese Garden volunteers and horticulturist with craftsmen: Hirøshi Awano, Keiko Saigusa, Julia Adams, Stewart Baker, Eva Sartin, Lyle Hohnke, D.C. Coston, John Kerns, Norm Geisinger, and Taichirou Ishii. OPPOSITE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Our 16th-century, Sukiya-style teahouse under renovations. A Japanese hand plane used to shave wood to create a polished surface without sandpaper or finishing oil. Copper craftsman Taichirou Ishii embosses the metal to give it a finished look. Hirøshi Awano shaves down a cedar block to match the exact measurements of the other beams of the tea house. Thin rolls of cedar fall to the ground as Hirøshi Awano works.

Plant the Seeds for Your Lasting Legacy at the Gardens

JOIN OUR PERENNIAL LEGACY GIVING CIRCLE

You can help us perpetuate the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens and all that it means to our community and region by including the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens in your planned giving. Every gift makes an impact. Please consider designating the Friends as a beneficiary of your estate through your will, charitable trust, or retirement beneficiary designation. We are grateful to all who have made this special commitment. Please join them in supporting and protecting this beloved community resource. Call Director of Development Penney Hartline at 205.414.3950, ext. 103, to learn more.

THE PERENNIAL LEGACY GIVING CIRCLE

As of July. 31, 2024

Recognizing those who have made or pledged a planned gift

Mr.* & Mrs. Edgar G. Aldridge

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Balliet

Ms. Camille A. Becker

Mrs. Lucille S. Beeson*

Peggy Bonfield & Orrin Ford*

Ida C. & D. Joseph Burns*

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur I. Chenoweth*

Mary Carolyn Gibbs Cleveland

Suzanne G. Clisby

Dr. & Mrs. D.C. Coston

Mrs. Martha Stone Cobb Daniel*

The Daniel Foundation of Alabama

Dr. L. Aubrey* & Elizabeth Drewry

The Dunn-French Family

Dr. John D. Elmore*

Martha B. & Robert L. Eskew*

Mrs. Trudy Evans

Mr. & Mrs. Wally Evans

Mrs. Claire H. Fairley*

Bernadine Rushing Faulkner

Mr. F. Lewter Ferrell, Jr.*

Dorothy Ireland Fletcher*

Dr.* & Mrs. Charles P. Grant

Patti Hammond

Jody & Don Hamre*

Penney & Roger Hartline

Mr. R.R. Herbst*

Mrs. Jimmie Hess*

Mr. J. Ernest Hill &

Mrs. Ora Lee Hill*

Mrs. Jane Hinds

Fay B. Ireland*

Dr. Susan Jackson

Mr. George L. Jenkins

Virginia Goodall Johnson*

Bobbe & Hugh Kaul*

Ms. Pamela Kaul*

Fran Lawlor

William Brock Lewis

Dr. Bodil Lindin-Lamon*

Hope Long

Dr. Michael E. Malone

Annie Lee Buce Matthews*

Ms. Louise T. McAvoy*

Douglas A. & Linda P. McCullough

Margaret H. McGowan*

Anne & Ira Mitchell

Mrs. Mary Jean Morawetz

Mr. Philip Morris*

Thelma Vaughan Mueller*

Mr. & Mrs. Fred W. Murray, Jr.

Don & Pat Nelson

Dr. James L. Newsome*

Dr. & Mrs. A. I. Perley*

LeAnne* & Steve Porter

Mrs. Carol P. Poynor

Mrs. Dorothy L. Renneker*

Deborah & John Sellers

Sandra S. Simpson

Mr. & Mrs. William M. Spencer III*

Frederick R. Spicer, Jr.

Mr. Douglas Arant Stockham

Janet & Jarry Taylor

Dr. Wendell H. Taylor, Sr.*

Mrs. Barbara D. Thorne*

Dr. & Mrs.* Jack W. Trigg, Jr.

Mrs. Carolyn D. Tynes*

Mrs. Ann H. “Nancy” Warren*

Mrs. Robert Wells

Anonymous (3)

Thank you for your support!

We sincerely appreciate all the ways that you continue to support the Friends: through membership, annual donations, memorials and tributes, legacy giving, as well as by volunteering, shopping our plant sales, and joining us for an educational program or special event. We are fortunate to have generous supporters whose gifts allow us to produce first-class programs and experiences that showcase the wonders of the natural world and the beauty of the Alabama region. We are so excited about our upcoming signature fall events: the Fall Plant Sale and Antiques at the Gardens. I look forward to seeing you there!

—Penney Hartline, Director of Development

HONORARIUMS

May-July 2024

Mary Carolyn Boothby

Cleveland

Paula & Mike Rushing

Jane Grant

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Bradley

William R. Ireland, Jr.

Walker & Bill Jones

Carolyn & Will Ratliff

Bob Koons

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Rabb

Jeffrey P. Lisenby

Friends of Vestavia

Hills Library

Bari Rasbury

Ms. Carla C. Rice

Peggy Thompson

Edgewood Garden Club

Integrative Therapies, Inc.

MEMORIALS

May-July 2024

Jack Stewart Allison

Mrs. Jordan Brooks

Leigh Hill Allison

Peggy & Michael Balliet

Cilie & Jamie Cowin

Paula & Francis Crockard

Mary & Jamie French

Dona & John Musgrave

Mr. & Mrs. Henry N. Roper

Chase & William Silsbee, Jr.

Anne & Roger Suttle

Ruby S. & John P. Ansley

Mr. & Mrs. Claude C. White, Jr.

Warren Hall Cantrell

Carolyn & Will Ratliff

Bingham Hardie Carlson

Triangle Garden Club

Cynthia Elaine Davenport

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Porter

Ruby Joyce Miller Dean

The Herb Army

Ms. Lynn Johnson

Ms. Tracy Miller

Mr. & Mrs. R.R. Miree, Jr.

Mr. Darrell Thompson

Beverley White Dunn & William “Billy” Ransom Johnson Dunn, Jr.

Mary & Jamie French

Jane Hester Ellis

Carolyn & Will Ratliff

Martha Bonner Eskew & Robert L. Eskew, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. John R. Eskew

Robert Larry Hawkins

Mrs. Jordan Brooks

Julia May Webb Hoke

Debby & Bill Denson

Dee Foster King

Nancy & Murray Smith

by Graham Yelton

Photo

Paula Eugenie Clark Klein

Dr. & Mrs. John C. Ziegler

Margot Kessler Marx

Carolyn & Henry Frohsin

Douglas “Doug” Alan McCullough

Mrs. Linda P. McCullough

Frederick “Fred” Whittlesey

Murray, Jr.

Stephanie & Richard Banks

Mary & Martin Beasley

Eloise & Davis Bennett

Mr. & Mrs. Chris Biddy

Mrs. Jordan Brooks

Bebe & Charlie Bugg

Derry B. Bunting

Karen Chapman

Thomasene & Stephen Collins

Debby & Bill Denson

Suzy & Pete Gilbert

Betsy & Bill Gresham

Millie & Billy Hulsey

Mrs. Sallie Johnson

Robbie & Warren Lightfoot

Shelley Lindstrom

Margaret & Doug Martin

Mrs. Jodi McDuff

Tricia & Andy Noble

The Noojin Family

Wendy & Steve Rodde

Nancy & Murray Smith

Nancy W. Smith

Ms. Leigh Tortorici

Ashley & Trip Umbach

Mr. & Mrs. C. Lawrence Whatley

Lella & Bruce Wilbanks

Carolyn & Will Ratliff

John F. Stadtlander

Carolyn Emmons Stadtlander & Todd Hansen Emmons

Katherine “Katy” Anne

Anderson Terry

Penney & Roger Hartline

Emily “Mimi” Wilson Tynes

Carolyn & Will Ratliff

Anne Cothran Waudby

Valley Offshoots Garden Club

Nancy Josephine “Nancy Jo”

Knight Wilson

Augusta & Bill Forbes

Flicks Among the Flowers

HOSTED BY THE FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM

BOTANICAL GARDENS JUNIOR BOARD

Halloweentown (RATED PG)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

Formal Lawn • Free Admission

•Movie will begin at sunset (around 6:30 p.m.)

•Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

•Costume contest!

•Bring a blanke t or low-profile lawn chair and find a spot on the lawn to e njoy the film !

•All donations re ceived will support our Summer Native Plant Internship program.

$5 suggested donation

2612 Lane Park Road Birmingham, Alabama 35223

205.414.3950 bbgardens.org

Thank you for your commitment to this community treasure. Your support is vital for the Gardens and those we serve. Please renew or upgrade your membership at bbgardens.org/membership.

Specialty Gardens

Horticulturist, Katelyn Bahr and Southern Living volunteer Yuwei Song care for the border in the Southern Living Garden. With every season, the border is a rolling succession of blooming colors curated by Katelyn. This season, Katelyn included a mixture of native and non-native perennials and seasonal annuals including Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), roof iris (Iris tectorum), and pentas (Pentas lanceolata).

The Garden Dirt is printed using vegetable-based inks. Please recycle.

The Garden Dirt | Fall 2024

the garden dirt

FOR FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

TOSHINAN: REAWAKENING A TREASURE

Take Advantage of Your Member Benefits

This Fall

Fall Plant Sale

Antiques at the Gardens

Member Partner Nurseries, Garden Centers & Flower Shops

Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

2024 Board of directors

Members at Large

Our Mission

Staff

CELEBRATING OUR SPECIALTY GARDENS

BRUNO VEGETABLE GARDEN

Where Sustainability Grows

LITTLE ONES’ MEMORY GARDEN A Place of Reflection

SOUTHERN LIVING GARDEN

CONEFLOWERS

FORMAN GARDEN

A Symphony of Seasonal Color

THOMPSON ENTHUSIAST’S GARDEN

Where Function Meets Beauty

Lessons from English Gardens

THE STRUCTURE OF A GARDEN CAN LAST WELL BEYOND OUR LIFETIMES

COTTESBROOKE HALL

GARDENING IS AN ACT OF DESIGN

GARDENS ARE DEEPLY PERSONAL CREATIVE ENDEAVORS

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

JAPANESE GARDENING SERIES

ALLIED EVENTS

KIDS & FAMILY

LIBRARY & ARCHIVES

A BOUTIQUE SHOWCASE OF DESIGN, FLORAL ARTISTRY, AND EXQUISITELY CURATED ANTIQUES

2024 HONOREE

ANTIQUES DEALERS

SPONSORS

SPECIAL WEEKEND EVENTS

RED DIAMOND LECTURE SERIES Sponsored by Red Diamond Coffee & Tea

3. LIFE IN THE GARDEN I BUNNY WILLIAMS I 11 A.M.

4. BUILDING A HOME TO LAST I GIL SCHAFER I 2 P.M.

THE FUTURE OF TRADITIONAL DESIGN

Sponsored by Cobbs Allen & PURE Insurance

5. ELIZABETH LAWRENCE

ELIZABETH PYNE SINGER

INFLUENCE AND INSPIRATION Sponsored by FLOWER

11. MICHELLE NUSSBAUMER

12. MODERAT0R MARGOT SHAW

DESIGN, STYLE, AND INFLUENCE WITH ALEXA HAMPTON Sponsored by Visual Comfort & Co.

DESIGNING A HOME TOGETHER

Sponsored by Paige Albright Orientals and Southern Home Magazine

13. JAMES F. CARTER

14. RICHARD KEITH LANGHAM

15. BEN PAGE

16. MODERATOR MICHAEL DIAZ-GRIFFITH

Toshinan: Reawakening a Treasure

TRANSLATION 101:

Plant the Seeds for Your Lasting Legacy at the Gardens

JOIN OUR PERENNIAL LEGACY GIVING CIRCLE

HONORARIUMS

MEMORIALS

Flicks Among the Flowers