ABOUT TOWN

Looking back on pandemic closures that began nearly a year ago, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Garden Assessment Project Leader Molly Hendry, a Vestavia Hills native, remembers the bad but also the good.

“When we shut the gates in the throes of spring, I was still coming to the gardens,” Hendry said, conducting essential work such as checking on irrigation systems, weeding and the like amid gardens in full bloom.

“I felt this heaviness because nobody was getting to see this,” she said.

Gardening in a public space can sometimes be frustrating, with visitors walking through freshly tended beds. But the lack of visitors outweighed any issues faced in normal operating days.

There was time to do an overhaul of the Dunn Forman Rose Garden to fix drainage issues. Hendry was able to finish tweaking a perennial border in the Southern Living Garden she had been working on since 2018.

“There were some good things that came out of it, but the lasting takeaway has been the joy that we get sharing the garden with people,” she said.

It was also a time that proved just how much the gardens meant to people, as donors proved only too happy to support the BBG as key fundraising events were canceled, such as the Spring Plant Sale or Antiques at the Gardens, which this year was reimagined as Birmingham Blooms.

Next month the gardens revives its biennial Native Plant Conference, and Hendry will be one of the speakers.

According to a release, the March 11-14 event will highlight the resilience of native plants, along with topics ranging from conservation to design and education. The event series will include virtual presentations, roundtables and trivia, as well as on-site small group field trips.

A Winding Route

When she first started her schooling, Hendry had a plan to become a landscape architect, but because Auburn University didn’t offer a bachelor’s degree for the field, she settled for horticulture.

“I just kind of fell in love with it,” she said.

She had the opportunity to study abroad in England and travel to Italy to study the country’s great gardens.

“I thought about just getting my masters in horticulture, but being in those gardens, I thought, ‘No. I want to make people feel the way that I feel when I see this place,’” she said.

While pursuing her master’s in landscape architecture at Auburn, she took a year off to do something unexpected; she accepted an internship at a public garden in Delaware.

“I fell in love with public gardens that summer,” she said. “I worked with a designer and thought that garden people are my people.”

Upon completing her second degree, Hendry was given what she calls “the opportunity of a lifetime.” She was chosen for a coveted fellowship offered through the Garden Club of America.

“They have been doing an exchange program through the United Kingdom and America since World War II, where they swap an American fellow and a British fellow,” she said.

Hendry lived in the UK for about a year, spending time in eight different placements.

“I was moving all over the country about every two months and it was a dream, but I felt like I would come back and work for an architecture firm as a plant person,” she said.

Yet, the more time she spent working in these public gardens, the more she felt her relationship with the act of gardening and maintaining the plants to be a calling.

“I started feeling this nudge,” she said. “I never thought I would come back to Birmingham, but I just kept feeling this nudge. Then, this opportunity opened up at the BBG that is all of the things that I love doing.”

In her role at the facility, she has the best of both worlds, aiding in design and strategic development while also spending time getting her hands dirty, working with volunteers and educating others.

“At Birmingham Botanical Gardens, I love that my whole job is to get people excited about gardens and being outside, growing things,” she said. “I get the luxury of being able to observe and make measured decisions. I have a leg up because I get to know and understand the place itself and get to know the people that make the place what it is.”

Hendry oversees the more than 26 gardens that make up the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. She works to understand the history of each garden, its original intent, the people who had a hand in creating what it has become and where, in those spaces, things need to be tweaked to better serve its purpose.

“If we get a grant or are approached by a donor, we can leverage the resources we have in one of those directions,” she said.

‘Slow Design’

Landscape Garden Professionals to Speak at Upcoming Birmingham Botanical Gardens Native Plant Conference

Southern Highlands Reserve Executive Director Kelly Holdbrooks, left, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens Garden Assessment Project Leader Molly Hendry, right, are among a number of speakers scheduled to speak at next month’s biennial Native Plant Conference.

Photos courtesy Birmingham Botanical Gardens

‘At Birmingham Botanical Gardens, I love that my whole job is to get people excited about gardens and being outside, growing things. I get the luxury of being able to observe and make measured decisions. I have a leg up because I get to know and understand the place itself and get to know the people that make the place what it is.’

MOLLY HENDRY

The Native Plant Conference

After a keynote opening presentation on March 11 from Southern Highlands Reserve Executive Director Kelly Holdbrooks, Hendry will lead a session about her wildflower studies.

Her presentation, “Slow Design: Observation and Response as Our Most Valuable Garden Tools,” is inspired by her indepth studies that have been conducted in the Hugh Kaul Wildflower Garden since April 2019.

She will discuss the garden’s history, which was created in the late 1960s and found its heyday in the 1980s.

At one point, Hendry believed the garden needed a refresh. She sought help from worldrenowned landscape architect and author Thomas Rainer and his 2015 book “Planting in a Post-Wild World.”

“I saw on his Instagram that he was going to be in town visiting his parents, so I reached out,” she said. “He ended up coming back and doing a workshop with us and helped create this plan and vision for our Kaul Wildflower Garden for the 21st century.”

The key to the plan has been to let the plants speak for themselves.

“We have over 900 native species in that garden,” Hendry said. “Any native plant enthusiast would just balk at that number. It’s a really incredible number of species, but the average Joe that walks in wouldn’t know that.”

Hendry explained to Hendry that one of the keys to grabbing the attention of the typical visitor is through color.

“Before we actually go into this whole redesign phase, we need to just take a step back and watch the garden over time,” Hendry said.

Her duty was to visit the garden and observe those species that demand attention.

“In 2019, I started going out there at least once a week, but probably multiple times a week, to just walk around and observe and take lots of pictures,” she said. She focused only on the plants that grabbed her eye, ending up with 179 main contenders.

Through what is now known as the KWG Phenology Project, she began tracking bloom times on a large chart.

“Now I can see that this cardinal flower is in bloom for 12 weeks out of the year. That’s a really long time,” she said. “Then I look that this little trillium, and it’s only in bloom for two weeks. It has value but I need to use it in a different way.”

The plants themselves will now lead the redesign. Those eye-catchers will draw the visitor in and lead them to learn more about their surrounding species that may not have the same “wow factor.”

“There really has been value in taking a step back over two years and establishing what the problem areas are and being able to make measured decisions through first observing,” she said.

In addition to her presentation, Hendry will lead an on-site field trip on March 14 through the Kaul Wildflower Garden.

“In the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, we have so many gardens that are geared towards the homeowner and their own gardens,” she said. “Kaul is one where it feels more natural. People may not walk in and think they could do this in their own yard.”

In her free time, Hendry also finds ways to help other people in their home gardens. She has observed a growing trend toward native plants but also to getting things done quickly.

“They often don’t want to stop, observe and think,” she said.

The thing about native plant life that makes a difference is that these plants want to grow in Alabama soil, she said.

“There has been a Southern landscape that has been the same since the ‘80s where you just throw in the hollies or loropetalum shrubs,” she said. “You hack your crepe myrtles off in February because that’s what your dad did in his yard.

“I think people are realizing that maybe that doesn’t have to be the way it is.”

Hendry’s has noticed when working with younger homeowners a willingness to learn more about species that give back to the surrounding environment, such as pollinators and other plants that support the surrounding wildlife.

“Their yard might be small, but it can be a critical piece in the wider landscape,” Hendry said.

Events such as the Native Plant Conference allow people to learn more and even take a field trip to see these plants growing in a natural habitat.

“We are hoping that Kaul becomes its epicenter,” she said. “We want it to be a garden that captures people’s minds and imaginations and points them outward to those wild places.

Registration for access to all virtual events is $80 for members and $100 for non-members. Field trips are $40 each for members, or $50 each for non-members.

Editor’s note: Some of the events in our calendar may have been canceled after our press deadline. Please check organiziation websites for the latest information.

ALYS STEPHENS CENTER PRESENTS: DEDICATION THURS. FEB. 25

In honor of Black History Month, the center will host a free, virtual presentation and concert featuring the Eric Essix Group and Tracy Hamlin (both groups pictured above). Attendees must register online. When: 7 p.m. Website: alysstephens.org

Sun., March 7

Evening with an Expert - Cook Along with Chef Chris Hastings

This livestream fundraiser will feature a cook-along presentation by James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner of OvenBird and Hot and Hot Fish Club, Chris Hastings, in support of the Friends of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Internship Program. When: 5:30-7 p.m. Website: bbgardens.org

Thurs., March 11

Birmingham Heart Ball Digital Experience

The American Heart Association Alabama chapter will host its annual gala fundraiser in a new way, emceed by Sheri Falk and Guy Rawlings of WVTM-13 and featuring event honorees Tim Vines, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and his wife Antoinette Vines, founder of Mercy Deliverance Ministries. When: 6 p.m. Website: birminghamheartball. heart.org

The History of Linn Park

The Birmingham Museum of Art will host a panel discussion as part of its ongoing Ways of Seeing: Buildings and Monuments exhibit. Speakers will CONTINUED, page 7

Imagine your home, totally organized!

Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Office, Pantries, Laundries Wall Beds, Wall Units, Hobby Rooms, Garage Flooring and more...

Through Feb. 27

The Salamander Festival

The annual festival, hosted by the Friends of Shades Creek has gone virtual this year, featuring a Salamander Storyboard Trail, environmental news, activities, educational videos and more. Website: shadescreek.org.

Fri., Feb. 26

Arbor Week Celebration

The City of Mountain Brook will conclude a week-long Arbor Week with an event where the Alabama Urban Forestry Administration will present the city with the Arbor City 2021 Award. When: 10-11 a.m. Where: Mountain Brook City Hall Website: mtnbrookchamber.org

Sat., Feb. 27

Cahaba Crawfish Boil

Cahaba Brewing Co. will host a crawfish boil with food from Cajun Steamer and live music by the Steel City Jug Slammers. When: noon-5 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Co. Website: “Cahaba Crawfish Boil” Facebook page

March 2-5

Lil Lambs Consignment Sale

Trinity United Methodist Church’s annual consignment sale will go virtual this year, with all items available to purchase online. The sale will include baby and children’s clothing and shoes, books, toys and nursery equipment. Website: trinitybirmingham.com/kids/lil-lambs

Sat., March 6

E-Recycling Day

Hosted in partnership with the Jefferson County Commission, an industrial shredder will be on-site at the zoo for shredding and recycling. When: 9-11:30 a.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com

Chili Kick-off

The Exceptional Foundation will host a kick-off event in preparation for the May 1 Chili Cook-off. The event will feature live music, beer and food. When: noon-6 p.m. Where: Avondale Brewing Co. Website: exceptionalfoundation.org and an hour and a half tour of the site including two areas not open to the public. Admission is $25. When: 7:309:30 p.m. Where: Sloss Furnaces Website: contact Ty Malugani at tyler. malugani@birminghamal.gov.

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Rehab Reality...

by Judy Butler

Think of Going to Bayshore Retreat as “Going to Camp”

This is the time of year that parents plan or explore Summer Camp for their children. Coming to Bayshore Retreat can be considered Camp for adults. Summer camp is where children interact with many different friends instead of the ‘regular’ friends from their neighborhood and school. Coming to Bayshore Retreat offers interaction with others through the day-to-day activities: meals, gym trips, yoga, Life Skills activities and group sessions. Most importantly, with only six clients at a time, they get to hear and understand that they are not alone in this struggle with addiction. I recently spoke with someone who is planning to come to Bayshore Retreat soon. His wife lost her life to cancer a couple of years ago and afterward his life spiraled out of control with alcohol. Formerly a social drinker, now he drinks to numb the pain. We can’t bring his wife back, but we can give him a new perspective for his future through the different forms of counseling we offer, with at least two individual sessions a week. Often, grateful previous clients call just to check on us and remind us how important their time was at Bayshore Retreat. Our goal is to get clients healthy physically and mentally with a new lease on life for the future. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction from a life trauma or just life in general, Bayshore Retreat can help. Call us today! We might be the “Retreat” or “Camp” needed to get life on track. Bayshore Retreat is Different that can make a Difference.

ABOUT TOWN Power of Pink

Cobb Has Fun Wearing Pink While Participating in Real Men Wear Pink Breast Cancer Fundraiser

By RuBin E. GRant

Trip Cobb didn’t have much pink in his wardrobe before this month. But this month, he has been wearing lots of pink.

“It’s just a color,” Cobb said with a laugh. “Color has no gender.”

Besides, Cobb is donning the pastel for something dear to him, fighting breast cancer. He is participating in the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign.

“It’s fun to wear pink and raise funds for a good cause,” Cobb said.

In the campaign’s sixth year in Central Alabama, 17 prominent area men are taking a stand against breast cancer by participating. They are wearing pink throughout February.

“Breast cancer affects everyone,” said Aubie Clements, community development manager for the American Cancer Society. “One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. These are sisters, mothers, grandmothers and friends.

“That’s why I think these outstanding gentlemen have joined the American Cancer Society in support of this lifesaving work. This is a cause they personally believe in and are committed to raising awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.”

Cobb, a Birmingham resident and sales consultant for Tito’s Handmade Vodka, is grateful for the opportunity to participate along with other community leaders throughout the nation because it gives men a leadership role in the fight against breast cancer, using the power of pink to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer initiatives, including innovative research, patient services and education about screenings and risk reduction.

“I’m extremely proud and honored to be amongst these other amazing and selfless men striving to raise awareness and funds to make a difference in Alabama and beyond by participating in the Real Men Wear Pink Campaign benefiting the American Cancer Society,” Cobb said.

Plus, during his fundraising campaign, Cobb has gotten to tell people about two breast cancer survivors who are close to him.

“I know two incredible women who helped raise my awareness about breast cancer, Nancy Smith and Beth Bellanti,” Cobb said. “Nancy Smith is my best friend’s mother, who battled it twice and has beaten it both times. But it took a toll on her life and my best friend’s life.

“Beth is my good friend and colleague. Beth spearheads my company’s Vodka for Dog People initiative and has been fighting for the safety and survival of our furry companions for years until she had to start her own fight with breast cancer. After she was diagnosed and went through treatments, she lost her hair, but she beat it and her hair is growing back out.”

Their fights against the disease have left an indelible impression on Cobb.

“I’m honestly just unbelievably moved by their perseverance, integrity and strong will, as I am with all cancer survivors, as I personally cannot imagine the fortitude and personal strength that it must take to overcome such a deadly disease, let alone deal with its side effects and the rigorous treatment,” he said.

Real Men participants nationwide compete to be the top fundraiser among their peers by the end of the campaign. The Real Men Wear Pink campaign in Central Alabama is the first campaign to kick off in 2021.

“The COVID pandemic has given cancer the advantage, as women were forced to postpone regular breast cancer screenings (last) year,” Clements said. “We are grateful to our Real Men Wear Pink participants for lending their voices to raise awareness and funds for everyone fighting breast cancer.”

According to the American Cancer Society Facts & Figures 2021, an estimated 284,200 people in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 44,130 will die from the disease this year. In Alabama, 4,460 women will be diagnosed this year and 720 will die from the disease. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.

Photos courtesy American Cancer Society

Trip Cobb at the end of last week had raised nearly $8,000.

Over-the-Top Response

The goal for Real Men Wear Pink of Central Alabama is $100,000. Cobb’s initial goal was $7,500, but he raised that amount already because of the response he’s gotten from donors, especially from friends who work in the hospitality industry and for restaurants. Toward the end of last week, he had raised nearly $8,000.

“I’ve upped it to $12,000,” Cobb said. “I already made my goal, so I decided to increase it and try to go as high as I can. Plus, I want to win as the top fundraiser.”

For more information about breast cancer or the Real Men Wear Pink campaign in Central Alabama, visit RealMenBham.com.

Red Nose Ball Goes Virtual to Support SmileA-Mile

Smile-A-Mile will host its largest and longest-running fundraising event of the year on Feb. 27, adjusted to provide virtual fun.

The annual Red Nose Ball raises funds for the organization’s yearround programming for pediatric cancer patients and survivors and their families.

A silent auction and a premier auction opened for bidding Feb. 22, offering up beach and lake house trips, private dining experiences, artwork, jewelry, experience packages, staycations, technology and more packages and items.

Virtual festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and will be streamed on Vimeo, YouTube and Facebook. Also included will be a Diamonds Direct Raffle, virtual photo booth and live program.

For more information, visit rednoseball.com.

The annual Red Nose Ball raises funds for the organization’s yearround programming for pediatric cancer patients and survivors and their families. Jason and Lauren Kassouf, above, at last year’s inperson event.

Schoolhouse Rock Goes Virtual

“Keep Rockin’” is the motto as Cornerstone Schools of Alabama’s junior board plans its 16th annual Schoolhouse Rock, set for March 12.

This year’s popular event will look a bit different. Attendees can pick up the party and take it home.

Party packages include a meal for four by Moe’s Original BBQ and Cornerstone gifts.

Sponsors will get specialty VIP party packages complete with TrimTab craft beer, exclusive VIP gifts and a chance to find one of several golden tickets to win vacation packages and more.

Proceeds benefit the students at Cornerstone Schools. For more information, visit one.bidpal.net/shr #Rockin4Kids.

include Joi Brown, executive director of the Jefferson County Memorial Project; JCMP Fellows; and BMA curatorial assistant Hina Zaida. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: online via Zoom Website: artsbma.org

March 11-14

Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Jr.

Virginia Samford Theatre’s VSTARS participants will perform this kidfriendly adaptation of Roald Dahl’s famous children’s book. When: check website for showings Where: Virginia Samford Theatre Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org

March 12-13

BAMOM Twice as Nice Sale

The Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples will host its biannual sale of gently used children’s and maternity clothing, shoes, and more. When: March 12, 4:30-8:30 p.m. (public sale); March 13, 8 a.m.-noon (halfpriced sale) Where: Metropolitan Church of God Website: “Twice As Nice Sale (BAMOM)” Facebook page

Journal file photos by Jordan Wald

Jennifer, Isabella, John and John Manzelli enjoying a Brunch with the Bachelors event last year.

BRUNCH WITH THE BACHELORS SUN. MARCH 7

The Zoo will host another installment of its brunch event series, with a meal served al fresco by the Boma Yard while elephants roam close by. The event will feature a special elephant interaction with the Zoo’s Animal Care Professionals. When: 10 a.m. - noon Where: The Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com

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In-person and virtual visits now available

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William Patterson, MD Margaret Turner, DO To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, call 205-875-3776.

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