Monday, November 1, 2010

Volunteer Road Trip to Andrew Crawford's studio, GPC Garden


Two staff members and some of our great volunteers squished into a van and headed out to Atlanta last week to tour the Georgia Perimeter College Botanical Garden in Decater and visit artist Andrew Crawford at his studio. We felt right at home at the Georgia Perimeter College Botanical Garden after the first volunteer we met told us she was in the first graduating class in the Certificate in Native Plants program at the State Botanical Garden, then the second volunteer told us she received her Master Gardener training here. George Sanko led us on a walk through the extensive fern collection – in fact, he told us it is the largest fern collection in the world. Then we went into the classroom for a talk on botany. We felt lucky to be there, since George Sanko, who is such an expert on ferns, said he would be retiring next year. There is so much that we can learn from him.

We were pretty crowded in that van before, but with creative packing we managed to fit in many ferns, palms and other plants before heading over to see Andrew. Gardeners just can’t walk away from a plant sale.

Andrew Crawford is working on the first art exhibit that we will have within the State Botanical Garden’s display gardens. Two of the six gates that will be on display are completed and wonderful. A couple weeks ago he brought a large stainless steel sunflower gate to the Garden, with a video crew and professional photographer there to document the installation and the amazing gate. He showed us a prototype of an ear of corn for his next gate, then explained and demonstrated how it was designed and made. The silk, kernels and husk are so realistic that they look like they were cast from a real ear of corn. Since a picture really is worth a thousand words, let’s let them tell you about these gates…

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Georgia Students Invited to Enter Art Competition with $1,000 First Prize

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is pleased to announce their 2010 Art Competition is now open to all Georgia students 9th grade and above. This competition, funded by The J.A. and H.G. Woodruff, Jr. Charitable Trust, celebrates student talent while producing artwork for signature items in the Garden Gift Shop. Your winning design may win up to $1,000.00, plus be used to decorate journals, scarves, travel mugs, and unique gift items. Don’t hesitate to enter – the judges may contact Certificate of Merit winners to purchase their designs.

What are we looking for? Keep in mind, a goal is to create items for our garden gift shop. Previous winners have included pen & ink, paintings, photography and computer enhanced graphics, usually with a botanical, animal or insect subject or an abstract design. Flora and fauna found in the botanical garden or in Georgia is encouraged. One color designs are welcome. The design must be two dimensional. The artwork does not need to be framed but should be signed. For more information, refer to the complete guidelines found at http://www.uga.edu/botgarden/documents/events/artcomp.pdf or call Connie Cottingham at 706-542-6014.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Two great workshops on Saturday at the Garden!

Fall Wildflowers. An introduction to the basic botanical terminology used in identifying and describing fall-flowering plants, with an emphasis on the terminology unique to plants in the Aster (composite) Family. $45, $40 members. 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Visitor Center, Classroom 2.

Gardening Photography. A hands on workshop to improve your skills with the two most popular garden photographs: the overview of the garden and the real challenge, close-ups of flowers. $45, $40 members. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Callaway Building Auditorium.

Contact: 706-542-6156, ckeber@uga.edu to register.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Weekend Sustainability Conference in Athens

Sustainability: Bring It Home!
Friday evening – Sunday afternoon, November 12-14
members $175; non-members $200 (includes lunch on Saturday)

“Sustainability: Bring It Home!” is a weekend workshop for people who want to transform their home into a fun and practical part of a more ecological world. This comprehensive workshop is filled with interactive presentations and hands-on sessions that educate and inspire participants to create home systems to meet their needs for food, water, and energy as locally, sustainably, and economically as possible. Topics will include: Home Energy Alternatives; Home Orchards and Forest Gardens; Annual and Perennial Vegetable Gardens; Soil Health and Composting; Raising Animals at Home; Natural Building; Creative Erosion Control; Rainwater Catchment; and Creating an Ecological Neighborhood. Visit our website at www.uga.edu/botgarden/educationalevents.html for registration and the complete workshop schedule.

AGENDA
Friday
7:00 – 9:30 pm The Foundations of Sustainability
Challenges to Sustainability: Peak Resource Extraction, Climate Change, Economic Instability
Solutions: Permaculture, Transition Strategies, Transition Homes & Neighborhoods

Saturday
9:00 am – 12:30 pm The Toolkit
Nine Permaculture Principles
Designing an Integrated Home System
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 – 3:45 pm The How To’s

Presentations and Hands-On Projects (Choose One)
Presentation: Annual and Perennial Vegetable Gardens-----Hands-On: Mulch Bed/ Herb Spiral
Presentation: HomeEnergy/Alternatives-----Hands-On: Building a Solar Water Heater
4:00 – 6:00 pm The How To’s
Presentations and Hands-On Projects (Choose One)
Presentation: Healthy Soils-----Hands-On: Compost Bins, Worm Composting, and Composting Toilets
Presentation: Natural Building-----Hands-On: Building with Cob


Sunday
9:00 am – Check-in
9:30 – 11:45 am The How To’s
Presentations and Hands-On Projects (Choose One)
Presentation: Home Orchards and Forest Gardens-----Hands-On: Planting a Polyculture
Presentation: Water in Your System-----Hands-On: Erosion Control/ Rainwater Catchment

11:45 am – 12:45 pm The How To’s
Presentations (Choose One)
Creating an Ecological Neighborhood
Animals and Aquaculture in Your Home System
12:45 – 1:45 pm Potluck Lunch
2:00 – 5:00 pm Design Teams:
Students, in small teams, create sustainable home system designs on miniature landscapes; presentations to whole group
5:00 -5:30 pm Summing Up, Next Steps, Conclusion

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:

Dennis Hoffarth is a civil engineer with extensive experience in home energy efficiency and passive solar designs, as well as home construction, sanitary systems, and home renovation. He has worked as a consultant in bicycle and pedestrian-based community design. He holds an advanced permaculture design certificate, and has taught many workshops and classes on passive solar design, community planning, and alternative transportation.

Sharon Bagatell is a teacher and farmer with an advanced permaculture design certificate. A former elementary school teacher, she is the author of several environmental education curricula, including a permaculture curriculum for children. She has worked extensively with urban and suburban communities on bicycle and pedestrian planning and education. Sharon is also co-owner of a small organic farm where she is developing a food forest.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Big, Big News!


This week we spent an afternoon with artist Andrew Crawford to finalize plans and select locations for The State Botanical Garden of Georgia's first art exhibition within the gardens. We're so excited! Andrew is working on 6 gates that will be placed in the Visitor Center, International Garden, Heritage Garden and Flower Garden in March and stay in place throughout 2011. There will be an exhibit of drawings, video and sample pieces in the Visitor Center lobby during March and April. There will also be special events, talks, trips, contests and gift shop items - all celebrating this wonderful exhibition of metal garden gates that will range from about 5' to 10' tall. You'll hear more soon, but for a glimpse of what's coming look at Andrew's facebook page (Andrew T. Crawford Ironworks) and a few videos on his website (www.ironisking.com/media).


Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Sunflower Concert Series Celebrates Athens Music in a Garden Setting


The State Botanical Garden of Georgia announces its 10th annual Sunflower Music Series. Each concert will be performed on the stage of the new Flower Garden, a terraced garden between the Day Chapel and the Visitor Center and Conservatory, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. The relaxed, beautiful garden setting creates the perfect outdoor summer event. Bring a blanket and picnic, kick off your shoes, and enjoy an evening in the Garden with friends or family.
Performing this year are:

June 22: Randall Bramblett, with Rick Fowler opening.
Randall Bramblett is a singer-songwriter who recently released his 7th solo album and has performed with the Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic. “He’s one of Georgia’s musical treasures…Guaranteed to improve your day!” – Dave Schools (Widespread Panic).

July 13: Bloodkin, with Winfield Smith (from Stewart and Winfield) opening
A rock ‘n’ roll band formed in 1986, the Drive-By Truckers and Widespread Panic have both cited Bloodkin as a chief influence. Bloodkin released its 8th album in 2009 and it was named Album of the Year at the Flagpole Athens Music Awards. “Bloodkin are at a hot peak in their odyssey!” – David Fricke (Rolling Stone).

August 24: Grogus, performing two sets
A crowd favorite from the 2009 Sunflower Music Series, Grogus plays Latin jazz, traditional Cuban and Caribbean styles, and funk versions of jazz standards. They have won the Flagpole Athens Music Award in both the Jazz and World Music categories.

Tickets are $15 each ($10 for members of Friends of the Garden, $5 for children ages 6-12). Each concert includes beverages and light snacks and people are encouraged to bring blankets and picnic suppers to enjoy in the Garden. Concerts will be held inside the Visitor Center & Conservatory if weather necessitates. Lawn chairs are not allowed. Call 706-542-1244 for more information or tickets.

The Sunflower Music Series is sponsored by Friends of the Garden, R.E.M., Northeast Sales Distributing, Inc., Athens Coca-Cola, Musicians Warehouse, WUGA 91.7 FM, Flagpole and AthensMusic.net.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Not sure what all the fuss is about invasive plants and how they really affect the environment?

Well, you’ll know much more after spending a Saturday morning in this class: Invasive Non-native Plants.
This course is an introduction to the problem of invasive, non-native plants in Georgia, taught by Connie Gray, M.L.A., a consultant in natural area restoration and management. Students will learn how to identify the major offenders, their current ranges and habitats, and how these plants impact natural plant communities. Basic management and control strategies will be discussed and demonstrated. Most of the class will be indoors, but we will venture outdoors to see some of the plants in the wild and visit sites where control efforts are underway.
This is an elective in the Certificate in Native Plants Program (http://www.uga.edu/botgarden/educnp.html), but you do not have to enroll in this program to take this class. You may, however, decide to take more classes in this program after this class.
This will be an eye-opening class for landowners, land managers, outdoorspeople, gardeners, and others who care about Georgia’s natural habitats. Register under the ‘Certificate Programs’ at http://www.uga.edu/botgarden/eduregister.html. This 5 hour class on June 5, 2010 is $45 ($40 for SBG members) and runs from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens. Bring a sack lunch.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Tours!


We've been happy to see lots of visitors and tour groups in the Garden this May, celebrating spring and admiring the beauty. The photo above shows Belinda leading a tour of National Garden Club members in Georgia for the NGC Annual Convention in Atlanta. Notice that a group of schoollchildren are passing by. Our tour guide volunteers and Education staff have mastered the skill of coordinating groups and tour routes. When things get really busy I may get a call to lead a tour, which is always fun. Last week a group of Master Gardeners from Greenville, SC started their 2-day tour of Athens' gardens and nurseries at the State Botanical Garden. We hope the Garden Club members and Master Gardeners - and all of our visitors - had a great visit last week. And we hope to see you at the Garden soon!

If you are interested in a tour, call Andrea at 706-542-6195.
We suggest a late morning tour, ending with lunch at the Gardenside Cafe.
Interim Director Shirley Berry was a 'driving force' during the NGC tour.
- posted by Connie.

Friday, May 7, 2010

How Can I Support Public Gardens?

It's National Public Gardens Day!

Here are 4 ways to support public gardens:
- Become a member of their suport organization. For us it is Friends of the Garden. This supports the garden financially, but also keeps you informed of the garden's accomplishments and how you can be involved (events, classes, volunteering, plant sales and more). A gift membership to a local public garden would be a great housewarming or wedding present.
- Introduce a friend to the garden. Have lunch in the cafe or stroll through the gardens. Invite someone to attend an event or take a class with you.
- Volunteer! This can benefit you as much as the garden - you'll learn so much and make new friends. Our volunteers work beside curators, help run special events, staff the gift shop and library, lead tours, help with educational programs, and more.
- Donate. Donations support the gardens and surrounding communities. Money can be given as gifts to the garden, presented in honor of friends and loved ones, or written into a will.

Come visit us! We'd love to see you here!

Friday, April 2, 2010

Classes and Events in April!

Gardening 101
Monday, April 5
5:30 – 7:00 pm
members $10, non-members $12
Visitor Center, Classroom 2
Amanda Tedrow, ACC Cooperative Extension, UGA
New to gardening or Georgia? This quick start class will teach participants the basics of home gardening. The class will touch on the topics of testing and preparing the soil, sunlight and water requirements, planting tips and yearly maintenance. Amanda will provide basic zoning information to help participants plant and maintain annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees in their yard.

Spring Plant Sale!!!
Saturday, April 10
8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Beekeeping for Beginners: Units 4-6
Unit 5: Installing Bees/Spring Buildup

Friday, April 9 or Saturday, April 10
1:00 - 3:00 pm members $40; non-members $45
meet at Shade Garden Arbor
Dan Harris, Beekeeper
Have you ever wanted to harvest honey from your own beehive? Would you like to collect beeswax to make candles or soap? Do you have a touch of ‘backyard biologist’ in your blood? If so, these workshops, covering the fundamentals of beekeeping, may be for you. Weather alternative dates will be scheduled if necessary. Completion of the Unit 1 – 3 is not required to attend. However, a protective veil and gloves are required for Unit 4 and 5. In Unit 5, Dan will demonstrate how to install a package of bees into a new hive. He will also open an existing hive and compare it to the previous inspection from Unit 4.

Basic Botany
(a Certificate in Native Plants Core Course)
Saturday, April 10

8:30 am – 4:30 pm
members $90, non-members $100
Visitor Center, Classroom 2
Robert Wyatt, Adjunct Professor of Ecology, University of Georgia
Basic Botany provides an introduction to general plant anatomy, morphology, and physiology, with an emphasis on relating form to function. Using live material and slides, students will make detailed observations of root, stem, and leaf tissues and discuss the processes of water and nutrient movements. The mechanisms of flower pollination, seed dispersal, and germination will be explored, along with the basics of plant genetics, photosynthesis, and evolution.

Spring Wildflower Ramble
Saturday, April 10
10: 00 am
Free
meet at Shade Garden arbor
Heather Alley, Conservation Biologist, SBG
It’s springtime at the Garden! Enjoy a promenade around the Native Flora Garden and discover the many interesting wildflowers blooming this time of year.

Spring Wildflowers of the Granite Rock Outcrops of Georgia
(a Certificate in Native Plants Elective Course)
Saturday, April 17

8:30 am – 12:30 pm
members $40; non-members $45
Visitor Center, Classroom 2
Linda Chafin, Conservation Botanist, State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Students will be introduced to the ecology of Piedmont granite outcrops and their flora in the classroom, then visit Rock and Shoals Natural Area to learn to identify the species that characterize Georgia’s granite rock outcrops and surrounding plant communities.

Botanical Garden Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, April 17
10:00 -12:00 noonmembers $8; non-members $10 (per team)
Meet in front of Visitor Center
SBG Education Staff
What better way to get to know the Garden than to become an explorer! Throughout history and even today, explorers have traveled the globe in search of plants that could be used for food, medicine, shelter, and much more. In the process, they often moved plants from their original location to the one where they are found now. Did you know our own Georgia peach originally came from China? Each team (no more than five) will work together to complete a list of Garden explorations, finding plants and forests treasures and documenting their uses and native regions. Teams must stay together during the hunt. Prizes will be awarded to the first five teams to finish. This program is designed for families but others are welcome as well.

Vegetable Papermaking
Monday, April 19
9:30 am – 12:00
noonmembers $24; non-members $27
Visitor Center, Classroom 2
Cindy Bowden, Director of the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
Join the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum and the Georgia Museum of Art for a morning of papermaking and fun. We will be making paper from abaca (banana leaf fiber), recycled cotton and linen rags, daylily fibers, and leeks. Wear washable clothing, tour the garden to identify potential fiber sources for papermaking and make your own sheets. Fee includes materials. Class is designed for adults and limited to 25 participants.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The State Botanical Garden - Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the State Botanical Garden located?
Off South Milledge Avenue about 3 miles from the central UGA campus in Athens.

When was the State Botanical Garden established? 1968
The Garden was enacted by Senate Resolution 277 in 1984 to be designated ‘The State Botanical Garden of Georgia’, where the General Assembly of Georgia stated “it is only fitting and proper that we recognize the achievement and beauty represented by the garden; and it is only appropriate, therefore, that the significance of this institution to the State of Georgia and to all Georgians be recognized.”

Does the State Botanical Garden “own” its facilities and property?
No, all University property is owned by the State of Georgia under the auspices of the Board of Regents.

How is the State Botanical Garden administered?
The State Botanical Garden is a unit of the University of Georgia. The Director reports to the Vice President for Public Service & Outreach who in turn reports to the University Provost.

What is the current level of annual University funding for the State Botanical Garden? $875,688

Does the State Botanical Garden receive direct appropriations from the state legislature? No.

How much of the State Botanical Garden’s annual budget is provided by the University/State?
About 60% - 70%.

Where does the balance of the operating budget come from? From gifts, grants, donations, and earned income from building rentals, gift shop sales and café commissions.

Has the State Botanical Garden been successful in attracting private support?
Yes, all major gardens and buildings have been built principally with private funding.

Does the University of Georgia serve as a home for other state museums?
Yes, the Georgia Museum of Art and the Georgia Museum of Natural History.
Was closure of these museums included in the UGA budget reduction plan? No.

How many people does the State Botanical Garden serve annually? Approximately 250,000.

How does the Garden compare to other University affiliated botanical gardens?
While there is no official ranking system, the State Botanical Garden is generally considered to be in the top 10 in the U.S. with facilities virtually unequaled at other University botanical gardens.


How does the State Botanical Garden contribute to the University of Georgia and the State of Georgia?

The Garden serves as an important tourist destination, bringing revenue to the Athens area.
- Voted by Athens Banner-Herald readership as Athens’ Best Attraction for the past five years.
- Annual visitorship of over 250,000, second only to Stanford Stadium in Athens Clarke-County.
- 26,000 attend adult and children educational programs, family festivals and special events
from 133 of Georgia’s 159 counties.
- Over $30 million investment in private gifts.
- Over 1,500 Friends of the Garden members
- Four major buildings, including two with architectural award-winning designs.
- Headquarters of the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. with over 15,000 members statewide.
- Over 250 weddings and meetings held annually in Garden facilities.
- Over ½ mile of Middle Oconee River frontage, 25 acres of protected wetlands, 5 miles of nature trails, and upland deciduous forest adds to Athens’ green space.
- Art gallery in Visitor Center displays regional art in rotating art exhibits.
- Garden gift shop offers crafts and artwork from local artists and books by local authors.
- Free lectures and concerts provide outreach to Athens community and a venue for local artists and horticulture experts.
- Volunteer programs provide gardening skills, social opportunities and support for the Garden.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a living museum housing International botanical collections.
- The finest native flora collections in the state, many of which are rare, threatened and endangered, including a safeguarded collection of eastern hemlock and two safeguarded populations of the world’s most critically endangered conifer—Florida torreya.
- Plant collections of socio-economic and historic importance to Georgia, used to educate all students, including UGA undergraduates.
- Research collections monitored by UGA professors, graduate and undergraduate students.
- Garden displays tied to professional organizations, including All-America Selections, Southeastern Conifer Society Reference Garden, American Daffodil Society Display Garden with an emphasis on heritage and heirloom cultivars.
- Both mountain and coastal plain bogs display Sarracenia species (pitcherplants) that are the most critically endangered of our state wildflowers.
- Most recent garden exhibits collections of flowering plants to inspire and educate homeowners and students.

The Garden serves as a center for internationally recognized environmental education.
- University of Georgia students utilize the Garden for numerous field laboratory classes: entomology, plant taxonomy, horticulture, science education, art, broadcast news, service-learning projects, ecology, forestry, etc. UGA interns in horticulture, education, publicity, event planning and more are trained with the Garden staff as mentors.
- Teachers from throughout the state participate in the Endangered Plant Stewardship Network, where Georgia teachers earn required CEUs and qualify to receive a permit through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to keep threatened and endangered species on their school site providing environmental education to elementary school students.
- Provide statewide professional development and on-going support to educators with grant funded environmental education / service learning program, Garden Earth Naturalists.
- Conduct on-going programming for students and families including standards-based school field trips, summer environmental education camps and family festivals.
- Award-winning education program chosen to develop after school programs nationwide.
- Coordinate and provide facilities for Athens Area Master Gardeners training and monthly meetings.
- Partnering with the Maquipacuna Foundation to create Our Shared Forests, a sustaining organization that supports Ecuadorian farmers while teaching children on two continents about the similarities and interdependence of each habitat.

The Garden is a major influence in conservation globally and throughout the state of Georgia.
- Headquarters and creators of the internationally recognized Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, the most active plant conservation network in the state, now used as a model for similar programs in North Carolina, Texas and Alabama.
- Since its inception 17 years ago, the Plant Conservation and Research Program has received more than $1.4 million in grants and gifts to support its mission.
- Sponsor for graduate student MS and PhD degrees completed by UGA students in the departments of Horticulture and the Odum School of Ecology.
- Native plants are propagated and grown for federal and state restoration and endangered plant safeguarding projects, in cooperation with the Georgia DNR, US Fish and Wildlife, and the US Forest Service.
- An invited member of the Center for Plant Conservation, a national network of 36 of America’s leading botanical institutions dedicated to preventing the extinction of imperiled native flora.
- Headquarters of Botanical Guardians, a statewide volunteer (over 100 participants) network monitoring at-risk plant populations.
- Funded by multiple grants from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust to work with gardens in Argentina and Costa Rica to develop horticultural programs featuring native plants.
- The Botanical Garden (with Whitehall Forest) is an Important Bird Area (IBA) designated by the Audubon Society in 2008.
- Certificate in Native Plant Program has 29 graduates and 120 participants who develop and volunteer for conservation projects in their communities.
- Member of Botanic Garden Conservation International, American Public Garden Association, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Environmental Education Alliance, American Conifer Society, American Daffodil Society, American Camellia Society, American Nursery Association.

Private fundraising has resulted in $30 million in the creation and growth of the Garden in 41 years.
- State revenues through UGA fund positions; revenues from private donations, rentals, educational programs, grants and facility rentals compose 30-40% of the Gardens operating budget and practically all construction of gardens and facilities.
- $3 million Horticulture Complex under construction scheduled for Summer 2010 completion.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Zumba for Great Cause

You've heard about Zumba! You've been wanting to try it!
Now's the perfect time to have fun, get in shape, enjoy the Garden and help others!

Dancing Dawgs for Haiti - UGA Haitian Relief Effort 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
5:30pm - 8:00pm
State Botanical Garden of Georgia - Conservatory
2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA

Join several Athens Zumba instructors for an evening of fun, sweat and dance while raising funds for Dawgs for Haiti! Come for an hour, just stop by, or stay the whole time! Just make sure to enjoy yourself! Proceeds will be split between Doctors Without Borders and the American Red Cross, two organizations that are working directly with the Haitian relief effort.

Never done Zumba before? No worries! There will be several instructors scattered throughout the floor to provide different levels of workout intensity from low-impact (for new Zumba-goers or those with an injury) to high-impact (experienced dancers and those who just love to get crazy!). It's all about having fun while getting a great workout.In addition to Zumba there will also be a belly dancing session, door prizes, and refreshments!

The conservatory, for those who have never been to the Gardens, is the big open room in the Visitor Center, next to the gift shop and above the cafe, with trees and plants EVERYWHERE! It's a wonderful place to dance with a great view!

$5 *suggested* donation (but more is welcome and anything is appreciated!)
Dawgs for Haiti will be selling t-shirts for $10.
For more information, please contact Cora Keber at 706-542-6156 or ckeber@uga.edu

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The Southern Garden Heritage Conference - February 19

There is still time to register for the Southern Garden Heritage Conference, a wonderful combination of gardening and history. This informative all-day conference includes lunch and provides seven contact hours for Georgia landscape architects.

2010 Southern Garden Heritage Conference
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, Georgia 30605

Call 706-542-6156 or register online at www.uga.edu/botgarden.

Friday, February 19 Callaway Building Auditorium
9:00 am – 4:00 pm members $95; non-members $110

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is pleased to host the Southern Garden Heritage Conference, which brings an audience from throughout the Southeast. Robin Salmon will open the conference with a lecture about garden sculpture and close the conference with a presentation about Brookgreen Gardens, one of America's finest sculpture gardens. Sue Burgess will provide a brief history of efforts to save the historic Root House in Marietta and create a garden of the period. Keyes Williamson will provide an update on work being done to preserve the Elizabeth Lawrence Garden in Charlotte. John Waters and Jim Cothran will provide a look into the architecture and gardens of Savannah and their interrelationships. And Gerard Krewer will speak about some of Georgia's rare and unusual fruits-some familiar and some unfamiliar. Amateurs and professionals alike are sure to find this conference interesting and informative.

AGENDA


9:00 - 9:15 Opening Remarks - Dr. Jeff Lewis


9:15 - 10:00 A Brief History of American Garden Sculpture - Robin Salmon,
Information about the origins of garden sculpture in America, and examples of important works in that field from the 19th Century to the present will be discussed.


10:00 - 10:30 Break


10:30 -11:15 The Root House, A Mid-Nineteenth Century Middle Class Merchant’s Home: Challenges of Recreating the Historic Southern Landscape in a Hostile 21st Century Urban Environment - Sue Burgess
The Root House Garden is designed to reflect the gardening practices of the mid-19th century. The Root’s garden in the 19th century would have contained plants that were ornamental, medicinal, or edible, or a combination of types. The garden is planted with vegetables, culinary herbs, medicinal herbs, fruit trees, decorative flowers and flowering shrubs. All the plants have been researched for their availability in Georgia at the time the Root House was built.


11:15 - 12:00 The Elizabeth Lawrence Garden - Keyes Williamson
Elizabeth Lawrence had already established herself as a preeminent garden writer when, in 1949, she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the next three decades, Lawrence cultivated an overflowing garden within the confines of a typical, modest residential lot measuring 70’ by 225’. Lawrence used her garden as a horticultural laboratory, where she cultivated a wide range of plants with an eye towards their usefulness in the Southern Garden. This presentation will examine Lawrence’s contribution to gardening in the region using the garden as a vehicle to explore her life and writing.


12:00 - 1:00 Lunch


1:00 - 1:45 The Architecture and Gardens of Savannah - John Waters & Jim Cothran
Established in 1733, Savannah was America’s first planned city. Noted for its fine architecture, parks, and gardens, Savannah retains its romantic character and attracts thousands of tourists each year to experience its picturesque charm. The presentation will focus on some of Savannah’s finest historic buildings, notable parks, and ornamental gardens.1:45 - 2:30 Rare and Unusual Fruits of Georgia - Gerard KrewerLearn about the fascinating history of the rare and unusual fruits of Georgia from the nearly semi-tropical coastal islands to the Blue Ridge mountains.

2:30 - 3:00 Break


3:00 - 3:45 Brookgreen Gardens Past and Present - Robin Salmon
An overview of the significance of the land known as Brookgreen Gardens including its historic landscape, its role as the first public sculpture garden in America, the history of its founders Archer and Anna Huntington, and highlights of its collections through the years.


3:45 - 4:00 Closing Remarks

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Larger-than-life Blooms Come to Life on Silk at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Jamie Kirkell, Silk Artist
Art Exhibit: January 16 – February 28, 2010
Exhibit Opening: Sunday, January 17 2:00-4:00 pm with a Gallery Talk at 3:00 pm

The Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center & Conservatory
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia
2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens
706-542-1244 www.uga.edu/botgarden

Flowers will fill the lobby of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s Visitor’s Center & Conservatory this winter. Traditional silk painting methods and modern design combine to create vivid, larger-than-life blooms that are at the same time delicate and bold.

This vibrant, beautiful exhibit will be on display from January 16 – February 28, 2010. Works by silk artist Jamie Kirkell, who trained in Java under Indonesian Master of Batik Bambang Oetoro, are part of permanent collections on display in many resorts and businesses and exhibited in galleries and botanical gardens throughout the country. Kirkell has lectured or taught at the Museum of Natural History in New York, Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Taos Art Center, the Northeast United States Craft Expo in Reinbeck, NY, Leu Gardens and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. He has 25 years of experience as an artist, including 10 years as a studio art director in New York City. Kirkell will discuss his work, the history of batik and more in a free gallery talk at 3:00 on Sunday, January 17th. Meet the artist and view the many works on display at the art reception from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Visit his website at www.KirkellSilkStudios .com.
You’ll want to own one of the large, bold originals that sell for thousands of dollars, but there will also be gallery wrap pieces that can be purchased for under $100. New in Kirkell’s exhibit are exquisite silk scarves that can decorate a wall or be the focal point of an outfit. Stationery featuring Kirkell’s paintings will be available in the Garden Gift Shop.

Make plans to warm up a winter afternoon with tropical flowers in a tropical conservatory, learning more about an art form of the tropics – at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

ZUMBA! in a Tropical Conservatory - Every Wednesday

ZUMBA!
Who is ready to shake those holiday calories away?

We have decided to offer Zumba as an ongoing class throughout the year.
We will have class every Wednesday, 5:30-6:30. We will be using a punch card system to track the classes. Participants will pay for 9 classes and get one class free (members $54/non-members $72). There will be no expiration for the punch card. There is plenty of room in the Visitor Center & Conservatory, which means spread the word.

If you are new to Zumba then be ready to smile, sweat, and shake! It is a great, fun way to exercise and feel like the only thing you have done is visited the Garden to hang out with friends. Once you are able to get the feet movements the rest of your body will follow suit. No one moves the same, so be sure to bring your own flare.

Zumba on the Today Show--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5Hxw_Jf2B4
What to bring/wear: water bottle, towel (if you plan to sweat), tennis shoes, comfy clothes, smiles and hoots. See you there!

Contact Cora for more information at 706-542-6156 or ckeber@uga.edu. Cora is on the Garden's Education staff, a certified Zumba! instructor, and teaching these classes with high energy, a big smaile and lively Latin music. Please join us!