Resolve to go Hiking!

It is so very natural to start the new year with resolutions to do better. "I'll spend more time with the family. I'll exercise more. I'll stay in budget. I'll learn something new." 

Well, the many family hikes and walks scheduled in January and February on the State Botanical Garden of Georgia's five miles of nature trails can help you with all of those resolutions. Andie Bisceglia, SBG Children’s Program Manager, has created two family series of hikes, one meeting on a Saturday morning, another exploring the garden trails in the evening.

“I really enjoy hiking and wanted to introduce area residents to the Garden's nature trails, so we created a Blue Moon hike last fall," explains Andie. "Over 60 people came to that hike. We created these series to keep the momentum going. These are more nature walks than hikes, not strenuous. The routes will change and we will stop periodically to discuss something interesting along the path. It will be a great way to be with your family, meet others, and learn about nature." Wear comfortable, warm clothing and sturdy shoes. The cost for each hike is $5/person or $15/ family. 

The Full Moon Hike Series is scheduled on the full moons: Saturday, January 26 and Monday, February 25. Participants will meet at the fountain in front of the Visitor's Center at 7:00 pm.  Each hike will focus on a different topic such as the moon, constellations, or nocturnal creatures. One thing that is surprising at night in the Garden are the many sounds of nature that fill the air. Sign up early, since space is limited to 20 on these evening hikes.

The Family Hiking Club meets on the Second Saturday of the month (January 12 and February 9) from 9:00-11:00 am. Each month will be a new adventure as participants explore the woods, streams, and gardens and learn about hibernation, bird migration, evergreen plants, and more.  In case of rain, the hiking club will meet on the following Sunday. Although you do not have to pre-register for the Saturday morning hikes, please do, because it helps Andie prepare with any handouts and plans.

 

The Tree Trail ramble is a free hike to celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, February 15 from 2:00-3:00 pm, meeting at the Shade Garden Arbor. Linda Chafin, Conservation Botanist, will lead a walk that celebrates and teaches about trees. Pre-registration is not necessary, but appreciated.

Find out more or register for any hike online at botgarden.uga.edu or by calling 706-542-6156.

Your resolutions are not only do-able, they can be fun to do. And once you walk the Garden's trails a few times with a staff member, you will be inspired to exercise and explore on our ever-changing nature trails on your schedule. Happy New Year!

Upcoming Gardening Symposiums

Native Plant Symposium
Wednesday, January 16, 2013             8:30 am - 3:30 pm             
$60 includes lunch

People are realizing that their landscape is so much more than a pretty stage set. Native plants in a landscape can support a complex web of life that includes insects, birds, mammals, reptiles and more by providing food and shelter. This year’s annual Native Plant Symposium emphasizes sustainability and plantings that support pollinating insects

Native Plants for Pollinators - Kathryn Litton, owner of Litton Landscaping, Inc.
Monarchs: Their Migration, Host Plants and Conservation - Sonia Altizer, faculty member of UGA Odum School of Forestry
Pollination and Fertilization in Flowering Plants: As they Say in Facebook – It’s Complicated! - Linda Chafin, conservation botanist, State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Sustainable Native Plant Landscaping - Eddie Seagle, lecturer, agronomist, garden columnist and horticulturist
Bees: Important Pollinators - Cyndi Ball, master beekeeper and owner of Lazy B Farm

Sponsored by The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc..

 

Southern Garden Heritage Conference:   Heritage Landscapes: Exploring the Southern Tradition of Landscape Design with Heirloom Fruits and Vegetables

Friday, February 15, 2013                      8:30 am - 4:30 pm             
$105 includes lunch

This day of presentations allows you to learn about fruits and vegetables, landscape design, landscape history, folklore, plants, historic sites, seed saving, where to buy heirloom plants and gardening with heirlooms.  

 

Georgia’s Agrarian History: Dreams, Successes and Failures - Jeff Lewis, director emeritus of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Heirloom, Smeirloom - How Does It Grow and Look Today? - Felder Rushing, tenth-generation Southern gardener, author, syndicated columnist, and radio host
Heirloom Gardens and Landscapes of the South - Bill Welch, professor of horticulture and author of many books, including Heirloom Gardening in the South
Historical Overview of Blueberries in Georgia - Gerard Krewer, former small fruit specialist with the Georgia Extension Service.  
Heirloom Seedsavers: Their Contribution to Southern Landscapes - Virginia D. Nazarea, professor of anthropology at the University of Georgia and director of the Ethnoecology/Biodiversity Laboratory, and Susannah Chapman, a PhD candidate in anthropology, UGA
Great Sources for Heirloom Plants - Bill Welch, professor of Horticulture and author of many books, including Heirloom Gardening in the South
Hyde Farm: Continuing Local Agriculture along the Chattahoochee River - Beth Wheeler Byrd, landscape historian, and Cari Goetcheus, associate professor of historic preservation and landscape architecture at UGA

Sponsored by The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and UGA College of Environment and Design in cooperation with The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., Friends of The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Cherokee Garden Library of the Atlanta History Center, and the Southern Garden History Society.

 

Adult classes also available in flower arranging, watercolors, cooking, gardening, and more.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, Georgia  30605

To register or for more information call 706-542-6156 or visit botgarden.uga.edu.

State Botanical Garden 2012 Art Competition Results

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia would like to congratulate John Gholson Jr. and his submission, Reflective Life, for winning first place in the 2012 Art Competition funded by The J.A. and H.G. Woodruff, Jr. Charitable Trust!

We would also like to extend a congratulations to the second and third place winners as well as the submissions awarded Certificates of Merit.

Second Place was awarded to Collin Ankerich for the photographs titled Sunflower in Sun.

Third Place was awarded to Alea Hurst for the submission, Fall Leaves.

Certificates of Merit include:

Amber Hamilton's Hummingbird in a Flower Garden

Anamaria Otalora-Garcia's Georgia Fawn



Dimitria Rose Burkos' Intechs

Haldee Chen's Forget Me Not

Halie Johnson's Purple Haze and Flor de Mama

Lauren Glenn's Hearts of the Garden



Liza Maslak's Mysterious Garden

We had a great turn out this year and appreciate everyone's efforts in submitting your artwork.  Non winning submissions and submissions awarded Certificates of Merit may be picked up in the Callaway Building at The State Botanical Garden between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, 2012.  Please call Connie at 706-542-6014 if you need to arrange a different time.



Crafting for the Holidays

As we head into the holiday season the Botanical Gardens is gearing up for some fun crafting events in December!

First, on Thursday, December 6, we have two sessions for you to prepare and take home several small containers of lotions, salves and lip balms, all perfect ideas for the holidays!  You will leave with a great deal of knowledge to create your own goodies at home.
Session 1 will be held from 9-11 am and session 2 from 5:30-7:30 pm.  This event is $27.

Get ready on Friday, December 7, to learn how to make a live wreath at the Greenery Wreaths Workshop!  Participants will use greenery collected from the Garden and wire frames to build wreaths that will last through the holiday season.  Please bring your pruning shears.
The workshop will be held 5:30-7:30 pm and is $27.

On Thursday, December 20, come out and make your own holiday centerpiece!  Make sure to bring your favorite container and pruning shears and the Garden will provide a range of materials for you to use for your design.  The event will be held from 9 am- 12 pm and is $27.

So grab your friends and family and join us as we celebrate this wonderful time of year.

Please visit botgarden.uga.edu for more information.

Holiday Open House Sunday, December 2, 2012

The community is invited to celebrate the holidays at the State Botanical Garden of Georiga’s annual Holiday Open House and enjoy free, family-friendly entertainment in the decorated tropical conservatory. Holiday music by the Georgia Children’s Chorus, the Solstice Sisters, and the Classic City Band will fill the room. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photographs and wishes from 2-5, with photography available from Mark Parsons Photography.



Children can enjoy puppet shows that will teach them about nature. Parents can browse through the Garden shop for ornaments and gifts and visit Donderos’ Kitchen to indulge in house-made hot chocolate and treats.


Musical performances will begin with the Georgia Children’s Chorus from 2:15-3, followed by the Solstice Sisters 3:15-3:50, and concluding with the Classic City Band from 4-5. Puppet shows will be offered at 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 in the Children’s Classroom.  Come out with the family and enjoy an afternoon of fun with us!


For more information please call 706-542-1244 or visit botgarden.uga.edu. The event is free to the public.

An Unforgettable Run

 

This is a guest blog post by UGA student Maggie Harrelson.

I can feel the slight breeze moving along with me as I watch the leaves fall around me with each step. I keep thinking I have found my own private path to run on until I see an occasional passerby. Before I know it, I have completed my routine run at the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia.

 

I had one of Georgia’s most captivating sites at my back door, and it took me until my sophomore year at the University of Georgia to finally explore the gardens.

 

After deciding to start my millionth diet for the year, my roommate convinced me to go on a run with her on one of the trails at the Botanical Garden. I honestly was not too thrilled about our planned run, but I was on my “diet” so I agreed to go with her.

 

Once we arrived at the Garden, we made our way to the White Trail and started our run. We kept a slow pace to take in the early spring weather and to figure out the path. I quickly began to forget that I was exercising, and I focused my attention on my surroundings.

The path was challenging, but I was so distracted by the scenery that I did not even care how much longer we had till we were done. We would come across the river or a rugged area of the trail, and we would take a quick break and walk the path.

 

When we made it to the end of the trail, we were surprised to find that we had covered three miles during our run. We were so excited about our discovery of an enjoyable workout that we made a point to keep the Garden as a habitual part of our college life.

 

In the weeks that followed I became more familiar with the Botanical Garden and realized it had several different attractions.

 

The Botanical Garden features several different types of gardens for its visitors including an amazing indoor garden that features water fountains and tropical plants.

 

A café can also be found at the visitor’s center, and it has free WiFi which makes for an ideal place to study.

Believe it or not, you can avoid having to fight for a study room just to find a quiet area to concentrate.

 

One of the best stories I have heard about the Garden was from a friend recently that told me about the “perfect date” her boyfriend surprised her with. He drove her to the Garden and took her on one of the trails to find a picnic set up by the river.

 

After hearing her story, the Garden did seem like the perfect place to have the perfect date with the perfect guy. Let’s all hope her boyfriend has brothers.

 

While I can’t promise a perfect date for everybody’s first experience at the Garden, I can say that it will be a memorable one. It is a landmark of Athens that we have the privilege of experiencing, so take a little time out of this picturesque fall season to visit!

Family Day: Celebrating Africa!

Come to the Visitor Center at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia Saturday morning – November 3^rd - from 10 a.m. to noon. As part of the UGA African Studies Institute 25^th anniversary celebration, the Garden, the African Studies Institute and the Georgia Museum of Art are coming together to Celebrate Africa!  

 

At this family friendly event, visitors will have the opportunity to explore African culture, plants, cuisine and art through an African dance class, storytelling and much more. Children can make their own African drum or a bracelet, learning as they have fun. Listen to a storyteller or drummer (none other than the very talented Arvin Scott!) Dancers will spend time with curious children, teaching them a few moves after the dance performance. The whole event is only two hours long, so don’t miss a minute! Here is the schedule for Saturday:

Performance Schedule (upstairs)

10:00   Drumming - Arvin Scott, Hugh Hodgson School of Music, UGA

10:30   African Singing - Savior Anyidoho, African Fellowship Music Ensemble
11:00   Storytelling - Karim Traore, African Studies Institute, UGA  
11:30   Dancing, African Student Union, UGA

 

African Activities in the Gardenside Room (downstairs)
 
·         Origins of Humans:  Skulls Collection - Dr. Norm Thompson
·         Make Your Own African Drum - Georgia Museum of Art
·         Maasai Beaded Bracelets - Georgia Museum of Art
·         What are Some Popular Snacks in Africa?
·         Mapping African Countries through Natural History & Culture - State Botanical Garden
·         Images from Africa--Culture and People

 

For more information, please call 706-542-6156 or visit botgarden.uga.edu.

 

 

It's that time of year again!  We are now accepting artwork for our statewide art competition sponsored by the J.A. and H.G. Woodruff, Jr. Charitable Trust.  If you're a Georgia student in the 9th grade or above, including both full and part-time college students, we want to see your artwork.

The artist with the first place winning piece will be awarded $1,000.  There will also be second and third place awards of $500 and $250, respectively, as well as certificates of merit. 

Winning artwork will also be used to create items such as T-shirts, stationary, and totes, to be sold in the Garden's gift shop, therefore pieces should follow guidelines closely.  Artwork must be two-dimensional in square, horizontal, round, oval, or vertical format and be within 24" x 36".  Pencil, pen and ink, photography, collage and computer enhanced graphics are all welcomed.  Please remember to sign your artwork.
For more guideline information and the entry form visit  http://botgarden.uga.edu/docs/visit/artcomp.pdf#.

Submissions will be taken at the lower level of the Callaway Building at the Gardens or mailed to Connie Cottingham at 2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605.

Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2012, at 3 p.m.

Perennial Symposium Focuses on Plants from Around the World

Plants that are familiar in Georgia’s landscapes and on our dinner table and the plants we use for medicine come from all over the world. Embark on a day-long plant exploration at Plants from Around the World in our Everyday Lives: Ornamentals, Foods, Drinks & Medicines on Tuesday, October 16. Learn from several experts about plants that have come here from Mexico and the desert Southwest, the Mediterranean, Africa, and China. Knowing more about the origins of these plants helps us to understand the best growing conditions for them to thrive in our gardens and to choose the best plants for specific growing conditions. This symposium will also include a talk about important drinks of the world: coffee, chocolate and tea, and how these crops affect environments, cultures and songbirds. After hearing about plants from throughout the world, participants are invited to stretch their legs and follow International Garden Curator Billie Gotsch on a walking tour through the International Garden.

This symposium will be held on Tuesday, October 16 from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm in the Callaway Building Auditorium, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens and costs $60 (including a buffet lunch.) Preregistration is required. A plant sale offering perennial plants will be held in the front plaza of the Callaway Building and open to the public from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. For more information or to register call 706-542-6156 or visit botgarden.uga.edu.

Free Concert on Sunday, October 21

Come join the Athens Flute Choir in The State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s Visitor Center/ Conservatory for their fall concert, 'Food for the Body, Food for the Soul' – Sunday, October 21 at 2:00 pm. The AFC is a non-profit community music ensemble dedicated to the enrichment of Athens and the surrounding areas through music performance. Admission is free, donations accepted.  www.athensflutechoir.org

Some Great Classes at the Garden in October and November

Friends of the Garden Flea Market Fills the State Botanical Garden Conservatory

We are getting ready. Many volunteers are helping to organize and price items donated to the Garden's annual flea market, sorting items onto the right tables - dishes, linens, jewelry, toys, holiday decorations, office supplies and more. Tools, furniture and exercise equipment are placed together and the books are filling the Gardenside room. No sales until Saturday at 8:00 am - then it will be a shopping frenzy!   

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia annual Flea Market will be held on Aug. 18 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Garden’s Visitor Center and Conservatory. Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine.

All proceeds will support the Garden’s numerous projects and displays. Any items that are not sold will be taken to various charitable organizations around Athens.

For more information, please call 706-542-1244.

Georgia Gold Medal Winner Annabelle Hydrangea

Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle') is a magnificent June-July flowering shrub ideally suited to shady, moist areas of the garden. The plant averages 3 to 5 feet in height, 4 to 6 feet in width. The ultimate form is a broad-mound of un-branched stems and large three to eight inch long dark green leaves. Green buds appear on the end of each stem in May to early June, with blooms emerging as apple green, then turning creamy white, then brown. These inflorescences range from 4 to 12 inches in diameter. With abundant rainfall, they will flop and may require staking. If the old flowers are removed by late June-early July, a second flowering may occur in August-September, but the flowers are smaller.  'Annabelle' should be utilized in shady areas of the garden, preferably in groupings or masses. Under trees, it makes a terrific color splash.

'Annabelle' was discovered by two ladies who were riding horses near Anna, Illinois. They noticed the uniqueness of the flowers and brought the plant back to their garden in Anna. The two Belles and the town of Anna resulted in the cultivar name.

Hydrangea arborescens is native to North America, including all of the Southeastern states. Since ‘Annabelle’ became the Georgia Gold Medal shrub winner in 1995, other varieties have become available, including the recently released ‘Incrediball’, with stronger stems and very large bloom clusters.
Find out about other Georgia Gold Medal winners here.
GGM Facebook page.

Incrediball Hydrangea is another Hydrangea arborescens selection from Proven Winners with large flowers and sturdy stems.

Free Brass Concerts at SBG

Don’t forget that we still have two free brass concerts planned this summer at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia – inside the air-conditioned Visitor Center/Conservatory!

Evening Concert by the Classic V Brass Quintet

Tuesday, July 24 at 7:00 pm

We are looking forward to this free, lively evening concert by the Classic V Brass Quintet. Expect tunes like Puttin’ on the Ritz, Stephen Foster Medley and American Patrol March, maybe with a piece of Baroque music mixed in.  Make it an evening out – start with dinner at Donderos’ Kitchen inside the Conservatory.

Athens Brass Choir Concert

Sunday, August 5 at 3:00 pm

Expect some Americana, Olympic fanfare, and more ‘fun stuff’ at this concert inside the air-conditioned conservatory.

Experience Foods from Around the World at Cultures & Cuisines Fundraiser in the International Garden

Seven area restaurants will feature cuisines celebrating the Spanish-American, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean sections of the International Garden at Cultures & Cuisines, a fundraising event on August 23 that will help expand the plant collections of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Square One Fish Co., Last Resort Grill, The Grit, The National, Speakeasy, Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market and Ted's Most Best will offer tastings of dishes complemented by wine selections from Northeast Sales & Distributing and beer from Terrapin Brewing.

Each restaurant will donate the food to support the Garden and advertise this event to their customers.

The event will be located inside the Gardenside Room on the lower level of the Visitor Center/Conservatory and in the International Garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 South Milledge, Athens from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Music will be performed by BotJam, comprised of past and present Garden employees who won a crowd favorite award at the 2011 AthensBusinessRocks contest.  “This event will be completely casual” explains Jeannette Coplin, Director of Horticulture and Grounds at the State Botanical Garden. “We want people to enjoy the collections, food, music and each other while showing their support of our gardens.” All funds raised will go towards expanding and maintaining the plant collections, which are not only educational, but inspire visitors to try new plants and plant combinations—tested in this climate—as part of home landscapes. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens includes a Daffodil Display Garden, All-American Selections Display and Conifer Reference Garden.

Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased by calling 706-542-1244 or at the event. 

Back to Camp

By: Chelsea Carter



As a kid I can remember my mom enrolling me in practically every summer camp. I was the hyperactive kid who wasn’t allowed to eat chocolate at snack time in art camp, the clumsy kid who knocked over the Bunsen burner in science camp, and the eager kid excited to learn new tricks at gymnastics camp. Every year I looked forward to summer and the adventures it would bring. When given the assignment to spend the day at the State Botanical Garden’s Earth Garden summer camp I jumped with excitement and was ready to explore nature with the campers.


We started off the day reviewing what the campers had learned earlier in the week and singing a cute song about the water cycle. The group received the daily letter from the mysterious jabberwocky outlining the campers’ task for the day. Along with the note were tools the kids would need along their journey. Today’s task was to catch creatures from the stream and observe their habitat. During the hike to the stream, campers were encouraged to find water. Whoever could find water got to wear the coveted “Sop the Drop” necklace. This trains the campers to be aware of their surroundings and is a fun way to keep the kids attention on nature. However, the most popular conversation on our journey involved the jabberwocky. The question of who is the jabberwocky echoed from camper to camper. A group of boys had formed the “Mystery Club” and deemed themselves investigators of the jabberwocky. The prime suspect for today was Camp Leader Cora. The mystery of the jabberwocky kept the kids entertained during the walk to the stream and ignited the imaginations of many campers.

Camper showing off Sop the Drop.

At the stream the kids learned about the signs of healthy water and the creatures that live in the stream. They picked their tools for catching creatures and went to work. It wasn’t long before the campers learned the best way to catch fast fish and sneaky crawfish. On the walk back to the classroom, the kids played Fox, a hide-and-seek game that helps the kids stay aware of their environment. By the end of our day at camp the kids couldn’t wait to share their exciting adventure with their parents.


While these kids could have learned about the ecosystem of the stream through other creative teaching methods, the hands-on experience provided by the Earth Garden camp increases the chance that this new information will be remembered and creates a more interactive atmosphere. The campers will remember the fun day they had at the stream and what they learned for many years to come, and so will I.

For more information about educational programs at the State Botanical Garden visit our website.

Garden with the Curators - 3 summer evenings scheduled.

Heirloom vegetables in the Heritage Garden.

Would you like to garden beside our curators, but don’t really have time to commit to a volunteer position? This summer, we have scheduled three Tuesday evenings when people are welcome to weed, water and harvest heirloom vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants with Debbie Mitchell, Curator of Heritage Garden, and Billie Gotsch, Curator of International Garden.  As Debbie says “The Garden looks so beautiful and different at night (plus, Gardening at Night is an awesome REM song!) Also, some of the best friendships I have ever had have started while gardening - there is just something about the action of gardening that lends itself to good conversation.” So come garden in our garden, learn from our curators, and get to know others in the Athens area. Meet in Heritage Garden Gazebo on Tuesdays, June 26, July 24 and August 21 at 6:00 pm and we will work until 8:00. This is free and open to all ages.

Oh – you have GOT to go to the Sunflower Concerts!

Last week, at Friends First Friday, William Tonks told us about the acts that are scheduled this year at the Sunflower Music Series, held outdoors on Tuesday evenings in the Flower Garden. William created the Sunflower Music Series 11 years and 35 concerts ago, shortly after he became a staff member of The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. He has booked the many acts, usually artists involved in the Athens Music Scene, a scene that he has been a part of for decades. Tonks has played with Bloodkin, Barbara Cue, Redneck Greece De-lux and The Hot Burritos, plus releasing his own CD a few years ago. His insights into this year’s acts puts a season ticket purchase on the must-do list! Here’s why:

June 12 – Randall Bramblett; Whisper Kiss opening

Bramblett (http://www.randallbramblett.com/) has recorded and toured with fellow Georgians Gregg Allman and Chuck Leavell (now the keyboardist for The Rolling Stones) and is presently concentrating on his solo albums when not performing as the touring sax player for Steve Winwood. Randall has experience and talent and is known for his songwriting and musicianship. Expect rock, blues and jazz in this performance.

Whisper Kiss is an acoustic trio with pretty harmony singing (here’s a YouTube video from last year.)

July 10 – Romper Stompers; Danielle Howle opening

This was the act with the funny name that everyone put onto their calendar after William Tonks described the group and played a few songs. Athens’ Widespread Panic is one of the top grossing 100 touring acts in this country, and Tonks has teamed up with Todd Nance from Widespread Panic, Jon Mills from Barbara Cue, and Danny Hutchens of Bloodkin, who he described as ‘one of the best songwriters ever to come out of Georgia.’ They will be joined by Widespread Panic’s percussionist Sunny Ortiz. These seasoned rock stars came together to create a rock band for kids, one that adults enjoy listening to and kids can relate to. All this talent, singing about snow days and sweet peas! “We get a great response from childish grownups,” Tonks chuckles, “but the messages are there for kids when they can hear the words.”

Danielle Howle is feisty, funny and smart and has opened for the Indigo Girls and Ani deFranco.



August 28 – Grogus

A crowd favorite, Grogus will play Latin jazz, traditional Cuban and Caribbean styles and funk versions of jazz standards. They are past recipients of the Flagpole Athens Music Award in both the Jazz and World Music categories. They just make you feel good, listening to the upbeat lyrics and tempo. You just want to kick off your shoes and dance in the super-soft grass in front of the stage. Grogus has been part of the Sunflower Music Series for years, creating a joyful dance party on the lawn.



September 25 – Arvin Scott Quartet

Athens is known for its music, but not necessarily jazz. But there is one Athens resident who is world-renowned as a jazz musician: drummer/percussionist Arvin Scott, who will deliver an uplifting World Beat/Jazz performance with his quartet. The mood will be perfect, since this late September concert will have an earlier nightfall and cooler temperatures.



Each of the two-hour concerts begins at 7 p.m. on the stage of the State Botanical Garden’s terraced Flower Garden. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and picnic dinners or purchase dinner from Donderos’ Kitchen. Lawn chairs are only allowed for those with physical limitations. In case of inclement weather, the concerts will be held inside the Visitor Center and Conservatory.



Tickets are $15 each, $10 for Friends of the Garden members and $5 for children ages 6-12. Have you heard enough to commit to season tickets? Season tickets for all four concerts are $50, $35 for Friends and $15 for children ages 6-12. Admission to each concert includes beverages and light snacks. For information on the concert series or to purchase tickets, call 706/542-1244. Tickets also may be purchased at the Garden Gift Shop or Wuxtry Records.



The Sunflower Music Series is sponsored by Friends of the Garden, Northeast Sales Distributing, Inc., Athens Coca-Cola, Musicians Warehouse, Flagpole and WUGA 91.7/97.9.
Click here to read the UGA Press Release.

Fun events and classes at the Garden in early June!

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Introducing the Common Plant Families of Georgia

Saturday, June 2 from 8:30 am -12:30 pm.

Attend any wedding and you’re bound to spot some family resemblances along the pews. Wander through a garden and, if you are observant, you’ll see family resemblances there too. You might not know the name of the plant but you’ll be able to pick out its relatives and be well on your way to learning its ID. In this workshop we will spend time learning about some common plant families, recognizing their characteristics in the classroom or garden, and giving you the skills to rapidly identify the unknown plants that you might run across. This class is also an opportunity to get to know Dr. Wilf Nicholls, the Garden's new(ish) Director, who is known for his entertaining and accessible talks and classes (guaranteed the morning will fly by with lots of laughs.) $50 ($45 members) FYI - This is a Certificate in Native Plants class, so if you have been thinking about going after the certificate, this is a good introduction. You are welcome to take the class whether or not you are registered in the CNP program. Call 706-542-6156 to register or go online at botgarden.uga.edu.



Connecting Stories and Passions: A Creative Workshop

Saturday, June 2, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon.

Writing, art, and nature are all touchpoints to stir creative souls. Connecting Stories and Passions: A Creative Workshop will explore ways to create and connect to stories and passions from our lives on Saturday, June 2, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. By using several writing and drawing techniques, participants create mini-sensory journals focused on experiences with nature, write brief narratives that deepen a sense of personal story, and explore ways to play with language through poetry and visual art. Taught in the Gardenside Room in the lower level of the Visitor Center/Conservatory of The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens, students can gather inspiration from expansive garden views while at this three hour workshop.

Instructor Carlyn C. Maddox teaches and writes in Athens, Georgia. She has a M.A. in creative writing from Florida State University and has presented Writing and Healing workshops for statewide and national addiction conferences. Her writing manual, Voicing the Scars, is forthcoming.

Register for this $40 workshop ($35 for Friends members) by calling 706-542-6156 or online at botgarden.uga.edu.



Cooking in the Garden: Summer Salads and Stir Fry

Tuesday, June 5, 6:00-8:00 pm

$36 (Friends members $30) -- Limited to 40 people.

The cooking demonstration will be taking place in the Gardenside Room (see menu below with highlighted herbs). The fee includes dinner, demonstration, recipes, and drinks. We will close registration on Friday, June 1. Registration is open online or by calling 706-542-6156.

Come sit down for a nice dinner and cooking demonstration in the Garden. Dr. Tim Dondero, Executive Chef, Dondero’s Kitchen, will be preparing fresh items from the Garden. Coffee and tea will be provided but feel free to bring a beverage of your own choice.

Menu:

Bruschetta with gorgonzola, honey and shredded basil—appetizer (Genovese basil)

Watermelon and feta salad with lemon and herb-infused oil (Lemon and lemon thyme)

Spring mix greens with herbed balsamic vinaigrette (Marjoram and mint)

Pollo alle erbe (Italian Stir-fried Chicken with fresh herbs and white wine) (Fennel, oregano, rosemary) ---

White (wine) sangria with fruit and herbs (Tarragon, lavender, fennel, mint)



****Vegan options with bruschetta without gorgonzola and spring mix salad and sangria



Daylilly Show and Sale

North Georgia Daylily Society presents its 20th annual Daylilly Show and Sale in the Visitor Center/Conservatory on Saturday, June 9.



Free Afternoon Concert in the Visitor Center/Conservatory– Classic V Brass Quintet

Sunday, June 10 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Bring the entire family out for a garden stroll, lunch at Donderos’ kitchen – and a lively, free concert by the Classic V Brass Quintet. This group is only 2 years old, but has been active playing throughout the community. Now you can hear them in our air-conditioned conservatory, playing marches, dance music, medleys and Baroque music.

Go Behind the Scenes with our Research & Conservation Department

I spent an hour chatting with a couple staff members in our Research & Conservation Department yesterday and was amazed at all they do statewide. The small research & conservation staff at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia has made a major impact safeguarding and restoring habitats and rare and endangered plants by working with many landowners, volunteers and organizations throughout Georgia and the Southeast.  Tuesday evening you can hear all about it - and take a free insider's tour of our new Center for Native Plant Studies. So join us for

Plant Conservation Day—A Behind the Scenes Tour

on Tuesday, May 15 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. We will meet at the Powerline cut parking lot near the Middle Oconee River (we will put a sign out, but if you get lost, just come to the Visitor Center and we will give you directions.)
Plant Conservation Day was started in 2001 by the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH), and has been actively celebrated by zoos throughout the United States since then. In 2006, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) partnered with AZH to help expand Plant Conservation Day celebrations to botanic gardens. For more information call 706-542-6156.

 

World-renowned violinist Robert McDuffie to perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the McDuffie Center for Strings Orchestra of Mercer University

Free concert in a tropical conservatory on April 25th.
We are excited about this concert at the Garden. Yesterday a woman called me from Atlanta and said she was thrilled to hear about the concert, because she heard Robert McDuffie perform in Europe and was a great fan. Here is our press release, telling you all the details. Just make sure you call in a reservation, because seating is limited.

Students and faculty from the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, Mercer University, Macon will perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s Visitor Center & Conservatory on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

Founded as a special institute within Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music, the McDuffie Center for Strings is a highly selective program that prepares string students for success in the real world. Enrollment is limited to twelve violinists, six violists, six cellists and two double bassists. This exceptional evening will feature the gifted students in this program. This Botanic Musicale concert is part of a series created in honor of Neva Langley Fickling, whose talent as a pianist helped her become the only Miss Georgia to wear the Miss America crown. Neva has performed as a guest soloist with the Macon, Atlanta, Utah, and Benevento, Italy, Symphony Orchestras and given numerous recitals.

Highlighting the evening will be Robert McDuffie, a Grammy-nominated violinist who founded the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings and serves as distinguished university professor of music at Mercer University. McDuffie has appeared as soloist with most of the major orchestras of the world, including the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics, Santa Cecilia Orchestra of Rome, Venice Baroque Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony, Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Mexico, and all of the major orchestras of Australia. He has been profiled on NBC’s “Today”, “CBS Sunday Morning”, PBS’s “Charlie Rose”, A&E’s “Breakfast with the Arts”, and in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Performing on the harpsichord, Elizabeth Pridgen, the G. Leslie Fabian piano chair in music at the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, has distinguished herself as a soloist and chamber musician and has appeared as soloist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Rome Symphony Orchestra, and DeKalb Symphony Orchestra. She performs regularly at festivals, including the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, the Rome Chamber Festival in Rome, Italy, the Strings Music Festival in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and the Madison Chamber Music Festival in Madison, Georgia.

This concert is free to the public, but with limited seating. Advance tickets may be reserved by calling 706-542-6014. The concert begins at 7:00 pm and is followed by a reception in the Gardenside Room.

Restoring Native Habitat

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens is developing The Center for Native Plant Studies within the Garden to develop methods for propagating and growing native plants, research endangered and other native plants, and work on habitat restoration. Several acres of privet were cleared last fall as an initial step toward restoring the biodiversity of the floodplain forest understory. You can see in this photo that light returns to the forest floor in the areas where the dense evergreen privet is removed. We were pleased to see trillium, mayapple, corydalis and wild geranium pop up in that area this spring.

Botanical Garden staff are working with UGA classes to determine the best way to restore this habitat, with the goal of developing a template for landowners and government agencies to reclaim lands overrun by privet and other invasive species. On Tuesday, May 15, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm, the Garden’s Research & Conservation Department is leading a free behind the scenes tour of the Center for Native Plant Studies. Meet at the powerline cut parking lot near the Middle Oconee River. For more information call 706-542-6156.

Looking for a different way to spend the evening? Why not dance among the palms?

Free Cha-Cha Lesson on March 27th!

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia recently opened its Visitor Center to the public on Tuesday evenings so people could experience the Garden at a different time of day.
“Evenings are a special time to come and visit. In the Conservatory or out in the gardens, there are scents and sounds and an atmosphere totally different from the daylight hours” explains garden director Wilf Nicholls. “Every Tuesday night, the Visitor Center with Dondero’s Kitchen and the Garden Shop will be open and we are planning all sorts of different events to draw people to the garden.”
One upcoming event will be an opportunity for people to learn a new dance inside the great room of the Visitor Center & Conservatory. On March 27, 2012 at 6:30 Ron Putman will be teaching the cha-cha to couples and singles who have always wanted to try a dance class. This free event will start with a demonstration of the cha-cha, then Putman will teach basic steps and variations. “In an hour participants can be dancing the cha-cha to Latin music, Maroon 5 or Lady Gaga” says Putman.
Now a professional instructor and an award-winning competitive dancer, Ron has competed in several states and two countries with four professional and three amateur partners. When not competing, Ron teaches Ballroom, Swing and Country dance as well as wedding choreography to individuals, couples and groups. On April 1st, 2012 Putman will be performing with Barbara Dooley at the Classic Center in Dancing with the Athens Stars 2012, a fundraiser for ProjectSafe.

Mark your calendars - Major Plant Sales in Athens area on April 14th!

Plantapalooza:
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, The UGA Horticulture Club and
The Trial Gardens at UGA Combine Spring Plant Sales in Athens on April 14th

Athens, Georgia, the hotspot of horticulture, is home to outstanding public gardens, including The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Trial Gardens at UGA, as well as many specialty nurseries, the top school in horticulture, and horticulture celebrities. Athens has long been a travel destination for plant enthusiasts, but on Saturday, April 14, 2012 many gardeners will journey to Athens to attend Plantapalooza at the State Botanical Garden, the UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA. A wide array of garden plants that thrive in the Southeast will be available at each location from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, along with horticulturists, volunteers and Master Gardeners to help with plant selections. Admission is free for all plant sales.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia (botgarden.uga.edu), headquarters of the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program (www.georgiagoldmedalplants.org), will have Gold Medal plants noted among its broad selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, and more. This sale will also offer many native plants grown at the State Botanical Garden. The Garden Gift Shop and Donderos’ Kitchen (serving coffee drinks and a selection of handmade breakfast and lunch items) will be open.

The Trial Gardens at UGA grows and tests the newest annuals and perennials from plant breeders throughout the world and will offer unique plants that are difficult to find anywhere else in the state. Dr. Allan Armitage will be available to sign his books (which will be for sale) and lead tours of the Trial Garden (www.ugatrialgardens.com). Profits from all sales help fund research and student employees in the gardens.

The UGA Horticulture Club will be selling a wide range of garden and landscape plants near the intersection of Riverbend Road and College Station Road. Profits from all sales fund projects for students in the Horticulture program.

Gardeners who participate in the 2012 Plantapalooza will be able to get a special card stamped to receive discounts in many area nurseries. Each participating retailer will have a drawing for $25 worth of plants for Plantapalooza participants. Directions and information about participating retailers are available online at ugatrialgardens.com. Information on Athens hotels and attractions can be found at www.VisitAthensGA.com.

Participating retailers:

Cofer's Home and Garden Showplace
1145 Mitchell Bridge Road, Athens
(706) 353-1519, cofers.com

Goodness Grows
332 Elberton Road, Lexington
(706) 743-5055, goodnessgrows.com

Specialty Ornamentals
3650 Colham Ferry Road, Watkinsville
(706) 310-0143, specialtyornamentals.com

Thomas Orchard and Nursery
6091 Macon Highway, Bishop
(706) 769-5011, thomasorchardsandnursery.com

Thyme After Thyme
550 Athens Road, Winterville
(706) 742-7149, thymeafterthyme.com

Wildwood Specialty Nursery
4970 Lexington Road, Athens
(706) 201-6559, wildwoodspecialtynursery.com

Wolfskin Nursery
10325 Double Bridges Road, Winterville
(706)543-5051.


Site Locations:

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia botgarden.uga.edu
2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens

The Trial Gardens at UGA www.ugatrialgardens.com
220 W Green Street, Athens behind Snelling Dining Hall

The UGA Horticulture Club www.hortclub.uga.edu
near the intersection of Riverbend Road and College Station Road

Tuesday nights in February

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s Visitor Center & Conservatory in Athens is now open to the public on Tuesday evenings until 8:30 pm. People can meet with friends to enjoy coffee or a light dinner at Donderos’ Kitchen, the new coffee and sandwich shop. Visitors may browse the Garden’s gift shop or enjoy the conservatory plantings, the display gardens or the art exhibit in the Garden’s Visitor Center & Conservatory at 2450 South Milledge Avenue in Athens.

In addition, an eclectic mix of activities is offered throughout February. On February 7 at 7:00pm, Stuart Cofer of Cofer’s Home & Garden will speak about camellias, a classic Southern shrub that was a 2011 Georgia Gold Medal winner. If your garden already contains these diverse evergreens or the sculptural blooms inspire you to add camellias to your garden, Stuart would be a knowledgeable resource to help select camellias and guide you in pruning and care for these low-maintenance landscape plants. He will bring some examples of camellias that bloom in February.

On February 14 there will be a romantic Valentine’s Dinner in the conservatory catered by Donderos’ Kitchen. For $70 per couple or $40 per person (add $10 per person if reservations are made after February 10th) guests can enjoy a delicious buffet and are welcome to bring their own wine. Call 706-542-6359 or 706-389-7955 to make reservations or for more information. Seating will be at 6:30 pm.

On February 21 noted horticulturist Allan Armitage will speak about The Gardens of Japan as part of ‘The World is My Garden’ series. This series is co-sponsored by the Friends of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Friends of the Athens-Clarke County Library, with proceeds benefitting the State Botanical Garden, The UGA Trial Gardens, and the library. Visit botgarden.uga.edu or call 706-542-6138 to purchase the $10 tickets to these talks.

Live music is planned on February 28. “Actually, we welcome musicians to gather for an impromptu jam session in the garden on Tuesday evenings. We can always find a spot for you to play,” reports William Tonks, the Garden’s director of facilities and a musician himself. “We also welcome painters, book groups, writing groups, and more. Our café is wireless and surrounded by tropical plants – what a great spot to gather!”