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.