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.