Atlanta | Gainesville | September - December 2018
Scarecrows on tap Plug into Garden Lights Gainesville’s Children’s Garden
| Atlanta President’s Message I just returned from South Africa for a meeting of the International Advisory Council of Botanic Gardens Conservation International, where leaders of gardens worldwide focused on moving the international strategy to conserve plants forward, including endangered flora. The Garden’s efforts are an essential part of that strategy, and our Nourish & Flourish Campaign is enabling us to build a new facility for supporting them. The Garden has accelerated its conservation work, most recently formally establishing the Southeastern Center for Conservation. The center supports a robust, multi-faceted conservation program that includes on the ground conservation work, linked with research and training with universities. Yet, the center is more than a physical facility; it’s a conservation think tank that brings together partners that support the mission and work in harmony to save plants, maintain data and train future leaders. Construction is under way on a new building that will contain the center and house our conservation, horticulture and Orchid Center staffs. Once completed next spring, it will include a new tissue culture lab and a training lab for college and high school interns, providing hands-on learning in conservation research and botany. The building will complement the Orchid Center with its glass exterior and a welcoming small plaza facing the Edible Garden. Visitors will enter a new gallery hall, connecting the plaza to the public spaces including a new classroom, catering kitchen, orchid library and Orchid Center entrance. The capital campaign has had a tremendous impact on how we serve our community, visitors and members, and this new facility is the foundation for the work that we do – both today and tomorrow.
Fantastic fall, y’all The October calendar is stuffed with fun things to do with the entire family, from the ever-popular Scarecrows in the Garden to Fest-of-Ale. It’s also the final weeks for taking in Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time.
SCARECROWS IN THE GARDEN Atlanta & Gainesville, October 2 – 31 Dozens of creations by area schools, artists, designers and families are perched throughout the Garden. Sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation.
FEST-OF-ALE Atlanta, October Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m. Explore Scarecrows in the Garden during the weekly beer fest featuring a variety of specialty ales from cash bars and live musical entertainment.
GREAT PUMPKIN-CARVING CONTEST Atlanta, Thursday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. An annual favorite, watch as contestants compete for the most creative pumpkin heads in the Garden!
GOBLINS IN THE GARDEN Atlanta & Gainesville, Sunday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Show off the kids’ Halloween costumes on the Goblin Runway and participate in fall-themed art activities.
IMAGINARY WORLDS Atlanta & Gainesville, through Oct. 28 Don’t miss the final weeks of this summer’s blockbuster exhibition of giant topiary-like sculptures throughout both gardens.
Mary Pat Matheson The Anna and Hays Mershon President & CEO
| Official News Publication for Members of the Atlanta Botanical Garden | Atlanta | Gainesville Vice President, Marketing: Sabina Carr | Editor: Danny Flanders | Designer: Bo Shell | Membership Manager: Claudia McDavid 2
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Atlanta |
Garden, Smithsonian partner to transfer frogs Fourteen years ago a group of scientists raced to evacuate frogs from the wilds of Panama before they could become infected with a deadly fungus that was sweeping the region. Dozens of the frogs were relocated to the Garden, where they were quarantined and some species were bred for conservation purposes. Fast forward to this summer when the Garden partnered with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and others to return many of the frogs to Panama for captive-breeding efforts with the ultimate goal of releasing them in the wild. “It’s like our amphibian conservation program has come full circle,” said Mary Pat Matheson, the Garden’s President & CEO. “When we first got involved with frogs, the expertise just was not there. Now, there are others working in the amphibians’ native countries to move the conservation efforts forward so that we are one step closer to reintroducing them to the wild.” Today, as more programs dedicated to amphibian conservation have been developed around the world, the need for hosting the frogs out of country is not as great as it was during that critical period. For that reason, the Garden has partnered with the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project (PARC), a captive-breeding effort in Panama led by the Smithsonian, the Cheyenne
Mountain Zoo, the Houston Zoo and Zoo New England. This summer the Garden repatriated 47 Lemur Leaf Frogs and Crowned Treefrogs to that country so that they can be bred and their genes preserved. “These animals represent 14 years of conservation investment by the Garden, so we are honored to work together to bring the frogs back to their home country,” said Brian Gratwicke, PARC’s International Coordinator. “They will provide a huge boost to the genetic stock of our captive Panamanian populations, and we hope to use their offspring to experimentally rebuild the wild populations that have been decimated by disease.” The Garden will continue its amphibian
Crowned Treefrog
conservation efforts and its live displays of rare frog species in the Fuqua Conservatory, but by partnering with the Panama project it’s able to transfer its focus from breeding to research and education. Chelsea Thomas, Amphibian Program Coordinator
Lemur Leaf Frog
Build a ‘layer cake’ with spring bulbs Part of Atlanta Blooms! is finding exciting, new bulbs to display each year as well as fun new ways to use them. One way is layering in which multiple types of bulbs with varying bloom times are planted in the fall within a single bed. Next spring, the end result will be stunning. Within a single bed (or container), combinations can be made with crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, anemones and others for blooms that unfurl as early as February and last through the end of April. In ground, the general rule of thumb is to plant bulbs twice as deep as they are tall. So start with the tallest – daffodils, hyacinths and tulips – add soil and layer in the smaller bulbs like anemone, crocus and muscari
on top, covering with more soil. Think of it like icing the layers of a cake. For pots, bulbs need plenty of room to develop their roots. Fill the pot half way or more with soil, again starting with the biggest bulbs first and ending with the smallest bulbs just below the surface of the soil. Some favorites displayed in this fashion along the Skyline Garden’s Flower Walk last spring included Pacific Pearl tulip with ‘Mr. Fokker’ anemone and ‘Thalia’ narcissus, and Muscari ‘White Magic’ with Hyacinth ‘Pink Pearl’ and Tulip ‘Apricot Foxx’. Amanda Bennett, Display Gardens Manager atlantabg.org
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| Atlanta
Two orchid collections nationally recognized Two of the Garden’s orchid collections recently received national accreditation. Accreditation is a distinction conferred by the American Public Gardens Association upon plant collections that meet high standards of collections management and institutional commitment. Known as Nationally Accredited Plant Collections®, they make germplasm available for taxonomic studies, evaluation, breeding and other research; and their institutions serve as centers of information about their collections. Nationally Accredited Plant Collections™ become part of APGA’s Plant Collections Network which coordinates these efforts throughout North America. Stanhopea and Gongora are neotropical orchids noted for their powerful fragrance and remarkable pollination methods. They are pollinated exclusively by euglossine bees, large iridescent bumblebee relatives that are attracted to specific floral fragrances such as wintergreen, eucalyptus and cinnamon. Male bees collect the floral volatiles by scratching the surface of the orchid’s lip. The fragrances are then used by the bee to attract female bees. While collecting the fragrance, the bee often
Stanhopea
Gongora
loses his grip and falls in such a way that the flower’s pollen masses are deposited on his thorax and carried to the next flower he visits. The Garden has the largest and most diverse collection of Stanhopea and Gongora in the United States. The Stanhopea collection includes 72 species and varieties, and comprises 372 plants, while Gongora includes 48 species and varieties, and 210 plants. The collections are displayed year round in the Fuqua Orchid Center, allowing educators and docents to introduce concepts of pollination biology, coevolution and plant
diversity to students and visitors. Stanhopea and Gongora species also are pollinated for seedling production, data production and distribution to botanical gardens and university teaching collections. Stanhopea and Gongora now join Sarracenia, Acer and Magnolia as Nationally Accredited Plant Collections™ at the Garden. Becky Brinkman Fuqua Orchid Center Manager
Shakespeare comes to the Garden The Skyline Garden will be transformed into an outdoor theater this fall as the Alliance Theatre presents a whimsical adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream there September 12 – October 21. This year the theater is taking its entire season on the road while its home in the Woodruff Arts Center undergoes renovation. Look for lots of surprises and plenty of twists and turns in this take on Shakespeare’s most popular comedy. In conjunction with the show, the 4
Garden will host a free Lunchtime Culture presentation, “Flying Through the Flowers: A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Nature” on Thursday, Sept. 13 at noon. Director David Seth Catlin will discuss the artistic adventure of producing one of Shakespeare’s classics in the Garden (Lunch is not included with the program, and outside food is not allowed in the Garden. Longleaf restaurant and the Quick Café will be open). For information, call 404-733-5000 or visit alliancetheatre.org/midsummer.
Atlanta |
Garden of Eden Ball to honor Bob and Margaret Reiser This year’s Garden of Eden Ball, themed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” marks the 37th anniversary of the Garden’s largest annual fundraising event. Set for Saturday, Sept. 29, the event honors Margaret and Bob Reiser for their dedication to and support for the Garden over the years as well as their philanthropic leadership throughout the community. Chaired by Betty and Robert Balentine, the ball begins with cocktails, followed by dinner, catered by Legendary Events, and dancing in a tented ballroom decorated by Kathy Rainer and Tricky Wolfes of Parties to Die For. Cox Enterprises is presenting sponsor, with additional support from the Isdell Family Foundation. For more information, call 404-591-1730 or visit gardenofedenball.org.
Ball Chairs Betty and Robert Balentine
Circle Members ORCHID CIRCLE
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Cary, Jr. Mrs. Anne Cox Chambers Dr. Lawrence E. Cooper and Mrs. Carol Cooper Mr. and Mrs. John H. Crawford, IV Mr. and Mrs. Martin L. Flanagan Mr. and Mrs. J. Rex Fuqua Mr. and Mrs. Peter R. Furniss Mr. and Mrs. S. Taylor Glover Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harrison Mrs. Sara Hoyt Mr. and Mrs. John S. Inman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Z. Kay Mr. and Mrs. James C. Kennedy Linda and Edward McGinn Mr. and Mrs. Ray D. Moses Eunjae and Arturo Peralta-Ramos Robin and Marc Pollack Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Reiser, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Rigby Mr. and Mrs. H. Bronson Smith Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sward Carol and Ramon Tomé Ms. Joni R. Winston
MAGNOLIA CIRCLE
Mr. and Mrs. Carleton Allen Melissa and Philip Babb Ms. Elkin Goddard Alston Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Bishop Mr. and Mrs. William R. Cortez Ms. Suzanne M. Dansby Mr. and Mrs. William W. Dixon Michelle Duckett-Hedgebeth and Drew Hedgebeth Mr. and Mrs. John Dyer Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Gatley Dr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Glenn, II Mr. and Mrs. William F. Henagan Mr. and Mrs. Howell Hollis III Mr. Roger A. Hughes Mr. and Mrs. William C. Humphreys, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Huntz, Jr. Mrs. Mary Ellen Imlay Mr. and Mrs. Neville Isdell Mr. and Mrs. W. David Knight
Cara Isdell Lee and Zak Lee Ms. Deborah K. Levey Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Levy Mr. and Mrs. John F. McMullan Mr. and Mrs. John Hays Mershon Mr. and Mrs. W. Thomas Mobley, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James H. Morgens Mr. and Mrs. George Nemhauser Mr. and Mrs. David Poroch Mr. and Mrs. Marbury Rainer Dr. Deborah Levy and Mr. Bert Russo Michelle and Shane Smith Mrs. Laura S. Spearman Mr. and Mrs. James D. Spratt, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. C. Austin Stephens Mrs. Edus Warren Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Wood
ARBOR CIRCLE
Robin Aiken and Bill Bolen Mr. and Mrs. Douglas R. Aldridge Mr. and Mrs. H. Inman Allen Mr. Shepard B. Ansley Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Asher Mr. and Mrs. Jerry B. Attkisson Ms. Kathleen M. Barksdale Mrs. Hye Jeong Beckett and Mr. Matthew Beckett Mr. Steven Behm Mr. and Mrs. James E. Bell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew C. Berberich Mr. and Mrs. Dameron Black, III Christina and Paul Blackney Mr. and Mrs. Frank Blake Ms. Diana Blank Mr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Blank Mr. and Mrs. Moses Bond Mr. Merritt S. Bond Mr. and Mrs. Sam Boyte Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Brewer Mr. William R. Bridges, Jr. Lisa and Ron Brill Susan and Michael Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Norris A. Broyles, Jr. Dr. Patricia Burd and Dr. John Burd Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burke Jan and Gene Burleson
Mrs. Dorothy Burns and Dr. Peter Burns Mr. and Mrs. Russell E. Butner Ms. Mary Calhoun Ms. Candace Carson Mrs. Carolyn Caswell Mr. Daniel J. Chen Martha Clinkscales and David Forquer Kate and Matt Cook Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Cousins Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Cushing Robin Cutshaw and Donna Godsey Dr. Teresa Dau and Dr. Amanda McMillan Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence W. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Peter T. de Kok Audra Dial and Matthew Ford Mr. and Mrs. John Dollarhide Mr. and Mrs. David Dorton Mr. and Mrs. H. Alan Elsas Mr. Steven Esau and Mr. Michael Ferguson Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Fasy Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fraundorf Dr. Henry Frysh Ms. Jennifer Fuqua Lauren Fuqua Maronnier and Arnaud Maronnier Mr. and Mrs. John T. Glover Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Gossage Mrs. Louise M. Grant September and Laurence Gray Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe T. Green, Jr. Dr. Miriam Kelly and Dr. Dick Greene Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Greer, Jr. Mrs. Robert Griffith, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Luther T. Griffith Mr. and Mrs. Chris Gutschenritter Mr. and Mrs. John Hatfield Ms. Anne E. Hayden Ms. Nicolette Hennings and Mr. Michael Paulk Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Hertz Kay and M. Douglas Ivester Ms. Cynthia Jeness Mr. Robert A. Jetmundsen Lewis and Minde King Liza and George Kremer Mr. James H. Landon Mr. John Lewis, Jr. Jeannie and E. Glenn Lightsey Ms. Linda Lively and Mr. Jim Hugh
Mrs. Lynn Lowance Ms. Dorothy Kirkley Mr. and Mrs. James MacGinnitie Mr. and Mrs. Clarke Magruder Mrs. Cindy Mallard Mr. and Mrs. David S. Martin Ms. Molly Martin and Mr. Jeff Cordle Mr. Albert S. McGhee Mr. and Mrs. T. Randolph Merrill Mr. James B. Miller, Jr. Mr. Walter Mitchell Mrs. Nancy Montgomery Ms. Christy O’Neill Mrs. Jean Parker Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Parker Mr. and Mrs. Craig D. Perry Ms. Heather Prill Ms. Denita Pryor Mrs. Mary Anne Quin Mr. and Mrs. Gordon P. Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. Jim Richards Mr. and Mrs. Roby Robinson Ms. Janet Robinson Aldridge Ms. Sylvia E. Russell Jeff Rutel and Kim Adams Lynn and Jan Saperstein Mr. and Mrs. David Schachter Mrs. LuAnne Schwarz Mr. Matthew Sena Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Shields, Jr. Mr. Roger J. Smith and Mr. Christopher Jones Beckie and Dave Smith Dr. Kirsten Spraggins Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Staats, IV Mr. and Mrs. Mason W. Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Terry L. Stinson Mr. and Mrs. Don Swann Ms. Margaretta J. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Jason Taylor Trish and Scott Thompson Kathleen and Jack Thornton Mr. and Mrs. Keith Townsend Mr. and Mrs. William G. Vance Mrs. Nancy Allen Waterfill Mr. and Mrs. George Wolfes Ms. Vivian M. Wright and Mr. Carlton A. Raper
The above gifts were made as of July 23.
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HERE ARE THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS: Debuting last year, “Nature’s Wonders”
1 returns to Storza Woods with its hundreds of vertically hung strings of multi-colored lights suspended from the treetops over the Canopy Walk. This year’s display includes new music, choreography and sound effects in which the more than 70,000 color-changing LED bulbs create images of Northern Lights, a storm at sea and a gentle snowfall, among others.
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Tickets go on sale October 1 for the eighth annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, featuring a new twist on the popular “Nature’s Wonders” threedimensional curtain of lights, new Skyline Garden displays and an outdoor lounge. Atlanta’s favorite holiday tradition, presented nightly November 17 – January 6 from 5 – 11 p.m., also will feature several of the giant topiarylike sculptures from this summer’s popular mosaiculture exhibition, Imaginary Worlds: Once 12:34 PM Upon a Time – all shown in a whole new light.
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atlanta happenings
| Atlanta
Fuqua Lecture: Philip Juras Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.
Falling in Love with Southeastern Grasslands: Georgia artist Philip Juras presents a visual tour of his landscape paintings that document his journey of grassland discovery. Through the coastal plain, high mountain balds, seaside meadows and elsewhere, his work celebrates the rich aesthetic qualities of grasslands while also highlighting that these are threatened ecosystems deserving of attention. This free Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Lecture is made possible by the generous support of the families of Edwina and Tom Johnson and Duvall and Rex Fuqua.
Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time Through October 28 Experience a world of giant topiary-like sculptures throughout both the Atlanta and Gainesville gardens.
Cocktails in the Garden Fresh Plates Series Select Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Relax during a lovely evening of tasting great food prepared by chefs from popular restaurants. Enjoy a glass of wine with four different dishes prepared on the Rooftop Terrace of Longleaf restaurant. Register online or call 404-876-5859, ext. 2559. September 12, John Castellucci, Bar Mercado; September 19, Eddie Hernandez, Taquiera del Sol; September 26, Tonya Morris, Community Smith; October 3, Nick Leahy, Aix and Tin Tin; October 10, Cam Floyd, Estrella; October 17, Taylor Neary, Restaurant Holmes; October 24, Jeb Aldrich, Tiny Lou’s.
Chocolate-Covered Weekend Saturday, Sept. 8 - Sunday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy delicious chocolate samples and fun activities. See the tree where chocolate begins and learn about the chocolate-making process. Stop by the Outdoor Kitchen where Atlanta pastry chefs conduct cooking demonstrations and share culinary tips for chocolate treats.
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September Thursdays, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Enjoy cocktails from cash bars, live entertainment and crafts while exploring Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time.
Garden Chef Demos Weekends, September – October, Noon, 1, 2 p.m. The Edible Garden provides fresh ingredients for Garden chefs to use in their creative and tasty recipes. Stop by for quick tips on cooking fresh from the garden.
Fall Family Fun October Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Youngsters of all ages will delight in fall-themed sensory and art activities. Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Learn more about Chef demos and Chocolate-Covered Weekend at atlantabg.org/clippings.
Atlanta |
Holidays in the Garden
atlanta happenings
Alston Lecture: Mark Weathington Monday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. Gardening in the Southeast: As Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum at N.C. State University, Mark Weathington is passionate in his work to connect people with plants. During this free presentation, he will cover plants, pests, soils, and climate – everything needed to become a successful gardener in the Southeast. Reservations not required. A book-signing will follow. The Philip and Elkin Alston Lecture series is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Loridans Foundation.
Scarecrows in the Garden October 2 – 31 Some 100 creations by area schools, artists, designers and families are perched throughout the Southern Seasons and Children’s gardens during this popular fall tradition (Scarecrows registration through Sept. 7 at atlantabg.org). Enjoy Fall Family Fun with games and art activities on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Fest-of-Ale October Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m. Explore Scarecrows in the Garden during a favorite weekly beer fest featuring a variety of specialty ales from cash bars and live musical entertainment.
Goblins in the Garden Sunday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Show off the kids’ Halloween costumes on the Goblin Runway, participate in fallthemed art activities, listen to a storyteller and enjoy pony and train rides. There’s even a cash bar for adult goblins.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights Saturday, Nov. 17 – Sunday, Jan. 6 5 – 11 p.m. The eighth annual holiday extravaganza dazzles nightly with millions of coolcolored new LED lights and displays.
Holiday Model Trains Saturday, Nov. 17 – Sunday, Jan. 6 Join kids and the kids at heart for this holiday favorite. Presented with the support of Macy’s.
Holiday Ride-on Train Saturdays – Sundays, Nov. 17 – Jan. 6 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All aboard the Botanical Express for a trip around the Great Lawn. $5 per passenger. $3 for members.
Botanical Saint Nick Saturdays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bring your camera and tell all of your holiday wishes to Saint Nick while also enjoying fun holiday activities.
Reindog Parade Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Register your dog for this favorite holiday tradition starting November 1. During the event, pups don holiday finery and parade before judges for prizes as Best Puppy, Best Adult, Best Botanical, Best Dog-Owner Dress-aLike, and Best Dog Pack. The cost, in addition to regular admission, is $15 per dog in advance or $18 at the door. Space is limited so register early! atlantabg.org
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| Gainesville
A Note from the Director As construction began on the Children’s Garden this summer, the staff began to plan programming for the new space as well. While the Children’s Garden will be a magical space with many opportunities for free play and hands-on exploration, programming adds another layer of year-round interest and fun for young visitors. The Garden is fortunate to have a talented and creative education team in Atlanta, and the collaborative efforts between the Atlanta and Gainesville staffs will certainly benefit the new Children’s Garden. The Atlanta team knows what works when it comes to the varied programs that can be offered. Speaking of design, two of the frog sculptures from this summer’s Imaginary Worlds exhibition will be moved to the Whimsical Water area of the Children’s Garden where from the top of a hill they will shoot water at each other across the Tadpole Pond. The move should bring smiles to all who see them! And remember that the exhibition continues through the end of October – so now’s the time to see these wonderful works of living sculpture before they leave. Between the sculptures, the incredible fall color of the woodland and garden, and October’s Scarecrows in the Garden, this fall will be a wonderful time to visit. Mildred Fockele Vice President, Horticulture; Gainesville Director
Book your holiday party! Planning your company’s holiday party? The Gainesville Garden offers a variety of options for private rentals. Contact the Special Events team for more information or to schedule a visit: 404-888-4762 or mrichards2@atlantabg.org. 10
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Tanner Howell, Greenhouse/Nursery Assistant Horticulturist, waters plants in the Gainesville greenhouse.
Diverse plants planned for Children’s Garden One of the challenges in developing a planting plan for Gainesville’s new Children’s Garden opening next year was to create a beautiful, horticulturally diverse planting yet also emphasizing tough, durable plants. The staff worked closely with a landscape designer on a plan that incorporates many trees and shrubs from the Garden’s nursery as well as many “tried-and-true” stalwart perennials. The Garden is growing 90 percent of the plants in the planting plan in its nursery – from trees to shrubs to perennials. The design re-establishes the forest edge as part of the garden and creates a colorful, dynamic garden for all to enjoy. Two of the Garden’s collections plants, Magnolias and Maples, will be used to create a colorful edge planting offering spring Magnolia blooms and the fall color of Maples. Numerous shrubs will provide color and fragrance, and attract pollinators – from native azaleas to St. John’s Wort to Panicle Hydrangeas. Two shrub tunnels leading up a hill will be created from Deutzias grown from seed from the Garden’s International Plant Exploration Program as well as witchhazels that are part of its collections. The Fairy Garden will have some especially fun
representatives from the collections in it – from the dwarf Magnolia liliiflora ‘Minnie Mouse’ to Acer buergerianum ‘Pendula’, which also add interests with its spider-like weeping branches and fiery fall color. Perennials were chosen for long-season interest and heat tolerance. This summer, more than 1,000 plugs of various perennials were ordered that will be grown in the greenhouse and nursery to a 1- or 2-gallon size to be planted next spring in the new garden. These include favorites such as ‘Fireworks’ Goldenrod and Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) as well as the harder-to-find native Beebalm (Monarda bradburiana) and Scarlet Gingerlily (Hedychium coccineum). Look for extras of these perennials to be available at the annual fall and spring plant sales, too. Mildred Fockele Vice President, Horticulture; Gainesville Director
Learn more about plants planned for the Children’s Garden in Gainesville at atlantabg.org/clippings.
Gainesville Atlanta |
Saturday, Sept. 22 See legendary rocker Melissa Etheridge in the Garden’s Ivester Amphitheater. Tickets: concertsinthegarden.org.
Imaginary Worlds: Ogre & Friends Carex oshimensis
This fall, consider planting evergreen perennials in container gardens for saving time and money while also maintaining year-round interest. These plants can be left alone until they outgrow the container or changed out alongside annuals and planted in the landscape to fill in empty spots. Here are several evergreen perennials to consider: • Ornamental grasses such as sedge (Carex oshimensis) and sweet flag (Acorus gramineus) make great options for fall containers, providing a nice variety of color and texture. While they can take some winter sun, look for a moist, shady spot for them when planting them around the garden.
Fall Woodland Ramble & Plant Sale
Heucheras
Last Thursdays Sept. - Oct. 6 – 9 p.m. Sip wine or beer from cash bars and enjoy light bites with live music. September 28: Honoring First Responders in the Community; October 26: Beer fest featuring craft beers.
Scarecrows in the Garden
Helleborus orientalis
October Scarecrows designed by local artists, organizations and businesses will be on display throughout the Garden and compete for prizes.
Goblins in the Garden Sunday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Join the fun with a costume runway, crafts, a magic show and other fun family activities.
• Another great option is Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens). This is a low, creeping groundcover that likes full sun all year round. It puts on a show in springtime when it totally obscures its foliage underneath a mass of pure white flowers.
Cookies and Milk with Santa Saturday, Dec. 8, 1 – 3 p.m. Have some afternoon fun with Santa! Enjoy snacks and crafts while sharing wishes with the jolly fellow.
Michael Del Valle Assistant Horticulturist
Friday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Plant Sale, Members only. Saturday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Woodland Ramble & Plant Sale Browse nature-themed and unique arts and crafts for sale by local artisans. Food truck on site. Plant sale includes woody plants and perennials.
Wine in the Woodlands
• Heucheras, with their mounding foliage ranging from yellow and orange to pink and purple, are a must-have for outstanding color in a container garden. This is also a plant that will take a little winter sun but will need a shady spot when planted in the ground. • For flower power, consider Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis). This popular plant provides a wonderful and long-lasting pop of color when it flowers in the middle of winter and can be planted in full shade.
Through October 28 Experience the exhibition of topiary-like sculptures in Gainesville and Atlanta. In Gainesville, meet the friendly Ogre, Pandas and Frogs. Discovery Stations on the weekends, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
gainesville happenings
Consider evergreen perennials for pots
Concerts in the Garden: Melissa Etheridge
Iberis sempervirens
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Atlanta Botanical Garden | Atlanta 1345 Piedmont Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA 30309
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Address Service Requested
membersonly Member Appreciation Month September is Member Appreciation Month, when Garden members enjoy special offers and the chance to win great prizes, including a weekend stay at The Four Seasons Atlanta. During September, members receive special discounts at the Garden Gift Shop, participating garden centers and other area attractions. Details at atlantabg.org/memberevents.
Gift Shop Sales Members receive exclusive discounts on Gift Shop merchandise throughout fall: Sept. 8-9: 20 percent off chocolate/foods Oct. 27-28: 20 percent off children’s items Holiday merchandise sale: Nov. 17 - Dec. 24: 15 percent off Nov. 15-16, 22-25, Dec. 8-9: 20 percent off
Member Fall Evening Tuesday, Oct. 16, 5 – 8 p.m., Atlanta Members of all levels share a family-friendly night of live music, fun activities and a complimentary treat while supplies last. Details at atlantabg.org/memberevents.
In appreciation The Garden’s trustees and staff deeply appreciate the generosity of its corporate partners and foundations. Their support is vital for ensuring the Garden remains a community resource through its nationally recognized plant collections, engaging educational programs, world-class exhibitions and critical conservation work. Learn more about these partners at atlantabg.org/give. 12
Gift of Membership
Looking for the perfect gift? A Garden membership is a gift for any occasion. Recipients enjoy 12 months of free admission and other valuable benefits. For details, visit atlantabg.org/gift.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights Member Premiere Thursday, Nov. 15, 5 – 10 p.m. Be among the first to experience the eighth annual holiday tradition before the show opens to the public (Member discount tickets apply). Enjoy festive activities and a double discount in the Garden Gift Shop.
CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS AND ABOVE
Light Bites & Garden Insights
Friday, Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Gainesville Tuesday, Oct. 30, 5:30 – 7 p.m., Atlanta Contributing-level and above members are invited to enjoy light bites and exciting presentations by staff experts. Look for an email with details and RSVP information. Upgrade to Contributing: 404-591-1544. For membership questions, visit atlantabg.org/membership.
Students enjoy new internships This summer the Garden welcomed high school and university students involved with two new internship programs. The Conservation and Research department offered an exciting program for undergraduate students from Spelman College, University of North Carolina – Asheville and Georgia Tech, who participated in a wide range of activities. From the lab to the field, the interns did DNA barcoding of the orchid collection, measured native pollinator diversity in Atlanta parks and worked in north Georgia
Clippings is available online at issuu.com/atlantabotanicalgarden
commonground SUPPORT THE GARDEN AS A VOLUNTEER!
Garden Lights Training Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Spread holiday cheer during Garden Lights Holidays Nights! Training will cover all information needed to help greet and direct visitors, roast marshmallows and take pictures for guests. Volunteers must attend the introductory orientation session and commit to volunteering for five shifts.
Children’s Tour Docent Training Wednesdays, Jan. 23 – March 6, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This extensive seven-week course covers each children’s tour for grades K-12. No previous gardening, horticulture or guide experience needed. Attendance is required at all seven classes, and volunteers must commit to leading at least two tours a month during peak seasons. Docents also enjoy monthly lunch meetings and field trips to other cultural institutions and public gardens. Contact Josh Todd at 404-591-1548 or jtodd@atlantabg.org for details about volunteer opportunities. bogs and Florida Panhandle restoration sites. The Education team launched a pilot high school internship program with support from the Coca-Cola Foundation. Students from five local Title I high schools within the Atlanta Public School District – B.E.S.T Academy, Carver, Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Grady, and Therell – spent their summer working with Horticulture, Education, Conservation and Research, and Conservatory Greenhouse teams, developing college and career skills and planning a group project with partners at Friends of Refugees.