Clippings September - December 2019

Atlanta | Gainesville | September – December 2019

frightfully

FUN

Sunflower showdown Winning tips for Reindog Garden Lights reignites!

| Atlanta President’s Message It’s been four years since we opened our Gainesville garden, and I thought it time to celebrate this remarkable location and its importance to the community and our mission. As I strolled through it the other day, I was struck by its natural beauty and how horticultural displays accent the oaks and hickories.

Charles and Lessie Smithgall’s vision was always to preserve that woodland for future generations and asked that the garden we developed not displace its trees.

We built the garden on sites disturbed by a tornado years ago and were fortunate to work with two talented, sensitive landscape architects, Herb Schaal and Tres Fromme. Schaal developed a master site plan that respected the woodland and created harmony with new gardens showcasing native plants and Asian species that grow well here.

Yet the Gainesville location is so much more than a garden to enjoy. It’s also home to our growing plant conservation nursery and international plant evaluation program. We have two thriving nurseries in which rare native plants are studied and used for restoration; collected Asian plants are evaluated for invasiveness and horticultural potential.

This fall we will open the new Children’s Garden, a charming site where families can enjoy the beauty of plants and a natural play environment. This interactive garden will impact generations to come as their special place to learn about nature while enjoying playtime.

The total garden experience is designed for all to enjoy. I am proud of what we have created and how the Gainesville community has embraced it. In a world with shrinking greenspace, this garden is having a positive impact. And it’s also truly a Smithgall Woodland Legacy as the Smithgalls dreamed.

TO 6 REASONS love fall!

IN THE GARDEN 1 SCARECROWS Atlanta & Gainesville, October 1 – November 3

Dozens of creations by area schools, artists, designers and families are perched throughout the Southern Seasons and Children’s gardens. Sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation.

2 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.

PUMPKIN-CARVING CONTEST 3 GREAT Atlanta, Thursday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m.

An annual favorite, watch as contestants compete for the most creative pumpkin heads in the Garden during Fest-of-Ale!

Scarecrows in the Garden

IN THE GARDEN 4 GOBLINS Atlanta & Gainesville, Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Show off the kids’ Halloween costumes on the Goblin Runway, participate in fall-themed art activities.

Goblins in the Garden

Imaginary Worlds: Alice’s Wonderland

WORLDS 5 IMAGINARY Atlanta & Gainesville, through October 27 Don’t miss the final days of this summer’s blockbuster exhibition of giant topiary-like sculptures throughout both gardens. Enjoy the sculptures on Thursday evenings in September from Cocktails in the Garden and October during Fest-of-Ale. Sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation, Isdell Family Foundation and Fulton County Arts & Culture.

6 COOLER TEMPS!

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

atlantabg.org

Atlanta |

Garden gains global accreditation The Garden recently became one of the world’s first botanical gardens to receive Advanced Conservation Practitioner Accreditation by Botanic Gardens Conservation International, recognizing the world-class efforts of the collections and conservation staff.

Botanical gardens are uniquely qualified in documenting, understanding, growing and conserving plant diversity across the world’s plant groups – activities that are not adequately recognized by policymakers yet play an increasingly important role in our changing world.

The new prestigious Advanced Conservation Practitioner Accreditation recognizes the Garden’s importance locally, regionally and globally in working to conserve and enrich plant communities both in the Garden and in the wild. Of the Garden’s thousands of taxa, or plant groups, nearly 300 are listed on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species; of those, 17 are held only at the Garden.

Magnolias, Maples, Sarracenia, and Gongora and Stanhopea orchids are among the Garden’s nationally recognized plant collections. Its Conservation & Research team works to conserve plants and habitat

in the wild; the Southern Appalachian Purple Pitcher Plant and Small Whorled Pogonia are among the many native plants the Garden works to safeguard and conserve.

As the world’s largest plant conservation network, the London-based Botanic Gardens Conservation International is a plant conservation charity of 800 member botanic gardens in 118 countries.

Emily Coffey, PhD Vice President, Conservation & Research

U.S. exhibit features local collection A sample of the Garden’s plant collections can be found in the nation’s capital through October 1, thanks to an exhibit hosted by the U.S. Botanic Garden.

The Garden is one of 20 nationwide that were asked to develop vignettes highlighting their botanical and cultural diversity in the “Gardens Across America” exhibit in Washington, D.C. The displays include signature plants and visual elements to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the gardens’ plants, styles, origin, region and mission.

The Garden’s vignette reflects the rich biodiversity of the Southeast’s wetlands, particularly its pitcher plant bogs. The stunning white-topped pitcherplant,

Sarracenia leucophylla, was chosen to be the star of the show. This species grows in small, fragmented populations in coastal Georgia, Alabama and Florida Panhandle, and is a major focus of the Garden’s conservation program.

The vignette also includes a rich collection of other carnivorous plants including the yellow pitcherplant, Sarracenia flava, parrot pitcherplant, Sarracenia psittacina, and purple pitcherplant, Sarracenia purpurea as well as Venus flytraps, Dionaea muscipula, Sundews species, Drosera sp., and some woody and herbaceous plants, such as Swamp Rhododendron (Rhododendron viscosum).

atlantabg.org

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| Atlanta

Camp connects kids with plants Metro area students are exploring how interactions with plants and food can impact both their bodies and the environment, thanks to the Garden’s Middle School Cooking Camp.

For the past six summers, the Garden has hosted up to 20 students from Title I schools for the two-week camp; this year students were from Sylvan Hills Middle School. Campers arrived with varied (and sometimes very basic) cooking skills, but by the end of week two they were dicing like professionals. They made healthy snacks like guacamole with homemade chips, watermelon salsa, DIY popsicles and zucchini pancakes, learning that eating healthy can be delicious and easy.

They also worked with Chef Dene Lynn in the Outdoor Kitchen to prepare lunches from a variety of cuisines. A favorite recipe was a brunch of Croque Monsieur

with sweet potato hash, grilled asparagus, honeyed fruit salad and beignets.

In addition, the campers participated in a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) projects related to food science. From creating nature self-portraits to making pollinator observations, they formed connections with plants. On the last day, the students

got to put their knowledge into practice by visiting Truly Living Well, an urban farm in the West End, where they tasted herbs, collected eggs, harvested cucumbers, helped pull dead kale and ate a farm-fresh prepared lunch.

Zana Pouncey School Programs Coordinator

Flower show reblooms in 2020

Expressions 4

Plans are under way for next year’s second biennial Atlanta Botanical Garden Flower Show.

With the theme “Expressions,” the show will be presented at the Garden Friday, Feb. 21 – Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, when visitors will delight in the beauty of thousands of plant specimens and competitions in the art of floral design, landscape design, photography and horticulture. New to the event will be an Ikebana division, showcasing the Japanese art of floral design. The Garden will offer classes in floral design and bulb forcing to help prepare prospective exhibitors. A children’s class on succulent planting also will be available.

In conjunction with the show, a Saturday guest lecture and demonstration by floral designer Jane Godshalk will be offered at Piedmont Driving Club.

Chaired by Kathy Powell and Liza McSwain, the show will honor Deen Day Sanders for her lifelong dedication to flower shows and philanthropic endeavors throughout the Southeast.

The three-day event kicks off with a preview party at Longleaf restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 20. Proceeds from the show benefit the Garden’s International Plant Exploration Program, including funding for seed-collecting trips abroad, vehicles and equipment.

For general information, registration deadlines and exhibitor information, visit atlantabg.org/flowershow.org or email apearson@atlantabg.org.

Atlanta |

Ball themed “Through the Looking Glass” Final preparations are under way for the 38th annual Garden of Eden Ball, the Garden’s largest and most anticipated fundraising event.

Set for Saturday, Sept. 28, the ball honors Pamela and Neville Isdell for their longstanding philanthropic support of the Garden. Cara Isdell Lee and Zak Lee are chairs for the black-tie gala, themed “Through the Looking Glass”– a nod to the Garden’s whimsical summer exhibition, Imaginary Worlds: Alice’s Wonderland.

Dean DuBose Smith serves as adviser for the event, with Pamela Isdell as Legacy Sponsor, and Cox Enterprises and the Isdell Family Foundation as Presenting Sponsors. For more information call 404-591-1730 or visit gardenofedenball.org.

Circle Members ORCHID CIRCLE $10,000 annually 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. John Dyer 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. Michael Z. Kay Mr. and Mrs. James C. Kennedy Linda and Edward McGinn Mr. and Mrs. Ray D. Moses Mr. and Mrs. Craig D. Perry Robin and Marc Pollack Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Reiser, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Rigby Mr. and Mrs. H. Bronson Smith Mrs. Linda Sward Carol and Ramon Tomé Janeen and Mark Traylor

MAGNOLIA CIRCLE $5,000 annually Mr. and Mrs. Carleton Allen Ms. Elkin Goddard Alston Melissa and Philip Babb Ms. Suzanne M. Dansby Mr. and Mrs. William W. Dixon Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Gatley Mr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Glenn, II Mr. and Mrs. William F. Henagan Mr. and Mrs. Howell Hollis III 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 Ms. Linda Lively and Mr. Jim Hugh 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 Mrs. Laura S. Spearman Mr. and Mrs. James D. Spratt, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. C. Austin Stephens Mrs. Harriet Warren Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Wood

ARBOR CIRCLE $2,500 annually Robin Aiken and Bill Bolen Mr. and Mrs. Douglas R. Aldridge Mr. and Mrs. H. Inman Allen Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Asher Mr. and Mrs. Jerry B. Attkisson Ms. Marcia Bansley Ms. Kathleen M. Barksdale Ms. Jan Beaves Mr. Steven Behm 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. Arthur M. Blank Mr. and Mrs. Moses Bond Mr. Merritt S. Bond Mr. and Mrs. Sam Boyte 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 Mrs. Dorothy Burns and Dr. Peter Burns Mr. and Mrs. Russell E. Butner Ms. Candace Carson Mrs. Carolyn Caswell Mr. Daniel J. Chen Martha Clinkscales and David Forquer Mrs. Christine Tryba-Cofrin and Mr. David Cofrin Kate and Matt Cook Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Cousins Dr. Martyn Crook 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 Ms. Melanie Endsley-Sprinzen Dr. Charles Epstein and Mrs. Terry Epstein Mr. Steven Esau and Mr. Michael Ferguson Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Fasy Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fraundorf Ms. Jennifer Fuqua Lauren Fuqua Maronnier and Arnaud Maronnier Olivia Gardner and Fredy Delacruz Mr. and Mrs. John T. Glover Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Gossage Mrs. Louise M. Grant Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe T. Green, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Greer, Jr. Mrs. Robert Griffith, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Luther T. Griffith Mr. and Mrs. John Hatfield Ms. Anne E. Hayden Ms. Nicolette Hennings and Mr. Michael Paulk Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Hertz Mrs. Kay Hodges Ms. Caroline Howell Mr. and Mrs. William C. Humphreys, Jr. Kay and M. Douglas Ivester Ms. Cynthia Jeness Mr. Robert A. Jetmundsen Lewis and Minde King Mr. James H. Landon Mr. John Lewis, Jr. Jeannie and E. Glenn Lightsey Mrs. Lynn Lowance Ms. Dorothy Kirkley Mr. and Mrs. James MacGinnitie Mrs. Cindy Mallard Mr. and Mrs. John S. Markwalter, Jr. 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. Ms. Melissa Monk Mrs. Nancy Montgomery Dr. and Mrs. Melvin Moore Ms. Susan Nardelli Ms. Christy O’Neill Victoria and Howard Palefsky Mrs. Jean Parker Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Parker Mr. and Mrs. James E. Prickett Ms. Heather Prill Ms. Denita Pryor Mrs. Mary Anne Quin Mr. and Mrs. Gordon P. Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. William C. Rawson Mr. and Mrs. Jim Richards Mr. and Mrs. Roby Robinson Cindy and Joseph Ronchetti Ms. Sylvia E. Russell 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 Beckie and Dave Smith Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Staats, IV Mr. and Mrs. Mason W. Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Terry L. Stinson Sarah and David Sutherland 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 Pam Wakefield Mrs. Nancy Allen Waterfill Ms. Joni R. Winston Mr. and Mrs. George Wolfes

The above gifts were made as of July 1.

atlantabg.org

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| Atlanta

Many can easily identify the bright yellow-rimmed, black-seeded flower commonly known as the sunflower. With about 70 varieties making up the Helianthus genus, sunflowers – whether the more common annual type or the lesser known perennials – can be the perfect addition to any garden for extending that late-summer color.

Amber Gordon Assistant Horticulturist

DID YOU KNOW? Records indicate humans, as early as the Archaic Period (6000 - 3000 B.C.), cultivated sunflowers for nutritional purposes. The seeds of the flower are high in protein and iron.

Developing the system of binomial nomenclature, or the naming of plants, in 1752, Carolus Linnaeus dubbed the sunflower with a combination of two words for the genus: The first is Helios, for sun, and the second, anthos, for flower, resulting in Helianthus.

Young sunflower heads follow the sun through a process called Heliotropism, or Phototropism. In combination with the plant’s internal circadian rhythm, the sides of the stalk elongate at different times resulting in a shifting flower head.

The tallest sunflower ever recorded was in Germany, coming in at an astounding height of 30 feet, 1 inch. This record is held by Hans-Peter Schiffer, who twice outgrew himself.

Sources: Sunflowers: The Secret History by Joe Pappalardo, Guinnessworldrecords.com

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atlantabg.org

Learn more about the Garden’s helianthus displays at atlantabg.org/clippings.

Atlanta |

Common Sunflower Species: Bloom Time:

Small Woodland Sunflower

H. annuus July - August

Species: H. microcephalus Bloom Time: Late summer to autumn.

Characteristics: Annual - height ranging from 3 to 10 feet, flower color in yellow, red and mahogany with purple-to-brown center disks Pair With: Vegetable gardens to provide shade and potential trellising for various runner crops.

Narrowleaf or Swamp Sunflower Species: Bloom Time:

H. angustifolius July - September

Characteristics: Perennial - Deep green narrow leaves with 2- to 3-inch bright yellow flowers

Characteristics: Perennial - Upright stalks with deep green serrated leaves, holding small golden flowers that attract many pollinators.

Pair With: Andropogon virginicus (Broom Sedge), Muhlenbergia capillaris (Muhly Grass), Phlox maculata (Spotted Phlox)

Pair With: Chelone spp (Turtlehead) or Lobelia Cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)

Willowleaf Sunflower

Schweinitzii Sunflower

Species: Bloom Time:

Species: Bloom Time:

H. salicifolius September - October

Characteristics: Perennial - Yellow leafed flowers with brown centers atop whitish green stems.

Shade tolerant and spreads vigorously.

Pair With: Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan), Verbena and Helenium (Sneeze Weeds)

Jerusalem Artichoke or Sunchoke Species: Bloom Time:

H. tuberosus August - September

Characteristics: Perennial - Rough hairy stems growing 6 to 10 feet, hosting multiple small to mid-size blooms. Can be invasive if not tended.

H. schweinitzii September - October

Characteristics: Perennial - The stem, growing between 6 to 15 feet, is a purplish color branching off near the top. Blooms with bright yellow flowers up the entire stem.

Pair With: Eupatorium (Bonesets), Lespedeza (Bush Clovers) and Clematis ochroleuca (Curlyheads)

Pair With: Useful in edible gardening as the tuber root can be eaten, with a typical taste of an artichoke. atlantabg.org

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PLUG IN TO THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE Tickets go on sale October 1 for the ninth annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco. This wildly popular holiday tradition, presented nightly from November 16 through January 5, draws quite the crowd, so plan your visit. Here are some insider tips for helping to ensure the most enjoyable experience ever:

FAMILY OUTING •

See whimsical plant sculptures from this summer’s Imaginary Worlds exhibition with a whole new look – some covered in lights and others dramatically uplit.

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Don’t miss the Holiday Model Trains as they chug around Alston Overlook, and while there check out the Decoration Station for some fun photo ops.

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Stay warm on chilly nights by sipping hot chocolate (Yes, there’s a spiked version available for the grown-ups) and roasting S’mores over the fire pits.

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Pose for a family photo by the Orchid Center’s Poinsettia Tree or snap some candids while dancing to the music of the Great Lawn’s Orchestral Orbs.

atlantabg.org

See what’s new this year at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at atlantabg.org/clippings.

THE DATE NIGHT •

Toast the occasion with some bubbly by the Skylights Lounge fireplace while listening to seasonal and pop tunes spun by a deejay.

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Share a smooch under the mistletoe dangling from the Kiss Me Arch but forget the selfie; instead, rely on the kindness of strangers for a capturing that magical moment in photos.

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Tune out the bustling crowd and immerse yourselves in the surreal experience of “Nature’s Wonders,” the curtain of light suspended above the Canopy Walk.

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Round out the evening with a romantic dinner at Longleaf restaurant (Reservations recommended).

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Thinking of popping the question? Let the Garden help make that special by contacting the Special Events team at 404-591-1555.

CELEBRATING TRADITIONS

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Avoid traffic and parking challenges by taking advantage of a new shuttle system for easier access to the show on select nights.

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Remember how much you loved the towering White Rabbit in this summer’s Imaginary Worlds: Alice’s Wonderland?

Wait till you see it carpeted in lights while still holding court in the Skyline Garden pond.

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Allow some time along the Canopy Walk to drink in the new soundtrack and choreography of “Nature’s Wonders” featuring not just holiday tunes but also some songs influenced by pop culture.

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Be sure to get your final photos of Ice Goddess because in 2020 her blue and white trusses will be awash in all-new colors.

Why? Because she’s worth it.

Sponsors: Presenting, Invesco; Lead, The Home Depot Foundation; with support from the Isdell Family Foundation, Georgia Power, Hilton and Macy’s.

atlantabg.org

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| Atlanta

Reindog Parade How to lead the pack with the doggone crown

Reindog Parade turns 12 this year, a testament to one of the Garden’s most popular events.

For the parade, pooches are invited to don their holiday finest for a one-time-only annual stroll through the Garden. Dogs (along with their owners) have dressed up as Christmas trees, fireplaces, gingerbread cookies, snowmen and, of course, reindeer to compete before a panel of judges in five categories: Best Botanical, Best Dog-Owner Dress Alike, Best Dog Pack, Best Adult and Best Puppy.

Veteran judge Vincent Martinez, founder of Doggies on the Catwalk Foundation, which hosts an annual fashion benefit, says Reindog Parade offers a fun time for the entire family and that “at the end of the day, all dogs are winners.”

Spectacle aside, the parade is fierce competition, so he agreed to share some tips for owners and dogs that are out to win:

Strive for creativity and originality. “When someone really takes the time to think through a concept or theme and creates a costume that reflects it, well, that goes a long way,” he said.

Enter the less popular categories, such as Best Botanical, Best Puppy and Best Dog Pack, for increasing your odds at claiming a title.

Don’t just dress up the dog; dress up yourself as well, especially in something unique and goofy.

Stand out from the pack by wearing handmade and distinctive costumes.

Make sure your dog is comfortable in its costume. The getup shouldn’t cover the dog’s eyes or make it hard to walk.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Registration opens November 1. Fee (in addition to regular human admission): $15 per dog in advance or $18 at the door. Dogs must be registered by December 3 to participate. Space is limited so enter early!

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atlantabg.org

Kathryn Masuda, Youth Programs Manager

Atlanta |

Anemone blanda

A. coronaria

A common question from springtime visitors is “What’s that flower?!” No, they’re not talking about the tens of thousands of tulips; it’s windflower that grabs so much attention by adding its sparkle to the colorful displays.

Windflower (Anemone) is an old favorite and a cheerful way to extend the fun of spring or to add some graceful beauty to an early-fall garden.

As a groundcover, Anemone blanda sprinkles an area in purple or blue for an early peek at spring. In vivid red, blue, white or pink, A. coronaria begins while tulips are blooming and continues in bold exuberance well past their bulbous friends. Pristine white ‘Bride’, ruby red ‘Governor’ and periwinkle blue ‘Mr. Fokker’ are all showstoppers.

Spring-blooming windflowers are tuberous rhizomes and can be planted in fall two to three inches deep. If planted then, there is no need to pre-soak the rhizomes. But if planting in early spring, putting them in a bucket of water first will help.

Windflowers’ fall-blooming cousins, Anemone x hybrida and A. hupehensis, can be planted in spring for clouds of white or light pink at the end of summer and early fall.

Grown as an annual or short-lived perennial, windflowers are definitely worth a try.

Amanda Bennett Vice President, Horticulture & Collections

A. hypensis

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atlanta happenings

| Atlanta

Chocolate-Covered Weekend Saturday, Sept 21 - Sunday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Indulge in a delicious weekend of chocolate samples and fun family activities. Visit the cacao tree where chocolate begins and learn some fun information about the chocolate-making process. Stop by the Outdoor Kitchen where Atlanta pastry chefs conduct cooking demonstrations and share culinary tips for chocolaty treats.

Learn more about Chocolate-Covered Weekend at atlantabg.org/clippings.

Alston Lecture: Stephen Barstow Cocktails in the Garden September Thursdays, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy cocktails from cash bars, live entertainment and Garden Chef Demos while exploring Imaginary Worlds: Alice’s Wonderland.

Garden Chef Demos Saturdays and Sundays, Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.

September – October The Edible Garden provides wonderful and fresh ingredients for Garden chefs to use in their creative and tasty recipes.

Stop by for quick tips on cooking fresh from the garden. Free with Garden admission.

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atlantabg.org

Imaginary Worlds: Alice’s Wonderland

Through October 27 Journey down the rabbit hole with Alice and her cast of giant plant sculptures during the final weeks of this popular exhibition of mosaiculture.

Fresh Plates Series Select Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Relax during an evening of tasting great food prepared by chefs from favorite restaurants. Enjoy a glass of wine with four different dishes prepared in the Outdoor Kitchen. Register online or call 404-876-5859, ext. 2559. September 4, Jack Fang, O-Ku; September 11, Pat Pascarella, The White Bull; September 18, Jennifer Yoo, Central Midtown Hyatt; September 25, Eddie Hernandez, Taqueria del Sol; October 2, Brian Owen, Donetto; October 9, Andrew Cacioppo, Brezza Cucina; October 16, Deborah VanTrece, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours; October 23, Victoria Shore, Recess.

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m.

During “An Edible Perennial Vegetable Adventure,” Stephen Barstow, founder, Edimentals and known as “Extreme Salad Man”, takes guests on an edible adventure, introducing the author’s top 80 perennial vegetables around the world.

The Philip and Elkin Alston Lecture series is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Loridans Foundation.

Scarecrows in the Garden October 1 – November 3 Dozens of creations by local schools, artists, designers and families are perched throughout the Garden during this popular fall tradition (Scarecrows registration through September 6 at atlantabg.org).

Fall Family Fun Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 5 – Nov. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fall themed sensory and art activities will delight youngsters of all ages.

Atlanta |

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.

Fuqua Lecture: Josh Tickell Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m.

Critically acclaimed film director and best-selling author Josh Tickell is an expert on sustainability and climate change. In “Reversing Climate Change, Saving the World,” he shares what he’s learned about how individuals can work together to reverse the impact.

The Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Lecture is made possible through the generous support of the families of Edwina and Tom Johnson, and Duvall and Rex Fuqua.

Teen Festival: Fall into Wonderland Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 - 5 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon filled with wonderland-inspired food, games and activities designed by teens for teens.

Middle and high school students enjoy $5 admission and explore Imaginary Worlds: Alice’s Wonderland in the exhibition’s final week.

HOLIDAYS IN THE GARDEN Garden Lights, Holiday Nights Saturday, Nov. 16 – Sunday, Jan. 5, 5 – 11 p.m.

The ninth annual holiday extravaganza dazzles the Garden nightly with millions of brilliantly-colored new LED lights and displays.

Holiday Model Trains Saturday, Nov. 16 – Sunday, Jan. 5 Join kids and the kids at heart for this holiday favorite.

Holiday Ride-on Train Saturday – Sunday, Nov. 16 – Jan. 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

All aboard the Botanical Express for a trip around the Great Lawn. $5 per passenger. $3 for members.

atlanta happenings

Fest-of-Ale

Botanical Saint Nick Saturdays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 21, 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.

Great Pumpkin-Carving Contest Thursday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m.

Cheer on expert carvers as they carve out masterful creations.

Reindog Parade Saturday, Dec. 7, 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!

Artist’s Talk with Andrew Raftery

Goblins in the Garden

Sunday, Oct. 27, 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.

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.

Artist Andrew Raftery is conducting an engraving workshop at Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum in conjunction with the exhibition Through a Glass Darkly: Allegory and Faith in Netherlandish Prints from Lucas van Leyden to Rembrandt on view through December 1. In this talk, Raftery will discuss the relationship between his art and the constantly renewing cycles inherent to gardening.

atlantabg.org

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| Gainesville

A Note from the Director Fall promises to be a busy season at the Gainesville garden, and you don’t want to miss it!

The big event will be this fall’s opening of the Ada Mae Pass Ivester Children’s Garden. It’s been designed as a fun, interactive space for children to play, learn and laugh in a beautiful botanical setting (Look for an email announcing details about opening events soon).

Fall also brings our annual Plant Sale.

Members get first dibs October 4 before the public event October 5, coinciding with our annual Fall Woodland Ramble Arts and Crafts Market. Held in the Ivester Amphitheater, it promises to offer unique nature-related and recycled art – great for doing some early holiday shopping.

The entire month of October will feature our annual Scarecrows in the Garden with fun, imaginative creations by garden members, local artists, businesses and civic groups.

And don’t forget that October brings the final weeks to explore the fabulous Mosaiculture sculptures – Rip Van When most people think of fall color Winkle, Ogre, Pandas and Frogs they typically envision the beau– featured in the Imaginary tiful bright foliage of North Worlds exhibition.

Georgia’s hardwoods. But a As a reminder, the Train rainbow of autumn color Garden, which is next to also can be found among the Glade Garden, will be perennials. A leisurely stroll moving to the Children’s through the Gainesville garGarden, where it will be den during fall shows visitors located in the Fairy Forest Solomon’s Seal a few of the staff’s favorites. with the train connecting two Along the path to the overlook whimsical Fairy Villages. The Fairy seating area look for Bluestar, Amsonia Forest will contain weeping and dwarf hubrichtii. This feathery, soft-textured unique plants that add to the fun of the perennial displays beautiful star-like trains. flowers in summer that make way for a Finally, fall brings the relief of cooler showy display of bright golden foliage come autumn. temperatures and wonderful autumn Farther down the path toward the stream foliage, which becomes more colorful as is variegated Solomon’s Seal, Polygonatum we move from September to November. oderatum ‘Variegatum’. This cultivar boasts It’s the perfect time to come enjoy the green leaves trimmed in white which hang woodland trails. from graceful stems and transition to rich Hope to see you in the Garden this fall! lemon yellow arches of fall color.

In the same area of this garden don’t Mildred Fockele miss Cinnamon Fern, Osmundastrum Gainesville Garden Director cinnamoneum. This fern can sometimes be missed among other more showy

Cinnanom Fern

Think perennials for fall color

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atlantabg.org

Hardy Plumbago perennials in summer but stands out in fall with its beautiful large fronds becoming the perfect shade of yellow.

Finally, the perfect complement for all that fall yellow is Hardy Plumbago, Ceratostigma plumbagnoides. After a late-summer bloom its delicate deep blue flowers give way to a deep burgundy carpet of foliage.

Brandy Gibbs Assistant Horticulturist

Gainesville |

New children’s garden

BY THE NUMBERS Gainesville’s Children’s Garden opens this fall. Here are a few fun stats about the new attraction, officially named the Ada Mae Pass Ivester Children’s Garden:

25 AND 20

Magnolias and maples, respectively, added to re-establish the forest edge.

above sea level at the top of the 1,320 feet garden, the highest point on the property.

500+

200+

plant varieties represented, with something in bloom all year.

paving stones used to create the Lawn Labyrinth.

15+

feet that water arcs from one oversized stone container to another.

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Imaginary Worlds Through October 27 Giant plant sculptures call the Garden home this summer. Discovery Stations available on weekends, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wine in the Woodlands Last Thursdays, September – October, 6 – 9 p.m.

Sip wine from cash bars and enjoy light bites with live musical entertainment in the cool of the evening. Sept 28: Honoring First Responders (half-price admission); Oct. 31: Fest of Ale featuring craft beers.

Children’s Performance Saturday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m.

Bring the kids to enjoy the last of summer’s delightful children’s performances.

doors 8 Fairy scattered around the Fairy Forest. hidden 10 miniature dragons to discover.

Cathy Kammerlean and Sara Gaare of Tattlingtales Productions will entertain families with children with the performance ‘Rosie and the Butterfly’.

and businesses will be displayed in the Garden and will compete for prizes.

Garden Plant Sale Friday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (members); Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (public) Shop unique woody plants and perennials.

Fall Woodland Ramble Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Browse nature-inspired arts & crafts by local artisans. Food trucks available.

Goblins in the Garden

Scarecrows in the Garden

Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join the fun with costume runway shows, crafts, a magician, the giant walking Treeman and a hot dog stand.

October 1 – November 3 Scarecrows by local artists, organizations

Details at atlantabg.org/gainesville

atlantabg.org

gainesville happenings

tons of boulders used around the pond, in the Rock Climb and rock walls, and along the entry walkway

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Atlanta Botanical Garden 1345 Piedmont Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA 30309

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1162 Atlanta, GA

Address Service Requested

membersonly

Learn more at atlantabg.org/memberevents

SUPPORT THE GARDEN AS A VOLUNTEER!

Member Appreciation Month

Discovery Volunteer Training

September is Member Appreciation Month, and Garden members enjoy special offers and the chance to win great prizes, including a two-night stay at the Waldorf Astoria Buckhead. Throughout the month members save 15 percent in the Garden Gift Shop, and get other discounts at participating garden centers and other area attractions.

Light Bites & Garden Insights Gainesville: Friday, Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m. – Noon Atlanta: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Contributing-level and above members are invited to enjoy light bites and exciting presentations by Garden staff experts. An email with details and RSVP information will be sent before the events. Upgrade to Contributing: 404-591-1544.

Member Fall Evening Monday, Oct. 21, 5 – 8 p.m., Atlanta Members of all levels share a family-friendly night in the Garden with live music, chef demos, children’s activities and Scarecrows in the Garden. Dine at Longleaf (reservations recommended) or grab a snack at the Quick Café or the Snack Bar.

planthotline I want to buy my spring-blooming bulbs while they are on sale. Where can I store them until I am ready to plant them?

You can store the bulbs in the refrigerator, preferably the crisper.

If this is not an option, a cool space like a basement, crawl-space, closet or utility room also will suffice. The

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commonground Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Engage the public about the Garden’s collections, conservation work and special exhibitions. Flexible shifts times are available Thursday-Sunday.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights Garden Lights, Holiday Nights Member Premiere Thursday, Nov. 14, 5 – 10 p.m., Atlanta Be among the first to experience the ninth annual holiday tradition before the show opens to the public (Member discount tickets apply). Enjoy festive activities and complimentary treats.

Gift of Membership A Garden membership is a gift for any occasion. Recipients enjoy 12 months of free admission and other valuable benefits.

Details at atlantabg.org/join.

QUESTIONS? Call 404-591-1539 or email membership@atlantabg.org

key is to keep the bulbs cool and dry but not so cold that they freeze. The cool temperatures allow the bulbs to experience the adequate chilling time that is required for the bulbs to produce blooms. Fruit emits a chemical that retards blooming so don’t store the bulbs in the same space as fruit.

404-888-GROW planthotline@atlantabg.org

Clippings is available online at issuu.com/atlantabotanicalgarden

Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Training covers info for greeting and directing visitors, roasting marshmallows and taking guest photos. Volunteers must attend the introductory orientation session and commit to five shifts.

Children’s Tour Docent Training Tuesdays, Jan. 21 – March 3, 2020, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

This extensive seven-week course includes each of the children’s tours for grades K-12. No previous gardening, horticulture or guide experience needed. Attendance is required at all classes, and docents must commit to leading at least two tours a month during peak seasons.

Call 404-591-1548 or email jtodd@atlantabg.org for details.

Plant magazine debuts!

Go behind the scenes at the Garden with PlantIntel, a new annual publication dedicated to sharing the staff ’s stories of “science in action.” Read it online at issue.com/ atlantabotanicalgarden