Clippings - September - Decemeber 2021

Atlanta | Gainesville | September – December 2021

season(s) of

GIVING Paying it forward with community outreach and collaboration

CHANNEL GARDEN SET TO FLOW | SCARECROWS, SUDS AND SCULPTURE | GET READY TO GLOW WITH GARDEN LIGHTS!

| Atlanta President’s Message During the Olympic Games in Tokyo, I was deeply moved when two athletes gladly agreed to share the gold medal in high jumping, embracing one another and lifting up the games for all of us. That idea that we are stronger by working together and that lifting someone up lifts us all is a concept we embrace at the Garden. With a talent pool of horticulturists, educators, botanists and innovators, the Garden has so much to offer beyond its borders – throughout the community and beyond.

We decided that this is the time to share the impact of the Garden’s collaborative outreach with our members in this issue of Clippings.

I’ve had the immense pleasure of mentoring Carol Hunter, the Executive Director of Truly Living Well, for three years and supporting its efforts to become the metro area’s premier urban farm, serving the Westside community through food and education programs. I also serve on the board of the Food Well Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to an equitable, local food system in which everyone can benefit and participate. We just completed a three-year strategic plan that lays the foundation for urban agriculture and the collaborative network that the organization supports. The Garden also is partnering with Washington High School to provide expertise and programs for its new agriculture STEM programs. From horticulture training to DNA analysis, the Garden has so much to offer students as they learn about the science behind agriculture and apply that to future studies and careers.

Far beyond its borders the Garden is leading a global partnership to save Magnolia species worldwide. That collaboration brings together scientists from Asia to South America in a long-term effort to preserve Magnolias in their native habitat and as germplasm offsite. The pandemic helped accelerate this effort as science teams learned to use online resources to hold virtual meetings.

And most recently, the Garden has partnered with multiple groups to help preserve a legacy of African American heritage in the form of Pearl Fryar’s topiary garden. Pearl is truly a remarkable man who spent 40-plus years building one of the world’s most famous topiary gardens in his hometown of Bishopville, S.C. After some health challenges, Pearl has been unable to attend to his topiary, and the garden lost its form and luster. With an investment from the Garden and the oversight of its Vice President of Horticulture, Amanda Bennett, we have largely restored Pearl’s garden and worked with colleagues at the University of South Carolina McKissick Museum, WeGOJA Foundation and the Garden Conservancy to continue that restoration in the year ahead.

This project brings us great pride and joy as it’s been an honor to help Pearl and his community save his remarkable garden.

We have more collaborations ahead and are uplifted by the success of our partners and the impact they make on communities. Clearly, moving beyond the Garden’s borders benefits all of us through collaboration, capacity building and partnership.

Countdown to fall!

Five reasons to celebrate a new season: 5. SCARECROWS IN THE GARDEN Atlanta & Gainesville, September 28 – October 31 Back by popular demand, the exhibition features dozens of creations by area schools, artists, companies and families competing for prizes in both professional and nonprofessional divisions. Sponsored by Audi Atlanta.

4. FEST-OF-ALE Atlanta, October, Tuesdays - Sundays, 5 – 9 p.m.

Check out the scarecrows in a new light as days grow shorter during this beer fest featuring a variety of specialty ales from cash bars along with live entertainment.

3. GREAT PUMPKIN-CARVING CONTEST Atlanta, Thursday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.

Watch as contestants compete for the most creative pumpkin heads in the Garden while enjoying Fest-of-Ale!

2. GOBLINS IN THE GARDEN Sunday, Oct. 24, Atlanta: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Gainesville: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Show off the little ones’ Halloween costumes on the Goblin Runway and enjoy fun fall-themed games and activities.

1. SUPERnatural Atlanta Aerial Art in Motion through September 19 Glass Art in Bloom through October 31 Don’t miss the final weeks of this summer’s blockbuster art exhibition, featuring “Dream Flora,” the aerial art of Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics, and glass sculptures by Jason Gamrath.

Mary Pat Matheson Anna and Hays Mershon President & CEO

| Official News Publication for Members of the Atlanta Botanical Garden | Atlanta | Gainesville Vice President, Marketing: Jessica Boatright | Editor: Danny Flanders | Designer: Bo Shell | Membership Manager: Claudia McDavid 2

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Atlanta |

Ready to flow!

Water feature, gardens bring new life to Storza Woods

Storza Woods – already both vibrant and serene in its own right – blooms anew in late September when a massive water feature is completed, adding rushing and cascading falls to the tranquil woodland.

The new Mary Ellen Imlay Channel Garden will feature water that flows west to east, originating near the boardwalk, through an elevated flume, where it falls into a series of small ponds. From there, it flows rapidly under the stone John Imlay Bridge, terminating in a pool at the base of the Glade Garden’s water stairs.

Complementing the water feature, made

possible by a generous gift from the Imlay Foundation, will be new landscaping along with a revamped Glade Garden, transforming a meadow-like space into a more formal perennial garden, as well as extensive plantings of terrestrial orchids.

Forest Pansy Redbud Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ Origin: Native to northeast North America ranging from southern Ontario to Florida Bloom Time: April - May

Lamium Orchid Frost or Orchid Frost Dead Nettle Lamium maculatum ‘Orchid Frost’ Origin: Native to northeast North America ranging from southern Ontario to Florida Bloom Time: Mid-spring - early summer

A low maintenance ornamental flowering deciduous tree with vibrant pink blooms that emerge along the bare branches during early spring. After flowering for several weeks, it pushes out heartshaped purple to reddish colored leaves. In fall, the foliage turns from reddish purple to a vibrant orange, bronze and red before going dormant for winter. Can grow 20 - 30 feet tall as well as wide.

Prefers full sun to part shade with well drained average soil moisture levels.

A great herbaceous spreading ground cover that prefers partial to full shade. It has heart-shaped silver colored foliage with a variegated dark green border around the edges of the leaves. Clusters of small pink hooded flowers emerge from the blanket of foliage starting about mid-spring and lasting into early summer.

New landscaping installed by Ed Castro Landscape will emphasize shade-loving shrubs and perennials, such as native azaleas, hydrangeas and ferns. Here are a few plants to look for:

St. John’s Wort Hypericum calycinum ‘Brigadoon’ Origin: Southern Europe, Southwestern Asia Bloom Time: July- August A dense multi-stem deciduous shrub that is typically used as a groundcover or for erosion control.

It has oval-shaped chartreuse leaves that turn to a vibrant coral orange when exposed to sun as well as during the fall. Prefers moist well-drained soil but can tolerate drier drought-like conditions.

Maxwell Mackenzie Senior Horticulturist

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HOLIDAY NIGHTS

READY TO FLIP THE SWITCH? Tickets go on sale Oct. 1 for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco QQQ with support from the Isdell Family Foundation and The Home Depot Foundation.

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It’s hard to think about the holidays when temperatures remain in the 80s, the grass still needs mowing, and schools are just reopening. But for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco QQQ – with its timed tickets because of limited capacity – it’s time to mark the calendar for avoiding nightly sell-outs.

Tickets go on sale October 1 for the 11th annual electrical extravaganza, presented nightly November 13 – January 15. And while plenty of fan-favorite features will return – the Great Lawn’s Orchestral Orbs, Storza Woods’ “Natures Wonders”, Cascade Garden’s Ice Goddess – look for some new twists that guests have come to expect:

Oversized LIGHTED FLOWERS will lure guests to Cascades Garden – as if ICE GODDESS weren’t a big enough draw!

The GLOWING GROVE along the Flower Walk leading to Skyline Garden will be adorned with trees programmed to change colors and create subtle motion.

An invasion of BRILLIANT BUGS infests the Camellia Walk with many more added to last year’s swarm.

Those who haven’t been able to catch SUPERNATURAL: GLASS ART IN BLOOM at night when artist Jason Gamrath’s sculptures are dramatically lit will be able to experience two of the larger installations – the giant lotuses in Skyline Garden and the towering aloes in Storza Woods – during the show.

And it wouldn’t be holidays in the Garden without plenty of s’mores, model trains, live music from deejays and dinner at Longleaf.

‘Tis the season! Well, almost!

Listen for an all-new sound track at NATURE’S WONDERS, the vertical, moving light display hovering over the Canopy Walk, with music featuring a mix of classicals along with holiday medleys and a few pop culture faves.

VIRTUAL REINDOGS!

The howl-iday season isn’t the same without dogs dressed up as Santa, Christmas trees, reindeer or elves for Virtual Reindog Parade. Submit a photo from November 1 - 30 of your dog(s) in one of the following categories: Best Botanical, Best Holiday or Best Dog Pack. Don’t have a dog? Don’t worry! You can vote for your favorite costumed pooch on the Garden’s atlantabg.org 5 social media platforms. atlantabg.org

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| Atlanta

Garden tapped as accredited arboretum The Garden, long known for its extensive plant collections, is now considered an arboretum as well.

In its first application, the Garden has been awarded the highest level of accreditation, Level IV, by ArbNet, a collaborative international community of arboreta and treefocused professionals that facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals. It also works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, the only international program of accreditation for arboreta.

Using a recognized set of industry standards, requirements to reach Level IV are extensive. Yet, the Garden easily met the criteria because of its vast woody plant collections, educational programming, detailed management of living collections, institutional support of living collections, investments in and publication of scientific research and collections data, and active involvement in global conservation efforts.

Being part of a prestigious group of international gardens and arboreta at its highest level underscores the Garden’s mission and commitment to both horticulture and conservation for a broad audience.

Amanda Bennett Vice President, Horticulture & Collections

Knock knock: Welcome Tiny Door!

TINY DOOR ON ATLANTA BELTLINE 6

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Sharp-eyed Atlantans have spotted them along the Beltline, at the Fox Theatre, in front of State Farm Arena, at the base of a tree in Grant Park and even next to a giant tank in the Georgia Aquarium. They are Tiny Doors ATL, the creation of local artist Karen Anderson Singer, and this fall the Garden will become the latest iconic Atlanta destination to welcome one.

The seven-inch tall sculptures celebrate the neighborhoods and institutions that make Atlanta special. Singer designs, casts, paints and installs each Tiny Door by hand, a process that takes about six months from concept to completion.

Tiny Doors ATL inspires locals — and a devoted social media following around the world — to experience the joy of discovery and the rewards of looking closely at the world around them.

Visit the Garden’s Tiny Door and join other members for a tiny ribbon cutting during Fall Member Evening on October 4. For more information, including a map of locations, visit tinydoorsatl.com.

Atlanta |

Registration open for 2022 flower show

Registration is open for the 2022 Atlanta Botanical Garden Flower Show.

With the theme Metamorphosis, the three-day exhibition February 25 – 27 will fill the Garden’s indoor buildings with hundreds of exquisite entries competing in the areas of Floral Design, Landscaping, Photography and Horticulture. Exhibits in the divisions of Conservation and Ikebana are also back by popular demand.

The show is included in Garden admission for non-members; members pay $10. To register or for more information, visit abgflowershow.org, or call 404 591-1730.

Circles Members In recognition of their continuing support, below are members of a distinguished donor community that sustains and enhances the Garden: ORCHID CIRCLE $10,000 annually Steve Behm Elizabeth and Charles Cary, Jr. Carol and Lawrence Cooper Lizzie and John Crawford Sally and Lawrence Davis Joy and John Dyer Jennifer and Martin Flanagan Duvall and Rex Fuqua Gail and Peter Furniss Shearon and Taylor Glover Nancy and Charles Harrison Babette and William Henagan Sara Hoyt Ann and Michael Kay Sarah and James Kennedy Jeni and David Knight Cara Anne Isdell Lee and Zak Lee Linda Lively and Jim Hugh Linda and Ed McGinn Bett and Ray Moses Sara and Cody Partin Sandra and Craig Perry Robin and Marc Pollack Margaret and Robert Reiser Jr. Aaron Ribner Nancy and Charles Rigby Dean DuBose Smith and Bronson Smith Linda Sward Carol and Ramon Tomé Janeen and Mark Traylor Scott Westervelt

MAGNOLIA CIRCLE $5,000 annually Mopsy and Douglas Aldridge Elizabeth and Carleton Allen Melissa and Philip Babb Robert Bartlett Natalie and David Batchelor Jane and Dameron Black III Suzanne Dansby Mary Wayne Dixon and Bill Dixon Jane and Donald Gatley Lou and Thomas Glenn II Nicolette Hennings and Michael Paulk May B and Howell Hollis III Angela and William Hoyt Mary and John Huntz Jr. Mary Ellen Imlay Pamela and Neville Isdell Jade Logan Cheri and Bill Lennie Barbara and Bertram Levy

Barbara and James MacGinnitie Stephanie Dowell and Maney Mazloom Marilyn and John McMullan Anna and Hays Mershon Carolyn and Thomas Mobley Jr. Sally and James Morgens Ellen and George Nemhauser Vicki and Howard Palefsky Jennifer and David Poroch Kathy and Marbury Rainer Cindy and Joseph Ronchetti Laura Spearman Susan and James Spratt Jr. Stephanie and Austin Stephens Harriet Warren Kay Watson Carla and Leonard Wood

ARBOR CIRCLE $2,500 annually Robin Aiken and Bill Bolen Tricia and Inman Allen Firelli Alonso and Jon Crate Andreane and Mike Anderson Mary and James Anderson Spring and Thomas Asher Sylvia and Jerry Attkisson Marcia Bansley Kathleen Barksdale Melissa and Jose Barra Jan Beaves Jeannie and Matthew Beckett Louise Billian Christina and Paul Blackney Elizabeth and Frank Blake Arthur Blank Diana Blank Merritt Bond Teri and Moses Bond Linda and Sam Boyte Virginia and Charles Brewer Lisa and Ron Brill Susan and Michael Brooks Shirley and Norris Broyles Jr. Patricia and Jack Burd Sara Jean and Fred Burke Dorothy and Peter Burns Alyce and Russell Butner Candace Carson Carolyn Caswell Daniel Chen Suzanne Christensen and Jenni Madragona Anne Clegg Martha Clinkscales and David Forquer

Christine Tryba-Cofrin and David Cofrin Kate and Matt Cook Ann and Thomas Cousins Dr. Martyn Crook Debbie and Paul Cushing Robin Cutshaw and Donna Godsey Jessica and John Dark Teresa Dau and Amanda McMillan Vivian and Peter de Kok Washington Dender and Litchfield Carpenter Audra Dial and Matthew Ford Ellen Doft and Alexander Katz Karen and David Dorton Diana Einterz Katharine and Alan Elsas Erica Endicott and Chris Heisel Terry and Charles Epstein Ginger and Jeff Fasy Kelsey and Casey Flanagan Julie and John Fox Mary Ann and Sam Fraundorf Jennifer Fuqua Carolyn Gibbs Virginia and Thomas Gossage Lynda and Bernard Greer Jr. Nena Griffith Claire and Luther Griffith Jean and John Hatfield Anne Hayden Lila and Douglas Hertz Kay Hodges Dona and William Humphreys Jr. Kay and Douglas Ivester Cynthia Jeness Robert Jetmundsen Sarah and Scott Kagan DeAnna and Gene Kansas Emily and Hugh Kendrick Alfred Kennedy and William Kenny Minde and Lewis King Dorothy Kirkley Catherine LaFiandra James Landon Dorothy Mitchell-Leef and Forrest Leef Deborah Levey Deborah Levy and Bert Russo Jeannie and Glenn Lightsey Lynn Lowance Cindy Mallard Lauren Fuqua Maronnier and Arnaud Maronnier Rebecca and James Martell Elizabeth and David Martin Albert McGhee

Liza and Derrick McSwain Jane and Randolph Merrill James Miller Jr. Kathryn and Ward Miller Nancy Montgomery Ellen and Melvin Moore Carly and Peter Nicolay Christy O’Neill Jean Parker Karen and Richard Parker Jana and Samuel Pasquarelli Kathleen Powell Libby and James Prickett Heather Prill Denita Pryor Mary Anne Quin Linda and Gordon Ramsey Catherine and William Rawson Chris and Robert Reddinger Olive and Roby Robinson Rod Rusyniak and Tom Bat Sylvia Russell Deen Day Sanders and James Sanders Lynn and Jan Saperstein Sharon and David Schachter Andre Schnabl and Denny Marcus Kellie and Eric Schonberg LuAnne Schwarz Nancy and Albert Sherrod Matthew Sena Dawn and Timothy Severt Charlotte and Thomas Shields Jr. Beckie and Dave Smith Kim and Alex Smith Roger Smith Margaret and Henry Staats IV Linda and Mason Stephenson Frances Stinson Kay and James Stueve Sarah and David Sutherland Kristen and Jason Taylor Margaretta Taylor Kathleen and Jack Thornton Andrea and Keith Townsend Paula Turner Lucy Vance Pam Wakefield Ronit Walker and Matt Bronfman Nancy Allen Waterfill Tricky and George Wolfes Lisa Yeager and Robert Ditty

The above gifts were made as of July 12, 2021.

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Season(s) of

GIVING

Support for the Garden allows it to help communities, near and far, in collaborative ways For 45 years, the Garden has been a mecca of beauty, peace and tranquility, drawing hundreds of thousands annually to experience what’s inside its gates. At the same time, staff and volunteers share the Garden’s expertise, research and programs outside those gates because community outreach is a key part of its mission in connecting people with plants.

Exciting school programs and robust plant conservation research are possible only through critical partnerships, whether local, regional or international, government or nonprofit.

And none of that outreach would be possible without community support, including that of Garden members. Memberships do more than just help operate the Garden; they make a difference every day both in neighborhoods and around the world.

Though the Garden is fortunate to have that ongoing support yearround, the upcoming season of giving offers the perfect opportunity to highlight several key programs and partnerships in which the Garden gives back.

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THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Doing its part for community pride – from culture to diversity The Garden is hopping onboard with the development of a new Art Walk in Midtown – just one of several ways it’s giving back to the neighborhood.

Last spring, the Garden leaped at the chance to perch one of its popular mosaiculture sculptures – a friendly frog – at the corner of Tenth and West Peachtree streets. The frog eventually will mark the entrance to the new linear greenspace showcasing public art that’s being developed by Midtown Alliance between the Tenth Street and Arts Center MARTA stations.

Originally featured in the 2013

Imaginary Worlds exhibition, the temporary installation of the frog begins the southernmost entrance to the planned Art Walk, a half-mile, five-block corridor that aims to provide an interactive experience with numerous art installations. The first phase of the project is being developed along Peachtree Walk.

The sculpture, maintained by Garden staff with weekly waterings and shearings, will remain through Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, when it’s lit to welcome holiday guests to Midtown.

In addition to Midtown Alliance, the Garden is lending a hand to Atlanta Pride, for the first time participating in October’s annual Pride Parade as it passes through Midtown. Come out and look for the staff’s contribution, which will be “Blooming with Pride!”

THE URBAN FARMS

Helping city growers, from mulching to mentoring It’s only natural that the Garden would lend a hand to the city’s largest urban farm when in need. After all, that’s what “farmers” do – help out their neighbors.

So when the 3.5-acre Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture – located in a historic Atlanta neighborhood the U.S. Department of Agriculture has deemed a “food desert” – set out to not only be a source of fresh vegetables but also to teach residents how to grow their own, Garden staff eagerly pitched in.

For four years, the Garden has collaborated with Truly Living Well, situated in a former public housing development in Ashview Heights, on educational programs, mentoring emerging leaders and even hands-on gardening. Staff also have developed on-farm backpack experiences, including topics such as pollinators, farm exploration, the senses and composting.

Because of the community’s’ “food desert” designation, an integral part of the farm’s mission is increasing residents’ access to fresh produce while encouraging them to grow their own food, even on a small scale.

“Historically, because AfricanAmericans have lost so much land in this country since the 1900s, any time we are able to reclaim land for farming, it’s good for the community,” said Carol Hunter, the farm’s Executive Director.

Last year’s pandemic brought its share of challenges, especially coinciding with the summer growing season when the farm relies heavily on volunteers. But Garden staff helped ensure that crops got planted and harvested by providing time and expertise three days a week. That hands-on support proved critical in helping Truly Living Well rise to the demand for fresh local food.

In addition, the Garden has supported the farm’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, helping with mulching, weeding and building cold frames and seeding tables.

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THE COMMUNITY

Taking horticulture on the road to urban food growers Plant. Eat. Repeat. began as an educational program focused on the basics of growing food at home or in a community garden. Since its inception three years ago, the community outreach program now includes consultation work on community garden expansion and development, garden skill building and volunteer days while still addressing the basic needs and questions of new urban food growers.

Plant. Eat. Repeat. originated as a partnership among the Garden, the Food Well Alliance and Park Pride. Its main goals are to support new and established community gardens (and their gardeners) in efforts to learn and develop food-growing skills, all while playing a key role in metro Atlanta’s growing urban agriculture arena. The partners all brought needed strengths to the program, technical expertise from the Garden and community partnerships from Food Well and Park Pride.

The program has since grown with Food Well Alliance tapping into the network of community gardens its supports through programs such as Plant A Row for the Hungry, community garden grants and volunteer support. Plant. Eat. Repeat recently received an award from the U.S. Botanic Garden and the American Public Gardens Association that will enable it to work with refugees in collaboration with the Global Grower Networks and Friends of Refugees.

Moe Hemmings Community Outreach Manager

THE ARTS

Lending a stage of beauty for local performing artists Art and nature have become nearly synonymous at the Garden, so it’s only fitting that over the years it’s welcomed not only the visual arts but also the performing ones as well.

Lending its beautiful surroundings as backdrop for performances attracts new and sometimes unlikely audiences to both the

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Garden and arts organizations.

In addition to its summer outdoor series Concerts in the Garden (on hiatus in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic), the Garden has hosted performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Ballet, gloATL and local musicians during Cocktails in the Garden. The setting not

only provides a unique marketing venue for performers but also an opportunity to activate the Garden with live music, dance and theater.

In 2018, while its Woodruff Arts Center location was being renovated, the Alliance Theatre took its season on the road, and the Garden became an outdoor theater for its performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And more recently as most performance venues – faced with the challenges of social distancing during a pandemic – closed, the Garden welcomed two companies for filming virtual performances: the Alliance’s A Very Terry Christmas and the Atlanta Opera’s Glory Denied.

“The Botanical Garden is one of the brightest jewels in Atlanta. It is not only a haven of great beauty in the heart of the city but also an organization that is truly committed to supporting the community and the people of Atlanta,” said Tomer Zvulun, the Opera’s General and Artistic Director. “It’s clear that its priorities are focused on collaborating with other organizations and lifting Atlanta and Atlantans in a meaningful way.”

THE REGION

Extending a hand when a good garden is down Pearl Fryar’s garden is no ordinary garden.

As featured in the 2006 documentary A Man Named Pearl, the South Carolina topiary garden was started in the early 1980s by a self-taught artist with a love of plants, a contagious spirit and the desire to make the world a more beautiful place – starting with his yard in small town of Bishopville.

But with time comes age, and Fryar, 81, has not been able to sculpt and care for his garden for more than three years. So earlier this year, the Garden joined the Garden Conservancy, the University of South Carolina McKissick Museum and the WeGOJA Foundation in contributing funds to the South Carolina Community Foundation in an effort to restore Fryar’s sculptures.

The Garden hired the South Carolina landscaping firm Healy Horticulture to begin re-shearing the topiary under guidance from Garden staff. Healy was able to regain basic shapes for most of the pieces, and Ohio topiary artist Mike Gibson joined the effort in May to give definition and life to a portion of the sculptures. Garden horticulturists made numerous trips to the garden throughout the three-month effort, and the result is

astounding. Fryar and his wife Metra (above) say they couldn’t be more pleased.

Each topiary has been touched, and many are much closer in form to their original beauty. The foundation’s fund-raising effort continues (visit midlandsgives.org for details), and Gibson is relocating his family to the area to assume a position caring for the garden

and leading an apprenticeship program.

“This garden is not only important regionally but also nationally,” said Mary Pat Matheson, the Garden’s President & CEO, “so we plan to continue to be a part of its future.”

Amanda Bennett Vice President, Horticulture & Collections

THE LOCAL HEROES

Welcoming thousands to enjoy discounted Garden memberships More than 16,000 front-line workers and their families have been able to enjoy Garden membership over the past four years thanks to a partnership with the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Public Schools, Grady Health System and MARTA. Thousands of employees of those four entities have enrolled in the Explore! Annual Membership Program, which allows them and

their families to experience the beauty of the Garden and its many programs at discounted rates, courtesy of an establishing grant from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation.

“These employees work tirelessly every day to make Atlanta a great place to live and work,” said Mary Pat Matheson, the Garden’s President & CEO. “So we are delighted they are able to be refreshed by the serenity of the Garden and have a new place to spend quality time with family and friends.”

Eligible employees may enroll for a $20 family membership (normally $115) and receive all standard member benefits, including

free daytime admission year-round, invitations to member-only events, newsletters, discounts on educational programs and gift shop purchases, and reciprocal benefits with other botanical gardens. atlantabg.org

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atlanta happenings

| Atlanta

SUPERnatural: Aerial in Motion Through Sunday, Sept. 19 Experience a gigantic custom-created “Skynet” sculpture of streamers seemingly floating in air with “Dream Flora” by Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics.

Garden of Eden Ball

SUPERnatural: Glass Art in Bloom Through Sunday, Oct. 31 Explore dozens of large-scale contemporary glass sculptures reflecting the beauty of nature by artist Jason Gamrath in his largest exhibition to date.

Cocktails in the Garden Tuesday – Sunday, 5 – 9 p.m., through September Enjoy cocktails from cash bars and live entertainment while exploring Glass Art in Bloom dramatically lit at night.

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Saturday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.

The Garden’s largest annual fundraising event returns to the Great Lawn after a one-year hiatus because of the pandemic. With the theme En Plein Air, guests will enjoy an open-air experience, presented by Cox Enterprises. Chaired by Lizzie and John Crawford, the event honors Mopsy and Doug Aldridge. For information, visit gardenofedenball.org.

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

Relax with a glass of wine during an evening of tasting great food prepared by chefs from popular restaurants in the Outdoor Kitchen. See enclosed Education brochure or visit atlantabg. org for details. Register online or call 404-876-5859, ext. 2559.

Virtual Chocolate-Covered Weekend Saturday, Sept 11 – Sunday, Sept. 12 Tap into chocolate demos online at atlantabg.org to learn how to make chocolate shell for jazzing up ice cream scoops or creating refrigerator truffles.

Scarecrows in the Garden Tuesday, Sept. 28 – Sunday, Oct. 31 Check out creations by local schools, artists, businesses and families perched around the Southern Seasons, Skyline and Children’s gardens. Registration through September 10 at atlantabg.org. Sponsored

by Audi Atlanta.

Fest-of-Ale October Tuesday - Sundays, 5 – 9 p.m.

Explore Scarecrows in the Garden during a favorite annual beer fest featuring a variety of specialty ales from cash bars along with live entertainment.

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Goblins in the Garden Sunday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Show off the kids’ Halloween costumes on the Goblin’s Runway, participate in socially-distanced fall family activities and enjoy pony and train rides all while exploring Scarecrows in the Garden!

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights Saturday, Nov. 13 – Saturday, Jan. 15 Purchase discounted timed tickets online beginning October 1 for the 11th annual holiday extravaganza featuring millions of brilliantly colored LED lights and displays.

Holiday Model Trains Saturdays - Sundays, Nov. 13 - Jan. 15 Join kids and the kids at heart for this holiday favorite display.

Holiday Ride-on Train Saturdays – Sundays, Nov. 14 – Jan. 3 All aboard the Botanical Express for a trip around the Great Lawn. $5 per passenger, $3 for members.

Virtual Reindog Parade November 1 - 30 The howl-iday season isn’t the same without dogs dressed up as Santa, Christmas trees, reindeer or elves.

Submit a photo of your dog(s) in one of the following categories: Best Botanical, Best Holiday or Best Dog Pack. Don’t have a dog? Don’t worry! You can vote for your favorite costumed pooch on the Garden’s social media platforms.

Atlanta Orchid Society Orchid Show Friday, Nov. 19 – Sunday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Experience hundreds of exquisite blooms during this annual exhibition in Day Hall.

Botanical Saint Nick Saturdays, Nov 27 – Dec 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bring your camera and come tell all of your holiday wishes to the big guy adorned in green. atlantabg.org

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| Gainesville

A Note from the Director In July the Garden mourned the passing of Lessie Smithgall, an incredible woman of great spirit, wit and generosity. Guided by their love of nature, Lessie and her husband Charles donated their 185 acres to the Atlanta Botanical Garden in 2001 so that this beautiful wooded property could be enjoyed in perpetuity by future generations.

Even as she approached her 110th birthday last April, Lessie always asked about the Garden – what was blooming, how was attendance, and most importantly to her, how many children were enjoying the garden. She would always smile with pleasure at the reports of new members, increased visitation and children laughing with parents or grandparents in the new Ada Mae Pass Ivester Children’s Garden.

So as you stroll the garden and trails this fall, pause and remember Lessie Smithgall, a woman who, in her own Get ready to ring in the yuletide season words, wanted to be remembered as with the Holiday Tree Trail at the someone who “lived a good life and did Gainesville Garden. a little good along the way”.

During the third annual display, guests Fall is one of my favorite times will delight in 6-foot Fraser Firs of the year – temperatures decorated by local businesses, cool, humidity decreases families and organizations and activity increases in – all in themes of nature the garden. Scarecrows for protecting the garden in the Garden returns (no electric lights, glass in October with ornaments, tinsel or imaginative creations glitter). Previous entries by our members, local have featured themes artists and businesses.

And don’t miss Cocktails Lessie Smithgall in the Garden on Saturdays from 3 – 7 p.m. through October 24. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the ever-changing fall colors in the garden as well as the Scarecrows.

Also this fall, we will continue the very successful Virtual Plant Sale, with online shopping open to Garden members from September 28 – October 7. Horticulture Manager Ethan Guthrie again will provide an amazing selection of perennials, shrubs and trees for purchase.

Holiday Tree Trail

Meander paths lined with nature-themed decor

Mildred Fockele Gainesville Garden Director

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including edible bird seed ornaments, shelter animals available for adoption, local landmarks, famous women through history and children’s art.

The trees will be displayed December 1 through January 2 in locations nestled into the woodlands while close enough to pathways for easy viewing.

For entry information, visit gainesvillegarden.org or call 404- 888-4761.

Cyndilyn Loudermilk Gainesville Visitor Services Manager

Gainesville |

Beauty’s in the berry

Color your fall garden with this arching shrub

Callicarpa – or Beautyberry as it is more commonly known for its hundreds to thousands of brightly-colored berries that adorn the medium to large shrub from September through November – is a fall favorite in the garden. Its colors range from white to pink to purple, and appear in clusters at each leaf node up and down its arching stems.

Callicarpa americana, or American Beautyberry, is native to the Southeast and typically grows to a size of 5 feet by 5 feet. This is one of the larger Beautyberries, so be sure to give it some room. Its large purple berries appear in October, when they provide food for many species of birds. There are two main variations within this species: Callicarpa americana ‘Alba’ features white fruit, while ‘Welch’s Pink’ has pink. Be sure to site these with some afternoon shade for best berry color and retention.

Another popular form of Beautyberry

Callicarpa america ‘Alba’ is Callicarpa japonica. The overall texture of this Japanese shrub is finer than the American form because of the former’s smaller foliage and fruit. It makes up for having smaller fruit by producing about double the quantity. At the Gainesville Garden, a favorite cultivar among staff is ‘Heavy Berry’. Not only does it produce a very heavy fruit set, but it also lasts until nearly Thanksgiving.

There are many other species and cultivars to explore within this fascinating genus. ‘Pearl Glam’ is a newer hybrid with a smaller shrub size and

Callicarpa japonica ‘Heavy Berry’ purple foliage. Callicarpa acuminata is a species native to Mexico that features very dark purple, almost black, berries.

Another great feature of Callicarpa is that they bloom and fruit on new growth.

This makes them easy to prune in the dormant season if they get too big for an area or just need to be rejuvenated.

Ethan Guthrie Horticulture Manager

gainesville happenings Wings of Wonder: Towering Works of Nature Through October 31 Massachusetts-based artists Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein will inspire visitors with their monumental sculptures featuring a pair of 15-foot tall cardinals and a giant peacock, all made from natural materials such as bamboo, tree saplings and found objects.

Cocktails in the Garden Saturdays through October, 3 – 7 p.m.

Enjoy drinks from cash bars while strolling the Garden in the cool of the evening.

Preordered delivery meal options from Harvest Kitchen available for dining al fresco.

Storybook Time 10 a.m. Wednesdays, September – October Enjoy an interactive session with natureinspired fairytales and seasonal themes.

Goblins in the Garden

Garden Grooves

Sunday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Celebrate fall with fun for the whole family. Enjoy a magician, costumes, scarecrows, and more.

10 a.m. Thursdays, September – October Sing, dance, wiggle and warble to naturethemed music and stories!

Holiday Tree Trail

Scarecrows in the Garden Tuesday, Sept. 28 – Sunday, Oct. 31 Enjoy unique scarecrows created by local businesses, schools and organizations.

Registration details at gainesvillegarden.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 1 – Sunday, Jan. 2 Discover nature-themed trees nestled throughout the Garden created by artists, businesses and staff.

Details at gainesvillegarden.org

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

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Learn more at atlantabg.org/memberevents

commonground SUPPORT THE GARDEN AS A VOLUNTEER!

Member Appreciation Month

Corporate, service group gardening projects

September is Member Appreciation Month when members receive extra discounts in the Garden Gift Shop, special discounts at participating garden centers and the chance to win great prizes!

Member Fall Evening Monday, Oct. 4, 5 – 9 p.m.

Members are invited to enjoy live music and fun activities for all ages while exploring Scarecrows in the Garden. See details at atlantabg.org/memberevents.

Light Bites & Garden Insights Gainesville: Friday, Sept. 24, 10:30 a.m. – Noon Atlanta: Monday, Oct. 25, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Contributing-level and above members are invited to enjoy light bites and exciting presentations by Garden staff. Learn more about the Garden’s world-renowned plant collections, regional and international conservation work, special exhibitions and exciting educational programs. Details will be emailed before the events. To upgrade to Contributing: 404-591-1544.

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

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights Member Premiere Thursday, Nov. 11, 5 – 10 p.m.

Be among the first to experience the 11th annual holiday tradition before the show opens to the public during this ticketed preview (Members receive a discount).

Enjoy festive activities and concessions available for purchase.

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

For details, atlantabg.org/join.

Behind the scenes with PlantIntel The annual publication PlantIntel is dedicated to sharing the staff ’s stories of “science in action.” The third annual edition covers how the Horticulture, Conservation and Education teams pivoted in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Garden’s updated plant collections policy and efforts to protect small whorled pogonias, milkweed, magnolias and more.

Pick up your copy at the Garden, or read it online at issue.com/atlantabotanicalgarden Clippings is available online at issuu.com/atlantabotanicalgarden 16

Interested in booking a group of employees from your office for a service day at the Garden? The horticulture staff accepts groups of 10 to 50 for projects throughout the year from large corporations, small local businesses and service groups, such as AmeriCorps and National Charity League. Projects include basic tasks such as mulching, weeding, planting, harvesting, invasive removal and general clean up. Groups typically are scheduled for weekdays, for either four-hour morning shifts or full-day assignments. Supplies are provided, including gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, gardening tools, water and snacks.

To participate, contact Josh Todd at 404591-1548 or jtodd@atlantabg.org.

planthotline When is the best time to plant a tree in Georgia?

Because of Georgia’s often extreme summer temperatures, fall is usually the best time to plant trees. Late October and early November are ideal when the weather is cool and new trees will not be exposed to the stress of heat.

In years with a predicted milder start to winter, trees also can be planted in early December. During cooler weather, the above-ground part of the tree goes dormant, allowing the plant’s energy to flow into developing a strong root system, which is important for transporting water as the tree develops leaves in the spring.

404-888-GROW planthotline@atlantabg.org