Inspiring Journeys of Growth and Success Through Internships at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
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Emily Bowron Chair wally Evans immEdiatE Past Chair d�C Coston trEasurEr stEPhaniE K CooPEr sECrEtary dEriCK BEldEn Chair of CommuniCations & marKEting
EvElyn JonEs Chair of dEvEloPmEnt
CarolinE littlE Chair of EduCation & Community EngagEmEnt
John smith t Chair of govErnanCE
KirK forrEstEr Chair of govErnmEnt rElations
lEE mClEmorE Chair of oPErations
Members at Large
Uday Bhate
Maggie Brooke
Sharon L. Brown
Sharon Deep Nelson
Eleanor Estes
Wendy Evesque
David Germany
Helen Harmon
Leigh Haver
Janet Kavinoky
Blevins Naff
Tiffany Osborne
Ruffner Page, Jr.
Sharon Sherrod
Martha Emmett Sims
Ellen Spencer
Larry D. Thornton, Sr.
Libba Vaughan
Jesse Vogtle, Jr.
Ginny Willings
Jim Pickle, Junior Board President
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham
Botanical Gardens. We are dedicated to serving the Gardens, serving the community, serving our visitors, and inspiring a passion for plants, gardens, and the environment.
Staff
Tom Underwood.....................................................Executive Director
Stephanie Banks Chief Financial Officer
Dawn DeFrank Donor Service Coordinator
Paige Goldschmidt….....................................Development Associate
Amelia Haas Office Coordinator
Ellen Hardy Education Program Coordinator
Penney Hartline Director of Development
Molly Hendry.................. Associate Director of Gardens Support— Horticulture Planning and Design Leader
Cassia Kesler Director of Communications & Marketing
Jason Kirby Library Assistant & Archivist
Dawn Coleman Lee Education Activities Specialist
Hope Long Director of Library Services
Tyler Mason Director of Education & Community Engagement
Tina Nelson Accounting Clerk
Félix Ortiz ….................. Communications & Marketing Associate
Drew Rickel Donor Relations Officer
Keith Turney Horticulturist–Kaul Wildflower Garden
Jane Underwood Director of Gardens Support
Co-Editors: Cassia Kesler and Félix Ortiz
Art Design: Ellen Padgett
Cover & Lead Photos:
Jeffrey Margreiter, Carmen Michael, Graham Yelton
Contributors: Susan Alison, Dawn DeFrank, Amelia Haas, Ellen Hardy, Penney Hartline, Molly Hendry, Wendy Wallace
Johnson, Cassia Kesler, Dawn Coleman Lee, Hope Long, Tyler Mason, Carmen Michael, Drew Rickel, Graham Yelton
©2023 Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. All rights reserved. 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223 205.414.3950 | bbgardens.org communications@bbgardens.org
A facility of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the result of a public/private partnership between the City of Birmingham and the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a mission-driven membership organization that seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of the Gardens. We hope you enjoy this issue of the Friends’ award-winning quarterly publication, The Garden Dirt.
Thank you for visiting and supporting the Gardens!
Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens practices a policy of equal opportunity and equal access to services for all persons regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, orientation, or gender identity.
Dear Friend,
Over the past few months on more than one occasion I’ve looked around and thought to myself, “This place is just amazing!” The response to our spring programs and events has been heartwarming and encouraging. The return of the Native Plant Conference as an in-person event was a great success. Our lineup of speakers was truly impressive, and the premiere of our “rapid fire” session that gave a courageous group of volunteers the opportunity to showcase their gardens was outstanding. We had a full house for this year’s Spencer Lecture—an eager roomful of people turned out to hear about “new naturalism” from horticulturist Kelly D. Norris, who shared his stance eloquently. Rounding it out, the Cherry Blossom Festival drew a crowd like no other, and our Spring Plant Sale fundraiser was our best post-pandemic sale yet. Our dedicated corps of garden volunteers continues to make amazing things happen throughout the Gardens. We are so fortunate to live in a community that has such a long tradition of valuing plants and gardens. I am deeply appreciative of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and Board that makes all of these things possible.
Looking ahead to the summer months, there are many more ways to get involved, whether joining one of our garden volunteer groups, taking advantage of an educational program, or just taking a few hours to walk the gardens and clear your mind. From our Children’s Summer Camps for ages 4–12 years old to our Houseplant Care Workshop in June, there are opportunities for participants of all ages and from all walks of life to get outside and discover the Gardens’ wonders.
In this issue, you’ll read about summer internships at the Gardens, and what amazing work our previous interns have gone on to do. This is one of the many ways that the Gardens offers a connection to the natural world: providing opportunities for students to pursue career paths through experience in horticulture, landscape design, botany, and environmental science. We offer two summer internships; one focuses on the education and community engagement objectives of the Friends, and the other centers on the cultivation of Alabama’s native plants.
Included in this issue is our 2022 Annual Report. It provides a snapshot of our previous fiscal year, offers some highlights of some of our accomplishments during the year, and illustrates some of the ways that your annual membership, your individual and corporate contributions, your tribute gifts, and your volunteer service have helped us fulfill our mission: to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of these beloved gardens. We are so very grateful for your generous support. Thank you for being part of the Gardens’ community.
We are thrilled to announce that our Communications and Marketing team has won two Hermes Creative Awards, an international competition for creative professionals. Our video A Special Thank You from the Friends has been awarded the Gold Hermes Award in videography, and our 2022 fall issue of the Garden Dirt, Happily Ever Becoming, has been recognized with a Platinum Award in the magazine category. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team in creating innovative and compelling content. We are proud to be recognized for our efforts, and we are committed to continuing to deliver high-quality communications materials that inspire and engage our audience.
Tom Underwood Executive Director, Friends of Birmingham Botanical GardensThank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more exciting projects with you in the future!
With a love for gardens running in the family, Hanson Slaughter attributes his support and commitment to Birmingham Botanical Gardens as inherited passion from his mother and grandmother—one that he hopes to pass along to the greater Birmingham community.
By WENDY WALLACE JOHNSONCentral to any nonprofit’s success is the involvement and direction of the members of its board of directors. Hanson Slaughter, this year’s honoree, has given many years of leadership to the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, including as chair of development committee and as board chair in 2014.
However, there was a time that the Birmingham native, who has given so much back to his hometown, believed that he would never again live in Alabama. After graduating from Indian Springs and the University of Virginia, he had fulfilled his goal, landing a successful job working as an investment banker in New York City. Then one day while apartment hunting, it hit him: “I wanted to move back to the South,” he recalled. “I missed the South.”
He immediately quit his job, and after a short break in Europe, moved to Shreveport where he worked in the oil and gas industry. But he still traveled back and forth to New York to see friends and Birmingham native Melissa Clark, whom he had met in New York and who had captured his heart.
“As fate would have it, my now wife of nearly 23 years and I were on the same page. Independently of one another, we decided we wanted to be back in Birmingham.”
Some of their friends in New York thought they were crazy for wanting to move back home, Hanson said. “But when they came to the wedding, they wanted to stay. Every time people visit from out of town, they fall in love. Birmingham is an incredible secret of the South. You don’t know it until you come and visit the Gardens, the Museum of Art, the beautiful neighborhoods,
see the architecture and the beautiful gardens that people have at their homes. It’s really a unique place. It’s such an easy place to live.”
Life for Hanson and Melissa snowballed quickly after coming home. They welcomed their son, John (now a sophomore at Princeton), in 2002, followed by their daughter, Virginia (an entering Freshman at Skidmore), in 2003.
“On the weekends, we were always looking for things for the kids to do,” Hanson said. “Going to the Gardens with them was great because we could let them be kids, while enjoying a space we loved.”
A love for gardens runs in the family. His grandmother, Mary Slaughter, was president of her garden club and a boxwood horticulturist. But it is his mother, Diana Slaughter, whom he credits
for his love for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
“She has been incredibly involved over the years,” Hanson said. “She co-chaired the fifth Antiques at the Gardens back in 2010. She served on the Board of the Friends for years, volunteered at the plant sales…she has dedicated a lot of her time to the Gardens. For me to step into giving back felt very natural.
“At the University of Virginia, I would go to the gardens along the lawn to study or even take my exams,” Hanson recalled. “The Gardens here provide that same sense of respite. Even with all the activities going on, with nearly 70 acres, it’s easy to find a quiet space to reflect. That’s an important part of living— connecting with a living space.”
Affording people the opportunity to connect with this living space is what Hanson is passionate about.
“Birmingham is very lucky to have this oasis right in the middle of everything. It is so close to downtown,” he said. “I want to see increased engagement across the broader population. We have this gem that is not evenly enjoyed by the community. Bolstering our educational programming is important. Bringing people through the gates is important.”
This is the purpose of Antiques at the Gardens, he said.
Being a hybrid entity (the partnership between the City and the Friends) makes the Gardens unique, but also presents a challenge, said Hanson. “We have a lot of work to do to bridge the gap between the limited funding of the City and overall operational and programming needs. I often wonder if enough people realize a portion of the proceeds from Antiques at the Gardens goes toward the educational
HANSON SLAUGHTERprograms for children who may not otherwise have an opportunity to learn and spend time in green spaces.”
Hanson, who is the managing director of the Birmingham office of 1919 Investment Counsel, said that is why his company has been a long-term gala sponsor. “1919 in Birmingham was once the trust company of Sterne Agee,” he explained. “When I went to work at Sterne Agee in 2006, we were the title sponsor of the first annual Gala in the Gardens. We have continued this commitment with 1919.”
The ticket sales from the gala are important because of what it supports, he said. Gesturing to an old gala photo on his desk, he smiled, “Plus, it’s such a fun party. It’s one of those that Melissa and I always try to attend. You have this great influx of young people in their 20s and 30s, plus all the people who have been involved in the Gardens over the years.
“The show in its current form has put
Birmingham on the map. It’s always been an event that people from Birmingham like to go to, but now we have people from other cities who travel to come to the show,” he said.
“For attendees, our show is more manageable than some of the other shows. You could say ours is in the ‘Goldilocks’ zone…it’s the perfect size. You feel this intimacy when you go to the speaker events and talk to the dealers. And there is the opportunity to make so many connections.”
Hanson, who also serves on the boards of Indian Springs School, the Jefferson Trust for the University of Virginia, and CommerceOne Bank, said these connections are important at the board level as well. “I have worked with a lot of nonprofits in a variety of capacities, personally and professionally, and I really do believe that the board of the Friends is among the top five best-run
nonprofits with whom I’ve worked. It is an extraordinary institution.”
The financial success of AATG is tantamount to the work of the Friends. “Just because you are well run, and you are building your endowment, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need funds,” said Hanson.
He looks forward to helping to contribute to the Friends success.
Hanson’s children, John and Virginia Slaughter play in the Japanese Garden circa 2006. “Going to the Gardens with them was great because we could let them be kids, while enjoying a space we loved,” said Hanson.
“If there is anything I would love to see this year and future years, it is spreading the word about the importance of the Gardens to the greater community. I want people to have a better understanding of the mission of the Friends and the Gardens and what they are doing behind the scenes. That’s what I’m passionate about. It’s not just a pretty place to go. It really is valuable to the community. When you look at the number of volunteer hours, and the people served… the seeds being sowed here produce multi generational benefits.”
late summer. We look forward to seeing you at the show! bbgardens.org/antiques
“If there is anything I would love to see this year and future years, it is spreading the word about the importance of the Gardens to the greater community.”
—HANSON SLAUGHTER
Wednesday, June 14 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Thursday, June 22 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Ireland Room
Instructor: Irene Thames Gardner
Take your smartphone photography to the next level and learn how to cultivate the power of the phone camera to harvest strong photographs of your favorite subjects! During the workshop, you’ll learn the best tips and tricks for composing, lighting, and editing your photos to create stunning,
professional-quality images. You’ll also get hands-on experience with a variety of camera features as well as explore different shooting techniques.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced photographer, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to improve their smartphone photography skills. Register today and start capturing stunning photos with your smartphone.
** Class centers around the use of the iPhone but all smartphone users are welcome!
Cost: $45 (Members) | $55 (Nonmembers)
The Library at the Gardens is a wonderful resource for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone who would like to learn more about gardening. Bring your Jefferson County library card to check out books. Visit the Library 9 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays.
Tuesday, June 6
Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World by William Alexander
Tuesday, July 11
Select Tuesdays | 4:30 p.m.
Bay Boy: Stories of a Childhood in Point Clear Alabama by Watt Key
Tuesday, August 1
The Story of More by Hope Jahren
Select Wednesdays I 11 a.m.–noon
Location: the Garden Center I Cost: $10 per participant
Preregistration required at bbgardens.org/classes
MOON TREE PROJECT I Wednesday, June 7
Learn about the special Moon Tree missions and the moon tree that resides at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Led by Library Assistant and Archivist Jason Kirby.
ACES VEGETABLE TRIAL 2023 I Wednesday, August 23
Gain insight into Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s effort to provide science-based answers to production-related issues by completing cultivated variety trials in the Bruno Vegetable Garden of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Led by Bethany O’Rear, Regional Extension Agent.
2. HOUSEPLANT CARE
Tuesday, June 20 | 11 a.m.–noon
Location: Ireland Room
Instructor: Jessica Watts
Join House Plant Collective’s owner, Jessica Watts for an informative houseplant workshop. Learn tips and tricks to growing houseplants in your own space. Topics will include light, water, fertilizer, repotting, pests, and we will end with time for Q&A.
Cost: $20 (Members) | $25 (Nonmembers)
3. FAIRY GARDEN WORKSHOP
Thursday, July 20 | 6–8 p.m.
Location: Adventure Classroom
Enjoy a glass of wine with friends while you make a summer cottage for the fairies in your garden using durable outside materials for sheltered areas or inside your sunroom. Adults will create one house each to take home at the end of the program. Come prepared for messy art play (hot-glue guns will be in use).
Optional suggested materials to bring from home include decorations such as miniature dishes, tea sets, or dollhouse accessories. A base for your fairy house and a variety of natural materials (moss, bark, sticks, acorns, shells, clay for creating fairy accessories, among other materials) are provided. Fee includes instruction, basic materials, use of tools, and two glasses of wine.
Cost: $50 (Members) | $55 (Nonmembers)
4. Our health and wellness classes take place in-person and outdoors. Visit bbgardens.org/ classes and follow us on social media for more details and to register.
ASHTANGA
Mondays | 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Location: Moore Cultural Pavilion (Japanese Garden)
Instructor: Jason Kirby, Certified Yoga Instructor
TAIJIQUAN (TAI CHI): INTERMEDIATE
Tuesdays | 4–5 p.m.
Location: Moore Cultural Pavilion (Japanese Garden)
Instructor: Stephen Guesman, Tai-Ji Quan Instructor
TAIJIQUAN (TAI CHI): BEGINNER
Tuesdays | 4:45–5:45 p.m.
Location: Moore Cultural Pavilion (Japanese Garden)
Instructor: Stephen Guesman, Tai-Ji Quan Instructor
VINYASA
Wednesdays | 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Location: Moore Cultural Pavilion (Japanese Garden)
Instructor: Lelia Neil, Certified Yoga Instructor
Cost: $12 (Members) | $15 (Nonmembers)
5. STORYTIME AT THE GARDENS
Fridays | 10 a.m.
Location: Southern Living Garden
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a creative craft at the Gardens! Meet us in the Southern Living Garden, weather permitting, or in the Garden Center. This program is designed to promote a love of reading, creativity, and gardening, all while gaining the benefits of visiting the Gardens and being outdoors.
Cost: Free and open to the public
6. FAMILY YOGA
Saturdays, June 17, July 15, August 19 9–10 a.m.
Instructors: Annie Damsky, Owner, Villager
Yoga and Laura Gadilhe, You Shine Yoga
Location: Japanese Garden
This energetic class in the Japanese Garden will include individual and partner yoga poses for strength and balance, plus breathing exercises to help foster calm and focus.
Cost: $15 (adult + child), $5 each additional family member
9 a.m.–noon
Cost: $180 (Members at the Family level and above) | $225 (Nonmembers)
Limited spots still available! Programs are designed to promote your child’s natural sense of creativity and discovery with fun learning experiences in the unmatched setting of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Learn more and register at bbgardens.org/summercamps.
June 5–June 9 (ages 6–7)
July 24–July 28 (ages 8–12)
Let’s explore the wonderful world of science through amazing adventures in the Gardens and fun, hands-on STEAM activities designed to be creative and messy.
June 20–June 23 (ages 4–6)
Imagine exploring the Gardens inspired by Winnie the Pooh and Friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. Join us for daily stories, gardening discoveries, activities, crafts, and a honeypot full of fun!
June 20–June 23 (ages 5–10)
We will learn about keeping our energy vibrant through yoga, group activities, nature exploration, and mindful arts and craft projects. Breathing and guided meditation will teach tools for calm and relaxation. Campers will tap into their creative, intuitive, confident selves and bond with new friends.
June 26–June 30 (ages 8–12)
July 10–July 14 (ages 6–7)
We’ll discover summer vegetables growing in Bruno Vegetable Garden, fragrant herbs from the Herb Terrace, and enjoy tasty garden treats. Share your favorite recipe for our camp cookbook, paint an apron, and plant your very own kitchen garden to take home so you can have fun cooking and tasting all summer!
July 17–July 21 (ages 4–6)
Explore the Gardens through the eyes of a flower fairy during this whimsical and fun week of imagination, nature exploration, stories, and enchanting arts and craft activities.
3. GROWING THROUGH YOGA
4. SUMMER GARDEN CHEFS
5. FAIRY GARDEN FUN
During the summer, nature’s most vibrant season, plants thrive and flourish, taking advantage of the extended daylight and warm temperatures to reach new heights of growth and expansion. As stewards of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Friends recognize the potential of this season for growth and improvement, which is why we extend two valuable internship opportunities to college students, with the aim of introducing and enlightening them on the multitude of fulfilling career possibilities available within the realm of public gardens.
In turn, our interns offer us the privilege of mentoring the next generation of horticulturists, plant scientists, ecologists, and garden lovers. Just as a gardener takes great care in nurturing their plants, a mentor provides the guidance and support necessary to help young people prosper. Both require patience, dedication, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. The Friends feel a deep sense of fulfillment when we witness the growth and development of the young people who have strolled through these gardens. It is a beautiful thing to see the potential of youth realized, to see them bloom into the best versions of themselves, and to know that you played a part in planting the seeds for their future success—which is why we take immense pleasure in sharing the inspiring journeys of three former interns, who credit their success and career paths to the valuable experience gained during their internships at the Gardens.
By FÉLIX ORTIZ
JEFFREY’S JOURNEY AT Birmingham Botanical Gardens started as an intern in 2019, where his passion for native plants and horticulture flourished. Little did he know that this experience would shape his future endeavors and lead him to a fulfilling career as a nursery manager at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. Through an insightful conversation, Jeffrey shared the highlights of his internship, his deep appreciation for biological diversity, and the exciting prospects that lie ahead.
Reflecting on his time as an intern, Jeffrey fondly recalled the various projects he worked on. He mentioned, “A big part of it was organizing and labeling the shaded lathhouse, taking inventory of the incredible diversity of plants we had, whether in the greenhouse or nursery stock. We focused on organizing them based on their plant families, which was a significant undertaking.”
The internship offered Jeffrey a unique opportunity to delve into different propagation techniques, including cuttings, air layering, and direct sowing. Exploring these methods proved to be both challenging and rewarding, especially when working with native plants. He explained, “Many native plants don’t have readily available data on the best propagation practices. So, it was often an experimental process, which made it even more interesting.”
One of the ongoing projects that Jeffrey worked on was the pitcher plant
bog in the Kaul Wildflower Gardens. He had the privilege of collaborating with a dedicated group of volunteers on a weekly basis, where they tackled labor-intensive tasks like replacing rotting railroad ties. Jeffrey vividly remembered this challenging experience.
“It was a full week of hard work, digging out the old ties and replacing them. Those railroad ties were incredibly heavy, making it a super difficult task.”
Jeffrey’s internship extended beyond the gardens’ borders as he embarked on field trips to the Bibb County glades, a botanical treasure trove. The Glades in Bibb County, Alabama, boast an impressive array of unique plant species. With a minimum of eight newly discovered species exclusive to this region, at least seven state records, numerous disjunct plants growing far from their counterparts, and over 60 plant taxa of conservation concern, it stands as a remarkable hub of botanical diversity in the eastern United States. During his field trips, Jeffrey conducted research on endemic plants and recorded his findings as part of his individual project.
“It’s a truly remarkable place,” he said. Later in the summer, Jeffrey had the honor of presenting his research project on the endemic plant species found in the glades at the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference in North Carolina. A rare opportunity for an intern!
When asked about the lasting impact of his internship, Jeffrey expressed, “I learned well over a hundred species and discovered the remarkable biodiversity of native plants in the Southeast. It made me deeply appreciate our natural heritage here in Alabama.”
Jeffrey’s passion for horticulture led him to return as an employee for the following summer, further refining his skills in landscape design, curatorial work, and botanical science. His dedication to expanding his knowledge in the field of natural resources inspired him to pursue a master’s degree in the same domain. ”I wanted to have a broader ecological context and understand the natural world beyond horticulture,” said Jeffrey.
Recently graduated from Auburn University with a masters in natural resources management and policy, Jeffrey proudly shared that he has accepted a position as the greenhouse nursery manager at the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens near Louisville, Kentucky. With his knowledge and expertise, Jeffrey was eager to contribute to the nurturing and growth of plants in a professional capacity. His new role will provide an ideal platform to apply his knowledge and make a positive impact on botanical conservation and public horticulture. His advice to aspiring plant enthusiasts was clear: “I would highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in plants. The experience can be tailored to suit various interests.”
ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Jeffrey Margreiter introduces himself as a scholarship recipient at the 2019 Cullowhee Native Plant Conference. Jeffrey propagates leaf cuttings.alum from the University of North Alabama, spent this past summer working as a seasonal botanist for the Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska, and is now a graduate student at Clemson University.
“My time at the Gardens was the reason that I decided to do my grad school studies, studying plants and specifically native plants,” he said.
During his internship, Trent made a significant contribution to the Gardens by working on public information systems for different sections of the Gardens. “I worked on making QR codes that provided data about the plants in particular sections, including Sonat Lake and the Kaul Wildflower Garden,” said Trent.
Trent’s QR codes continue to inform thousands of visitors each year with botanical information of the plants in the Gardens making plant knowledge more accessible for all.
Reflecting on his time at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Trent recalled, “I have a lot of good memories. The thing that I enjoyed most was working with all the volunteers in the Kaul Wildflower Garden and going on field trips. But working with everyone in the office as well was pretty fun.”
Trent also shared how the internship helped him focus his career aspirations. “I was interested in plants beforehand, but the internship really got me settled on where I wanted to
shape my career,” he said. “The experience just kind of sparked my interest.”
The summer after his internship, Trent applied and received a position as a seasonal botanist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska. In his role as a seasonal botanist, Trent was responsible for conducting biodiversity surveys in the wetlands and ensuring there was enough forage for the wildlife. “My main duty was going out to these wetlands and doing a survey of what the abundance of certain grass species were out there that feed them, to see if there was enough forage for them to be reintroduced into the wildlife refuge where I was working,” he explained.
One of the most significant moments of his time in Alaska was the opportunity to see the wildlife from an aerial view. “My job required me to fly over the refuge in a helicopter. So I got to see a lot of Alaskan wildlife,” he said.
Trent is currently a graduate student at the University of Clemson University studying plant ecology, looking at how plants interact with other biotic factors in their environment, specifically, fungus and microbes and their roots.
As an environmental steward, Trent is interested in learning “how plants will adapt to climate change and how maybe we can use that information to better protect valuable plant ecosystems,” he said.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Trent Gilmore poses in Yukon, Alaska where he spent the summer of 2022 as a seasonal botanist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A moose passes through Trent’s research site.student at the University of West Alabama, Mandrell’s journey as an intern is one that leans towards a bright future in the world of conservation and field biology. For Mandrell, his internship was an unforgettable experience. “The internship really opened my eyes to a variety of possible career options, and aided me in gaining knowledge and skills that were not previously known,” said Mandrell.
While he worked on various projects with the Friends, it was his personal project of developing a propagation method for the Tutwiler Spleenwort (Asplenium tutwilerae) that stands out the most.
“The Tutwiler Spleenwort is arguably one of the rarest plants in the world, and only found in Hale County, Alabama,” said Mandrell.
Since his internship, Mandrell’s career aspirations have expanded, but he is not entirely sure of his path. “I feel as though the world of ethnobotany is calling my name, and I’m almost positive that’s where I’ll end up, but I haven’t solidified that yet. Working with Kaul Wildflower Horticulturist Keith Turney, and seeing how passionate he is about the Kaul Wildflower Garden and his work ethic
have made me consider horticulture as well.”
Most recently, Mandrell worked on a field collection project for his Field Botany class. The project required him to collect 100 different plant specimens from at least 40 different families, while ensuring that specific criteria, such as the presence of flowers and fruits, are met. Afterward, he pressed them and made labels, including the family, genus, and species, locality, and other essential details. The specimens will then be shipped to herbariums across the country, and possibly the world.
“The most exciting part is getting hands-on experience with learning how to properly collect specimens for herbariums and then also learning how to properly key plants out in order to have them identified. It’s also exciting to know that one day your specimen might be pulled and used by someone else in order to compare it to a specimen they believe is the same, or even being used in order to distinguish if a new species has possibly been discovered,” said Mandrell.
Mandrell’s passion and dedication to his work are evident in his current project, and it is this dedication that will lead him to future success.
LEFT: Pressed American white water-lily (Nymphaea Odorata). As part of his Field Botany course, Mandrell McCray collected 100 different plant specimens, pressed and dried them, and then prepared labels to share with various herbariums.
BELOW: Mandrell weeds out wild lettuce (Lactuca canadensis) in the Kaul Wildflower Garden.
From planting and pruning to data management and public education, the opportunities for learning and growth are endless. Interns have the chance to explore a wide range of horticultural specialties, from rare and exotic species to native plants and sustainable gardening practices. And beyond the hands-on experience, interning offers a chance to connect with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a deep love of plants and the natural world. All of this is possible through the generous support of our members, donors, and volunteers! Thank you for helping us grow a greener tomorrow!
We are delighted to announce the arrival of our two summer interns: Native Plant Intern
Harlee McLean and Rotary Club of Shades Valley Intern Maria Claire Timberlake.
Newly graduated from the University of West Alabama with a master’s degree in conservation, Harlee McLean has a passion for the preservation and education of botanical diversity. Harlee has worked in the UWA Herbarium as a specimen mounter, collecting plant specimens to be added to the herbarium’s physical and digital databases. She has also taught middle and high school students at the Cahaba Biodiversity Center about local plant diversity and plant conservation. “I want to continue my knowledge in botanical work to be able to pass down the information and to help young students develop their passion for wildlife and the beauty it holds,” she said.
Maria is a Junior at Mississippi State University with a major in Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation. Maria hopes to bring in the leadership, management, field work, and problem solving expertise she gained through her work as an Academic Affairs Specialist in her sorority Alpha Delta Pi, a Field Technician with Cahaba Riverkeeper, and a volunteer with Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution. “I am ready to learn new skills regarding plant collection and garden management,” she said.
Hosted by the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the two will work side-by-side with the Friends’ and City of Birmingham staff as they develop skills and experience in applied horticulture.
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens Junior Board raised more than $15,000 for the Friends’ summer internships program through sponsorships, ticket sales, and in-kind support for our annual Rosé in the Roses.
Presented by Shoal Creek Properties and hosted on May 11 in the stunning Dunn Formal Rose Garden, the fundraiser featured rosé donated by Finch Fine Wines, central floral arrangements donated by Wild Things, and live music amid the Gardens’ roses in bloom. The Junior Board extends its sincere thanks to all who attended and gave support to our internships, which give college students the opportunity to gain practical experiences toward a career in public horticulture. THANK
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is excited to welcome CASSIA KESLER as our new Director of Communications and Marketing.
Cassia most recently served as the Communications Coordinator for Birmingham-Southern College, and before that worked as the Marketing Director for Alabama Waldorf School. She has worked in magazine publishing, communications, and marketing for over 23 years. With a particular heart for improving society for future generations, Cassia loves to help nonprofit organizations tell their story in appealing ways in order to reach broader audiences.
On behalf of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who joined us at our signature Native Plant Conference held Friday, March 10–Saturday, March 11.
We were thrilled to bring back the conference as an inperson event this year, offering gardening enthusiasts the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of native plants for two full days. Our theme for 2023, “Native Plants of the Southeast: Beautiful and Beneficial,” emphasized the importance of native plants in the landscape and their dual roles in conservation and aesthetics.
We were honored to have leading landscape design experts, horticulturists, and visionaries of the natural world as our speakers, including the New York Times bestselling author Doug Tallamy. Their insightful presentations on installing native landscapes, designing with natives, Alabama’s Sandstone Oak (Quercus boyntonii), pollination ecology, and plant biodiversity were truly enlightening.
The conference also featured a journey through the Gardens’ own Kaul Wildflower Garden and a visit to Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve to study the flora and ecosystems of these two exemplary sites. Optional activities, including a delicious farm-to-table supper on Friday evening and a special field study with resident experts on Sunday morning at Oak Mountain State Park, provided an opportunity for attendees to make the most of their conference experience.
We would like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for making this year’s Native Plant Conference a resounding success. We hope that the knowledge and insights gained during the conference will help you in your future endeavors as stewards of the natural world. We look forward to seeing you at our future events.
Sincerely,
Tyler Mason Director of Education & Community Engagement
True lilies, plants that are found in the family Liliaceae, are one of the most recognizable groups of garden flowers. This notoriety has even spilled over to the common names of flowers that are found in other plant families but have a lily-like flower. This summer we celebrate all the lilies, both true and wannabes alike!
By MOLLY HENDRYLet’s start with a true lily. This summer stunner gives you twice the spender with its double flowers! This tiger lily is perfect for the back of a planting bed and will rise up above the display with a pop of orange in mid-summer.
Prized for their floating flowers, these aquatic plants are not only graceful additions to a pond but can also help your water feature stay healthy. Its floating leaves shade the water preventing algae while also providing shelter for fish!
Although no longer considered a true lily, daylilies remain a staple of every southern garden! Found in every shade of yellow, orange, pink, and red, their fleeting flowers light up the June garden.
Although native to South Africa, this perennial is very at home in Alabama! Its deep purple, strap leaves contrast handsomely with the blush to white starry blooms that last for up to 2 months in late summer.
Cannas make their presence known and provide some tropical flare in the sunny south. With their bold foliage and striking flowers that last the entire growing season, this summer standout will provide color and height in your garden.
In many parts of the country, calla lilies are considered indoor plants or must be dug up and stored for the winter. But here in the south, we can depend on calla lilies and their rainbow of colors to return in our gardens season after season!
We sincerely appreciate your generous support, as every contribution can have a significant impact! There are so many ways you can participate: membership, annual donations, memorials and tributes, legacy giving, as well as by volunteering, shopping our plant sales, and joining us for an education program or special event. Please get involved in the Friends and visit often. Thank you for giving back to sustain the Gardens and all it makes possible.
—Penney Hartline, Director of DevelopmentFeb–April 2023
Councilor Valerie Abbott
English Village Garden Club
Richard Cybulsky
Greystone In-The-Gates Garden Club
Integrative Therapies, Inc.
Trussville Garden Club
Walter “Wally” B. Evans, Jr.
Mr. Hatton C.V. Smith
Helen Harmon
Valley Offshoots Garden Club
Molly Hendry
Alabama Wildflower Society Blanche Dean Chapter
Henry F. Hughes
The Home Garden Club
Margi Ingram
Ms. Kimberly Crookshank
Marguerite Johnson
Triangle Garden Club
Susan Pogue McNamara Anonymous
Anna Still Triangle Garden Club
Mark Thompson
The Home Garden Club
Feb–April 2023
Caroline Yates Middleton Amason
Mr. & Mrs. William B. Wahlheim, Jr.
Thomas “Tommy” Gilbert Amason, Jr.
Dr. Stacey Gilbert
Mr. & Mrs. William B. Wahlheim, Jr.
Johnnie Hughes Bell
Mary Kate, Ginger & Tom Dyer
Peggy Jane Ross Braswell
Ms. Brooke B. Freel
Benjamin Sam Carroll
Ms. Cristina C. Might
Mike Cleveland
Shirley Davis Cotton & Carolyn Davis
Melford Oliver Cleveland
Paula & Mike Rushing
Hayden Hope Doores
Mr. & Mrs. Randy Doores
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Lindstrom
Mrs. Andrea Walding
Sally L. Edwards
Theresa Croasmun
Robert L. Eskew, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. John R. Eskew
Nada Kay Curry Johnson Gast
Mr. Randy Johnson
Ann Calisto Geisinger
Norm Geisinger
Alpha Lee Johnson Goings
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Atkinson Roberts, Sr.
Snippers Garden Club
John Gordon Hallum
Mrs. Karen H. Cain
Caroline “Moon” Mullins Head
Peggy & Michael Balliet
Debby & Bill Denson
Carolyne & David Martin
Mr. Frank Morgan
Jessie McDowell Key
Mrs. Ilameta Moore
Charles “Charlie” L. Kinnaird
Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Harris
William L. Kinnaird, Billy & Claire Kinnaird Keel
Patrick Christopher McClain
Carolyn & Bill Satterfield
Alice Elizabeth Pigman
Jean Pigman Lytle-Helfand & Tom Helfand
Melinda Green Powers
Gayle & Mike Byrne, Camille Spratling.
Anne Roberts
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry E. Leachman
Bari Mazer Roseman
Mr. Evan B. Roseman
Mary Naughton Russell
Country Garden Club
Robert Edward Sharman
Mary & Jamie French
John F. Stadtlander
Carolyn Stadtlander
Sandra “Sandy” Jones Thomasson
Snippers Garden Club
Fredrick Michael “Mike” Tuttle
Anonymous
Rebecca Stuman Umphrey
Mr. & Mrs. Britt Barnett
Jutta Maria Viktoria Ruth von Buchholtz
Ms. Virginia H. Scruggs
Mary Anne Burr Weatherly
Mr. & Mrs. Evans Dunn, Jr.
LIBRARY DONORS
Feb–April 2023
Rebecca Cohn
Lucie Haynes
Cathy O’Sheal
Susan Taichman
LIBRARY MEMORIALS
Feb–April 2023
Benjamin S. Carroll
Jane Marie ‘Tina’ Darnall
Alpha Goings
Caroline ‘Moon’ Head
James Fletcher Hughey, Jr.
Mary Anne B. Weatherly
Oak Street Garden Shop Employees
LIBRARY HONORARIUMS
Feb–April 2023
Jason Kirby
Arlington Historical Association
Blount County Master Gardener Association
Greensboro Garden Club
The Lazy Daisy Garden Club
Pelham Garden Club
Shelby County Master Gardeners Association
Springbrook Garden Club
JOIN OUR PERENNIAL LEGACY GIVING CIRCLE
You can help us perpetuate the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens and all that it means to our community and region by including the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens in your planned giving. Every gift makes an impact. Please consider designating the Friends as a beneficiary of your estate through your will, charitable trust, or retirement beneficiary designation. We are grateful to all who have made this special commitment. Please join them in supporting and protecting this beloved community resource. Call Director of Development Penney Hartline at 205.414.3950, ext. 103, to learn more.
THE PERENNIAL LEGACY GIVING CIRCLE
As of April 30, 2023
Recognizing those who have made or pledged a planned gift
Mr.* & Mrs. Edgar G. Aldridge
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Balliet
Ms. Camille A. Becker
Mrs. Lucille S. Beeson*
Peggy Bonfield & Orrin Ford*
Ida C. & D. Joseph Burns*
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur I. Chenoweth*
Mary Carolyn Gibbs Cleveland
Suzanne G. Clisby
Dr. & Mrs. D.C. Coston
Mrs. Martha Stone Cobb Daniel*
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
Dr. L. Aubrey* & Elizabeth Drewry
The Dunn-French Family
Dr. John D. Elmore*
Martha B. & Robert L.* Eskew
Mrs. Trudy Evans
Mr. & Mrs. Wally Evans
Mrs. Claire H. Fairley*
Bernadine Rushing Faulkner
Mr. F. Lewter Ferrell, Jr.*
Dorothy Ireland Fletcher*
Dr.* & Mrs. Charles P. Grant
Patti Hammond
Jody & Don Hamre*
Penney & Roger Hartline
Mr. R.R. Herbst*
Mrs. Jimmie Hess*
Mr. J. Ernest Hill & Mrs. Ora Lee Hill*
Mrs. Jane Hinds
Fay B. Ireland*
Dr. Susan Jackson
Mr. George L. Jenkins
*Deceased
Bobbe & Hugh Kaul*
Ms. Pamela Kaul*
Mr. Jason C. Kirby & Mr. Benjamin
J. Faucher
Fran Lawlor
William Brock Lewis
Dr. Bodil Lindin-Lamon*
Hope Long
Dr. Michael E. Malone
Annie Lee Buce Matthews*
Ms. Louise T. McAvoy*
Douglas A. & Linda P. McCullough
Margaret H. McGowan*
Mrs. Mary Jean Morawetz
Mr. Philip Morris*
Thelma Vaughan Mueller*
Mr. & Mrs. Fred W. Murray, Jr.
Don & Pat Nelson
Dr. James L. Newsome*
Dr. & Mrs. A. I. Perley*
LeAnne* & Steve Porter
Mrs. Carol P. Poynor
Mrs. Dorothy L. Renneker*
Deborah & John Sellers
Sandra S. Simpson
Mr. & Mrs. William M. Spencer III*
Frederick R. Spicer, Jr.
Mr. Douglas Arant Stockham
Janet & Jarry Taylor
Dr. Wendell H. Taylor, Sr.*
Mrs. Barbara D. Thorne*
Dr. & Mrs.* Jack W. Trigg, Jr.
Mrs. Carolyn D. Tynes*
Mrs. Ann H. “Nancy” Warren*
Mrs. Robert Wells
Anonymous (2)
Birmingham, Alabama 35223
205.414.3950
bbgardens.org
Thank you for your commitment to this community treasure. Your support is vital for the Gardens and those we serve. Please renew or upgrade your membership at bbgardens.org/membership.
