Garden News is published three times per year by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Friends of the Garden.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a public non-profit educational organization within the Office of Public Service & Outreach at the University of Georgia.
DIRECTOR
Jennifer Cruse-Sanders
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Tina Christie . Laurel Clark
James Gilstrap . Ellie Lancaster
Lisa Parrish . Lisa Nation
Adam Stewart . Shené Stroud
DEVELOPMENT
Johnathon Barrett . Kimberly Futrell
EDUCATION
Cora Keber
Sean Cameron . Audrey Mitchell
HORTICULTURE
Jason Young
Joey Allen . Alex Ankirskiy
Gareth Crosby . Carolyn Dyer
Emily James . Sheldon Jones
Katie McCollum . Jim Moneyhun
Melanie Parker . Brian Santos
SCIENCE & CONSERVATION
Jim Affolter
Heather Alley . Jennifer Ceska
Melanie Flood . Emily Laske
Will Rogers . Zachary Wood
VISITOR SERVICES & FACILITIES
Andrea Fischer . Adam Lowe
Deirdre Peters . Alice Reynolds
SUMMER 2023 contents
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Partnerships for nurturing and growth
Truly impactful work requires partnership. One exciting new partnership you will read about in this issue is called Meet Me in the Garden. This program aims to adapt our engaging educational programming for a new audience, one that includes dementia patients and their caregivers. I learned about a similar program during a visit to Naples Botanical Garden in early 2022. The director of Naples Botanical Garden and her education department generously shared their experiences—this was just the start we needed. Further research into an earlier program called “Meet me at MOMA” gave additional background that helped us to plan for our own program. At the same time, I met with leaders in the Archway Partnership, a sister unit in UGA Public Service and Outreach. Their answer to the question, “What is important to you?” was a new partnership to address the needs of dementia patients in their communities. Over the past year, we have planned, designed and implemented a new pilot program for the State Botanical Garden. This work would not have been possible without the partnership of Archway and the dynamic team at the Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) Center in the UGA College of Public Health.
Another partnership you will read about is the newest Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year, a program made possible through generous support from the VaughnJordan Foundation. This partnership began as a way to address the need for the availability of native plants. As gardening grows in popularity, and awareness for how homeowners can create spaces (large and small) that support pollinators, the Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year program identifies the best options for spring, summer
and fall blooming plants, as well as one stellar native plant species for gardens each year. The Georgia Green Industry Association is an important partner in this effort. GGIA is a source of the latest information for growers, an advocate for the best and latest technologies, and a resource for important industry innovations across our state. The State Botanical Garden works with nursery owners and GGIA to share propagation research techniques and native plant materials to identify the best species and grow availability of plants for pollinators through the Georgia Pollinator Plant of the Year program and other native plant initiatives.
Pollinator conservation efforts at the State Botanical Garden are closely aligned with our partnership with UGA Extension for the Great Georgia Pollinator Census. Don’t be left out of this exciting new effort that will occur August 18-19, 2023! All you need to know to participate is available at https://ggapc.org/.
Throughout this issue, you will learn about other opportunities for growth and learning, from how to plant a pocket prairie to how to trim wildflowers in your garden to maximize blooms. There are many opportunities to engage with our impactful programs—especially through the Certificate in Native Plants. And I do hope to see you in the garden for one of our delightful Sunflower concerts. These relaxed evenings are filled with fireflies, stars, moonlight and great music. The State Botanical Garden offers inspiration on many levels.
Jennifer Cruse-Sanders, director
SCIENCE & CONSERVATION
Heather Alley, conservation horticulturist
Jennifer Ceska, conservation coordinator
Bad thoughts about wildflower meadow seed mixes
A long answer to a (not so) simple question: “What is a good wildflower seed mix that you recommend for creating a wildflower meadow?”
It is an excellent question, but we always cringe when people ask for good seed mix recommendations because it is difficult to answer. Establishing a wildflower meadow or “pocket prairie” from seed would seem like an easy, natural way to create a patch of pollinator habitat from scratch, but it is unfortunately not easy.
The problem with seed mixes are numerous. They contain too many species to establish simultaneously. Most contain species inappropriate for Georgia, namely the non-native common milkweed, which threatens to become invasive in Georgia. They are slow to establish, and the weed pressures become prohibitive. If you are creating a wildflower meadow for pollinator and bird habitat, it is essential to choose Georgia species.
Seed mixes usually contain well over 20 plant species. These species all compete at once for space, water and light. Generally, only three or four will germinate and survive to full size. This might be fine if you want to throw a bunch of seeds on the ground and see what kind of soil you have, but it seems like a recipe for wasting time and resources.
Further, seed mix species selections are incompatible with one another—you end up with a giant plant growing right on top of a 2-foot plant. The 2-foot plant doesn’t stand a chance. Imagine ironweed growing quickly, broadly and 8 feet tall in a season, growing beside butterfly milkweed.
When working to enhance a grassland or wildflower meadow, we like to first establish the species in sets with matrix species or “space holder” species—like mints, small goldenrods and smallsized warm-season grasses. We would bring in smaller wildflowers next and wait until these early sets of wildflowers and grasses are well established and growing soundly before bringing in larger wildflowers and grasses.
Perennials are slow to establish from seed on site. Many meadow grasses and wildflowers grow deep roots, some as deep as 6 to 10 feet before flowering. You might not see your target wildflowers for years. When we have time pressure to establish our target species, we find
that establishing a wildflower meadow or pocket prairie takes too long from seed. What are the time pressures? The needs of native pollinators and other wildlife are significant. Georgia wildlife needs sun-loving native wildflowers on the ground now.
The other time pressure comes from the competition of weeds. If our target plants do not hold a site, weedy colonizing species and nonnative invasive species will move in and take over. When establishing plants on Georgia soils, weeds will have equal opportunity alongside the wildflowers. Weeds usually win the race. The biggest challenge in establishing a wildflower meadow from scratch is weeds.
Unfortunately, prepping a new site for meadow seeds creates a blank canvas for an inevitable wicked dose of weeds. Options for weed control are hand weeding, selective and carefully timed herbicide application, and strategic mowing. As mentioned above, working to establish wildflowers from seeds can take too long for the needs of Georgia wildlife and too long to lose the competition from weedy competitive plants. We need to establish these plants faster.
We recommend planting potted perennials whenever possible if you are starting from scratch. Consider using plugs, strategize your planting by height and clump species together in patches. This is essentially planting a native perennial border. If you let the wildflowers go to seed on site, they will spread through time, creating your wildflower meadow.
Plugs of planted wildflowers give your plants a big head start establishing on-site over seed sowing. The native perennial wildflowers will begin seeding in before you know it. If your site is too large to plant exclusively, try seeding in some matrix species, plants that will hold the site for you, like Little Bluestem. Then start planting small patches of a few wildflower species and let them go to seed. In grassland restoration, we call these “seeding-in plots.” For example, in our 11-acre grassland restoration, we love the results of seeding little bluestem and splitbeard bluestem. Once those are established, we add flower diversity over time, a few per year.
If you want to dive deeper into meadow establishments and pocket prairies, visit https://www.ernstseed.com/help-guides/obstacles-to-a-successfulmeadow-establishment/.
LITTLE BLUESTEM
EDUCATION
Meet Me in the Garden:
Putting a little extra CARE into our programs
Cora Keber, director of education
My grandmother was an avid gardener. She instilled a love of plants and gardening in my mother and, in turn, in me. In her early 80s, she began showing signs of dementia which continued to increase as the years went on, but her love of gardening never faded.
When she was able-bodied, we visited every nearby garden. As she needed more assistance, my mother became her primary caregiver. Mom would plant bulbs outside her window, take her on walks and let her pick moss, grass and dirt to place in bowls on the counter in her room. I share this story to explain why persuading me to bring a new program to the garden was easy.
Last winter Jenny Cruse-Sanders, director of the garden, spent time at Naples Botanical Garden and learned of their program, Meet Me in the Garden. The program was designed for people with dementia and their care partners to connect not only with the garden and nature but also with one another.
As fate would have it, the Archway Partnership, a unit of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia, and the Center for Aging Research Education (CARE) Center, a resource and clinic in the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia, were simultaneously developing education and outreach programming for Archway communities to serve this growing population and need.
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The administrative and programmatic minds of the garden, Archway Partnership and the CARE Center melded together to develop and implement the Meet Me in the Garden program here at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.
During this pilot phase, four pairs of people with dementia and their care partners joined us one time per month from January through April to connect, explore garden-related topics, and discover the garden on a sensory walk. The group put it all together through an activity and materials to take home to continue the learning and connection after leaving the garden.
The program content was based on existing curriculum materials, including Our Shared Forest to learn about coffee, tea and chocolate, Connect to Protect to learn about native plants, and Bee Smart Eat Smart to learn about nutrition from fresh produce. One of the care partners shared with a docent, “this is the most relaxed I have seen them in a very long time.” I am sure this comment is not surprising to those who know and experience a garden’s healing properties.
While my mother did a lot to care for and provide connection, relaxation and beauty for my grandmother, I also know it was a challenging time that often felt lonely. We hope that programs such as Meet Me in the Garden continue to expand and serve the growing needs of so many families to bring community, connection and joy into their lives.
HORTICULTURE
Gareth Crosby, Heritage Garden curator
Have you ever noticed midway through the summer, some of your gorgeous perennials are starting to bloom, and just as they reach their full glory, there is a rain event, and all sorts of plants have flopped in your garden? Suddenly you have a part in the middle of your asters, your goldenrod is leaning far into the path or your garden phlox is bent to the ground.
To avoid this flop, many perennials will perform better in full flower if they are pruned back at least once before bloom. They call it the Chelsea Chop in England because it is best done in late May, close to the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show. Here in Georgia, summer-blooming plants will need to be chopped (pruned) at least once between April and May. Fall-blooming plants will need at least one chop by July.
It’s fun to experiment with the timing and frequency of mid-season pruning. Helianthus, Melissa and Aster are great plants to practice this technique. If you have perennials that tend to flop during bloom, consider chopping all but a few to a third or half the original height.
You may use hand pruners, loppers or even hedge trimmers if need be. After allowing 6 inches of growth, consider pruning the front half of the grouping again, taking off half of the new growth. This will spread out the bloom timing of the group as well as create a tiered effect where the back tier is tallest and earliest to bloom, the middle is a little shorter, fuller and a little later to bloom and the front tier is shorter (but still very full of flowers) and latest to bloom. Bear in mind that the closer to the flowering time you prune, the longer the delay in flowering.
Here is a small list of the many plants that can benefit from mid-season pruning:
Anthemis
Echinacea
Helenium
Phlox paniculata
Hylotelephium
Solidago
Artemisia
Aster
Nepeta
Salvia
Monarda Agastache
Panicum
Melissa Mentha
Lantana
Euphorbia
Andropogon
Chrysanthemum
The Chelsea Chop
Mums are of particular note on this list. They surpass the Chelsea Chop in terms of pre-bloom pruning and shaping. The flowers of garden mums, Chrysanthemum morifolium, require cool temperatures to prolong bloom time. If you allow your garden mums to bloom during the summer, the flowers will quickly fade and turn brown from the heat. Mums that bloom in cooler temps have blooms for 30 to 60 days.
Many varieties of mums like to be tall and leggy if left to grow naturally, without any pinching, leading to breakage. They will bloom early in the summer and fade quickly from the heat. If you start pinching back new growth in early spring (April) and continue until about mid-July, you can maintain a compact shape, increase the number of blooms on your plant and reduce the chance of breakage.
Here is an approximate schedule:
First pinching – when plants are 6 inches tall – pinch off 2-3 inches of the tip, pinch above a leaf node
Second pinching – when new growth is 6 inches tall –pinch off another 2-3 inches off each tip, pinch above a leaf node
Continue to follow this pattern until mid-July–pruning after mid-July will diminish the number of buds ready before the frost.
Tips and Tricks
Zinnia elegans can get very tall, which can lead to problems during bloom. When your zinnias are 8-12 inches tall, pinch them back by 3-4 inches, right above a leaf. You can go back every few weeks and pinch the new growth and then stop when the plant is nice and full and allow it to fill with blooms. Pruning back spent blossoms on annuals will provide a new flush of flowers on many annuals.
Loretta Lee
Since Loretta Lee began her botanical garden “career” in 2007 as a gift shop volunteer, it has been a pleasure to get to know her. Lee brings to the garden a welcoming smile that makes friends with everyone she meets. She selflessly gives of her time and talent to support the garden. She has tried her hand at various activities, from planting tulip bulbs in December to setting up for the Friends Flea Market during hot summer days in August. Lee has never seen a task she wasn’t ready to tackle. Her motto must be, “if I’m able, I’m available.”
She is an ambassador to thousands of guests from around the world who visit the garden. Many of our guests have no idea where to start when they arrive at the garden, but Lee quickly puts them at ease to get the most out of their visit.
Looking at photos over the years that Lee has volunteered brings a smile and a feeling of gratitude. After all, how can you not smile when you see her posed behind a beautiful arrangement of roses, hydrangeas and orchids that she arranged herself and is preparing to deliver to an area nursing home.
Seeing her name on the volunteer schedule is always reassuring because I know we’re in good hands. She is a true volunteer in every definition of the word.
Volunteer opportunities are available for many positions.
Please contact Andrea Fischer for more information at 706-542-6195 or afischer@uga.edu.
Friends of the Garden has joined Brent and Becky’s Bulbs’ Bloomin’ Bucks. It is a simple program–you buy bulbs, plants, tools and more from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs through a special website and Friends receive a generous percentage of your order. Your order is sent directly to you when it is the appropriate time to plant. Just follow these simple steps:
1 Go to www.bloominbucks.com (no ‘g’) and from the pull-down menu of orgnizations select FRIENDS OF THE STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA.
2 You will be sent to Brent and Becky’s Bulbs website where you can order whatever you want.
3 Your order is delivered directly to you and a percentage of the proceeds of your order helps to support the garden.
Classes & Events
SUMMER 2023
SUMMER CAMP
The State Botanical Garden education department offers six different week-long summer camps for children ages 5-10. Each week focuses on a different outdoor theme to inspire fun and to connect with nature. Registration for all camps is available online through the State Botanical Garden of Georgia website, botgarden.uga.edu.
JUNE 5-9: GEORGIA CRITTERS
Learn to bound like a deer, sneak like a fox and build a home like a beaver. Georgia is full of many fascinating creatures that we can discover all around us. From turkeys to snakes, mayflies to owls, we will meet a variety of creatures that call Georgia “home” and learn what they need to survive in their habitats. Come to this week of camp and leave a Georgia animal expert.
JUNE 12-16: AQUATIC ADVENTURERS
Want to meet creatures that can change colors, breathe through their skin and have their stomachs on their feet? Come explore the wacky world of water. Catch salamanders and crayfish in our stream, play water games that leave you soaked and learn what you can do to keep our water clean. This week of camp is sure to cool you down and excite your imagination.
JUNE 20-23: FOREST EXPLORERS
The environment changes across the globe, and so do the ways people interact with it. In this week of camp, we will travel the world to discover the different ways humans have used the natural world throughout history. Try your hand at various historical practices in farming, eating, social gathering and survival. We have a world of fun during this week of community-building and exploration.
Full day camps; ages 5-10
Monday-Friday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Fee: $300
Sweet Pea Camp details vary, please see specific descriptions for info.
JUNE 26-28: SWEET
PEA CAMP
Ages 3-4 with an adult helper
Monday-Wednesday 9–11 a.m.
Fee: $60
This camp is planned especially for young nature lovers and their parent or other adult helper, offering a marvelous introduction to the natural world. Each day focuses on a different topic, such as “A Visit with Old Man Spruce Tree” or “Adventures with Oli the Earthworm.” Programs involve puppet shows, storytelling, outdoor games, nature crafts and garden explorations. This camp provides a great way to spend time outside this summer with your child.
JULY 10-14: AQUATIC ADVENTURERS
Please be advised that this week’s schedule will be a replicate of the first week of Aquatic Adventures camp. We ask that campers join only one of these duplicate weeks to allow space for others.
JULY 17-21: BEE SMART, EAT SMART
The Bee Smart, Eat Smart camp introduces campers to gardening, nutrition and cooking by discussing the connection between nature and the foods we eat. Campers will have the opportunity to try a variety of different fruits and vegetables throughout the week and the final project will include a Chef Day in which kids will work under the close supervision of camp counselors to create two healthy, kidfriendly recipes for all to try.
JULY 24-28: NATURE RANGERS
Come join the Nature Rangers for a week packed with outdoor exploration. Campers will participate in a variety of exciting games and adventurous activities showcasing Georgia’s natural history and resources. From mountains to coast, come see what makes our state great.
CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Friday, Aug. 18-Saturday, Aug. 19
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is one of many partners working with University of Georgia Extension to gather a snapshot look at pollinators around Georgia. The Great Georgia Pollinator Census is a historical initiative where Georgians will record the numbers and types of pollinators that populate our state during late summer. Not an entomologist? No worries! The census was designed for children, families and adults so that all Georgians can participate in the data collection process. Swing by the front desk of the visitor center for information about pollinator investigations around the garden. Visit https://ggapc.org/ for details on how to participate at home.
GARDEN EARTH EXPLORERS
Saturdays and Sundays
Available times between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
State Botanical Garden education staff
Children’s classroom, gardens and trails Fee: $50
Ages: 5-10, maximum of 15 participants
Get out in the garden for a personal adventure with the garden’s education staff. Choose from one of four 90-minute programs that include games and activities that lead you through our gardens and trails, focusing on the natural world and the magic of the forest. Program themes include Stream Ecology, Georgia Discovery Quest, Forest Treasure Hunt and Remarkable Rainforest. Parents or chaperones must accompany all children for the duration of the program and are included in the participant numbers. For more information, contact sbgeduc@uga.edu or (706) 583-0894.
ADVENTURE PACKS
Available during open hours by request
Fee: $20 for materials for up to 20 participants
Ages: 5-12
The Garden Adventure Packs provide self-guided field trip options for youth leaders, home school groups, families and friends. Each pack contains maps and supplies for hands-on science activities, plant hunts and forest explorations to be completed in different garden areas. Bring your students or family to enjoy activities and games that introduce you to our shared earth at your own pace. For more information, contact sbgeduc@uga.edu or (706) 5830894.
SWEET PEA CLUB
Every Thursday, through Oct. 26 10:15-11 a.m.
Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden Fee: $3 per class per child
Ages: 3-5 with an adult helper
Join the State Botanical Garden of Georgia education team for Sweet Pea Club at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden. Families will join one another for a morning of adventure in the garden through various activities, including songs, puppets, stories, hikes and games. Each week will highlight a new theme, such as water, soil, foods we eat, pollination, plants or trees. The Sweet Pea Club program is an informal way to give young naturalists a better understanding of the importance of our shared earth. Please note that this event may not take place during inclement weather. Pre-registration is required and can be found on our website, botgarden.uga.edu.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT THE GARDEN
Saturdays and Sundays
9 a.m.–noon or 1–4 p.m.
State Botanical Garden education staff
Visitor Center, children’s classroom
Fee: $300 for up to 30 guests
Ages: 5-10
Are you looking for a memorable, magical, kidfriendly birthday? Look no further! The State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers a variety of birthday programs from September through May. You can choose from Animal Encounters, Critter Catchin’, Forest Treasure Hunt, and more. Each party includes one hour of guided activities in our conservatory or forest trails and use of the children’s classroom for a total of three hours. For more information, please contact sbgeduc@uga.edu.
ALICE H. RICHARDS CHILDREN’S GARDEN PERFORMANCE SERIES
Every third Saturday of the month, April through August 9:30 and 11 a.m. show times Theatre-in-the-Woods Free and open to children of all ages
Every third Saturday of the month, April through August, enjoy a variety of engaging shows taking place on the Theatre-in-the-Woods stage in the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden. Experience music, laughter and connection in nature as our artists bring excitement to your weekend. All performances will take place at 9:30 a.m., with a second showing at 11 a.m. In case of rain, the Callaway Administration Building Auditorium will serve as the stage.
RAMBLES
NATURE RAMBLERS
Thursdays March 2 through Nov. 16 9 a.m. (each ramble lasts about 90 minutes) Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists featuring guest guides Meet at children’s garden arbor
Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the State Botanical Garden’s natural areas, flora and fauna while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Rambles start with an inspirational reading by a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. Ramblers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. This is a ramble, not a hike; stopping to view interesting plants, insects, butterflies and mushrooms, etc., along the way is part of the experience each week. You can join for just one or all sessions. These informal rambles are free, but donations are accepted in the garden’s donation box in the lobby of the Visitor Center. To get a feel for what these rambles are like, visit http://naturerambling.blogspot.com.
SUNFLOWER CONCERT SERIES
SUNFLOWER CONCERT SERIES
The Sunflower Concert Series at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is returning in summer 2023, offering an opportunity for the community to enjoy music in the garden.
The concerts, set in the Flower Garden, offer visitors an unparalleled experience, with some of Athens’ finest musicians performing in a beautiful horticultural setting.
In its 22 seasons, the Sunflower Concert Series has featured performances from Vic Chesnutt, Neal Pattman, Kevn Kinney (Drivin’ and Cryin’), Grogus, Caroline Aiken, David Lowery (Cracker) and Modern Skirts.
June 13- Abbey Road LIVE!
July 18- Spiltz Band
Aug. 29- Elf Power
Sept. 26- Randall Bramblett Band
For more information, visit botgarden.uga.edu.
CERTIFICATE IN NATIVE PLANTS
The Certificate in Native Plants offers committed individuals a comprehensive series of short courses in identification, cultivation, propagation, ecology and conservation of native Georgia plants. With an emphasis on participatory learning, the short courses are designed to provide a supportive and challenging learning atmosphere. Participants will gain a greater appreciation and understanding of native plants in a broad context.
The certificate program is appropriate for home gardeners, garden club members, native plant enthusiasts, green industry professionals, conservationists and others interested in the study of native plants. The program is also designed to appeal to professionals working in land, resource and park management, including natural resource agencies and private conservation programs. Knowledge and skills gained can be applied to both volunteer and professional services in the fields of conservation, horticulture, landscape design, land management and environmental education. One of the goals of the program is to have certified students participate in ongoing public and private efforts to preserve and restore Georgia’s flora and natural habitats. For a complete course listing, visit botgarden.uga.edu/education/adult-programs/.
Core
PLANT CONSERVATION: PROTECTING PLANT DIVERSITY
Saturday, Aug. 12
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jennifer Ceska, conservation coordinator, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Virtual program, see our website for more information
Plant conservation is an applied science that draws upon many fields of knowledge from ecology to horticulture, to ethics and politics. This course surveys threats to biodiversity in Georgia and worldwide, examples of rare plant research, techniques for restoration and reintroduction, and ways individuals and organizations are making a difference in protecting the rare plants of Georgia.
Course learning objectives and outline (topics covered will include):
• Why plants are critically imperiled, worldwide and in Georgia
• Grasslands, understory diversity
• Legal framework around plants, wildlife, protections, vulnerabilities
ETHNOBOTANY OF NATIVE PLANTS: THROUGH THE EYES OF THE CHEROKEE
Thursday, May 11
9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Mark Warren, author and owner, Medicine Bow Wilderness School Medicine Bow Wilderness School, Dahlonega, Ga. https://t.uga.edu/8wz
This workshop will provide an ethnobotanical journey through a Southern Appalachian forest and field site to discover the gifts of nature that allowed the Cherokee society to flourish in this region. To understand that the forest offered everything that the Cherokee needed is to grasp the essence of precontact Native American life and, at the same time, genuinely appreciate the individual parts of nature. Participants will explore the crafts and lore of Cherokee life,
including their use of wild plants for foods, medicines, repellents and everyday tools. These resources and cultural practices still exist today and continue to be helpful to those who follow in the footsteps of the first inhabitants of Katuah, the land we now call Southern Appalachia. Class time will be spent mostly outdoors, so come prepared for the weather that day. Please note that this class is part of a new program and is located outside of the Athens area.
SUMMER TREE IDENTIFICATION
Saturday, June 3 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Linda Chafin, botanist State Botanical Garden, Mimsie Lanier Center https://t.uga.edu/7vC
About 200 tree species occur in Georgia’s Piedmont forests and woodlands. In this class, students learn to identify some of the most common of these by their leaves, bark, branching patterns and tree form. Students will learn to use a hand lens and a simple dichotomous key for woody plants to identify species. Class time will be divided between classroom exercises and a field trip to the woods at the State Botanical Garden.
CNP REQUIREMENTS
Four core courses (8 hours each) 32 hours
Six elective courses (4+ hours each) 24 hours
Two field trips (4+ hours each)
NATIVE PLANT PROPAGATION
Saturday, June 10
9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Henning von Schmeling, senior director of operations, Chattahoochee Nature Center
Chattahoochee Nature Center, Plaza Conference Room, Roswell, Ga.
https://t.uga.edu/7vh
Have you ever wanted to learn to propagate native plants from your garden? Have you wondered how layering works in plant propagation? Is it possible to break the dormancy of a seed to initiate germination? These and other questions will be answered and discussed at length during this engaging workshop held outdoors at the Chattahoochee Nature Center greenhouses. Propagation from root, stem and even leaf cuttings will be demonstrated, and participants will have the opportunity to apply these techniques as part of the class. This elective will teach you the basics of native plant propagation and allow you to try various techniques perfected by native plant experts over the years. Please note that this class is part of a new program and is located outside of the Athens area.
THE BEE-UTIFUL WORLD OF NATIVE BEES
Friday, June 16
9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Becky Griffin, UGA pollinator health associate Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center, Blairsville, Ga.
https://t.uga.edu/7vG
Most people think of the European honey bee when asked about Georgia pollinators. However, there is an entire world of native bees that are amazing pollinators. Join this class to learn bee identification and biology, examine insects up close using microscopy, go on an insect hunt in the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center’s ethnobotanical gardens and create sustainable bee homes for you to place in your garden. We be(e)lieve we can make you fall in love with our native bees! Please note that this class is part of a new program and is located outside of the Athens area.
State Botanical Garden Visitor Center, classroom 2
https://t.uga.edu/8zn
This class will focus on the most common ferns found in the physiographic regions north of Georgia’s fall line and how to identify them. Beginning with an introduction to the biology and morphology of the ferns, you will learn features to help you distinguish between different species. The natural habitats of these different ferns will be discussed, as well as using them in garden settings. Class time will be divided between classroom exercises and a field trip to the Dunson Native Flora Garden.
NATIVE PLANTS & INSECT POLLINATORS
Saturday, Aug. 19 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Henning von Schmeling, senior director of operations, Chattahoochee Nature Center
Chattahoochee Nature Center, Plaza Conference Room, Roswell, Ga.
Numerous, ultra-specific pollination strategies exist all around us between our native plants and our native insect pollinators. Often, these relationships with our native pollinators go unnoticed in our gardens. In this class, you will learn about these fascinating pollination relationships through a lecture followed by a focused walk through the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s native plant collections to witness these specialized plant designs and insect adaptations in action. Please note that this class is part of a new program and is located outside of the Athens area.
MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE SOUTHEAST
Online course content available July 14
Saturday, July 22
10 a.m.–noon
Melisa Ray, research coordinator, UGA Social Sustainability of Agrifood Systems Lab Virtual program, see our website for more information https://t.uga.edu/6R6
Did you know that you are living in nature’s medicine cabinet? The Southern Appalachian region is home to a great diversity of medicinal plants used by various cultures throughout history and still valued by modern herbalists today. This workshop will acquaint you with some of our most important native herbs of the southeast and includes self-paced virtual learning and a live, online session with the instructor.
Course learning objectives & outline (topics covered will include):
• History of herbalism in our unique landscape
• Identification and uses of native medicinal plants
• Overview of herbal preparations and uses
• How to make your own herbal salves and tinctures at home
Course structure:
This class consists of three elements: an introduction to medicinal plants and remedies, self-paced learning activities, and a live, online two-hour program.
• Part 1 – Introductory video lectures and self-paced activities – content released July 8
• Part 2 – online class session – July 16, 10 a.m.-noon
FRIENDS FIRST FRIDAY
FRIENDS FIRST FRIDAY
First Friday each month
9–10:30 a.m.
Gardenside Room
Fee: $12 general admission, $10 for members
Pre-registration is required
Gather for breakfast and find out what brings folks to the garden to visit and volunteer. Each month, a different garden subject is presented and conversation is encouraged among the attendees. To reserve your place for Friends First Friday, register online at botgarden.uga.edu.
MAY 12 - WHAT IS THE GEORGIA GRASSLANDS INITIATIVE PROJECT?
Will Rogers, a Georgia-born University of Georgia graduate, began his 22year career with the university in the plant biology department. For over five years, he’s been at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, working on various conservation, restoration, preservation and genetics projects. Rogers will provide a timely update and a thank you to Georgians who have joined the Georgia Grasslands Initiative project in iNaturalist. Learn how he has taken the project from zero to over 28,000 native species documentations and what plans are in store for the future.
JUNE 2 - THE MAGICAL MYSTERY OF ROSE FRAGRANCES
Bobbie Reed, from Lawrenceville, Ga., has been growing roses in her garden since 1988. She has almost 200 roses, most currently raised in pots. She and her husband Don grow mostly old garden, shrub, mini and mini-flora roses. Their favorites are the very fragrant old garden roses.
Reed is a long-time, active member of the Greater Atlanta Rose Society and the American Rose Society. She is an American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian (an ambassador for roses) and a Master Rosarian. She is also an ARS Horticulture and Arrangement Judge. She has written many articles and submitted amazing photographs for many rose newsletters and local and national publications. Reed is always eager to share her knowledge and experience to encourage anyone to appreciate and grow roses in their garden, large or small. Her presentation at Friends First Friday will focus on the fragrances of roses, old and new.
JULY 7 - CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Everyone who visited the State Botanical Garden during the holidays enjoyed beautiful decorations made of dried plant materials. Not all flowers are dried the same, and the process is trial and error. Join Darlene Morris as she shows us how to gather materials, prepare them for drying and shares her methods.
Morris is originally from North Carolina. A graduate of Randolph Community College with a horticulture and floral design degree, she worked for the North Carolina Zoo for 29 years. After retiring in 2013, she and her husband moved back to Georgia and began volunteering at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. In 2016, she became a part-time employee working with Cliff Brock and now works in the Flower Garden with Jim Moneyhun.
AUG. 4 - HOSTA FOR YOUR GARDEN
From hosta newbies to veteran hosta growers, there will be something for everyone at the August Friends First Friday. Sandra Bussell and Pat Brussack will talk about this versatile plant that can add a rich variety of ornamentation to a southern garden. You’ll hear about cultural practices to nurture this plant, along with disease and pest control. Bussell and Brussack will also recommend varieties that perform well in Georgia and suggest good sources for these plants.
Following the program, participants will be invited to view and do a garden performance evaluation of the nearly 300 named hostas in Brussack’s garden, less than five miles from the State Botanical Garden.
ART AT THE GARDEN
PAULA E. LANSFORD
Paula E. Lansford, an English artist who loves painting birds, animals and flowers, was born on a tea plantation in India. Lansford has worked as a freelance artist designing greeting cards and gift wrap for a studio in Ohio. Her work has been published in Salesian Mission and is displayed at several locations, including the Cleveland Zoo. Lansford is the author and illustrator of three children’s books and is always influenced by her love of nature, as well as bright colors from her childhood in India.
Her art will be displayed from May 21-July 2 in the Visitor Center Great Room. She will host an opening reception on May 21, from 2-4 p.m. in the Great Room.
May 21July 2
CHUCK MURPHY & BABS MCDONALD
“Camera and Canvas” is a unique exhibit featuring works by the artistic duo Chuck Murphy and Babs McDonald. Murphy is a long-time nature photographer. McDonald took up painting late in life as therapy after a severe stroke.
What makes this exhibit special is that it’s composed entirely of pairs of images: either paintings by McDonald, inspired by Murphy’s photos, or photos by Murphy, inspired by McDonald’s paintings. You’ll enjoy comparing their works and seeing how each artist inspired the other. McDonald had a stroke in 2017, affecting her dominant left side. For a year, her left arm and hand were essentially immobile. As a radical form of therapy, she decided to try painting to rehabilitate her left arm and hand. It was a battle, but when you tour this exhibit and see the obstacles she overcame, you’ll witness the amazing results of this therapy.
Murphy has been a nature photographer for over four decades. His photos have been published in local newspapers and national magazines and accepted into curated exhibitions in galleries around Athens and Atlanta.
Their exhibition, “Camera and Canvas,” will be on display in the Visitor Center from July 9 through Aug. 12, with an opening reception in the Visitor Center on July 9 from 2–4 p.m.
SUPPORTING THE GARDEN
Online Gifts. Make a one-time gift. Make a recurring gift.
Pledges. Pledges enable a donor to plan a personal gift that is both convenient and tax-wise. A pledge may enable a donor to consider a more significant gift than would have otherwise been possible. Terms for payment on pledges are flexible.
Matching Gifts. Many employers support matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Ask your employer about its matching gifts program.
Memorial and Tribute Gifts. Memorials, tributes and other named gift opportunities will be remembered with a plaque recognizing the honoree and donor. Gifts range from benches and trees to statues and garden sections. Unique dedication opportunities are available throughout our landscape.
Endowments. An endowed fund is a dependable and continuous source of support, since the principal is invested and only a portion of the earnings is spent annually.
Planned Gifts. Long-term gift planning can be a preferable means of giving from an estate, financial and tax planning perspective.
Please contact Johnathon Barrett, director of development, at (912) 398-9750 or Johnathon.barrett@uga.edu to learn more about giving opportunities.
2450 S. Milledge Ave. Athens, Ga. 30605 botgarden.uga.edu 706-542-1244 HOURS GROUNDS OPEN DAILY, 8 A.M.-7 P.M.
CENTER TUES. -SAT. 9 A.M.-4:30 P.M. SUN. 11:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
DEVELOPMENT
Hello Friends,
Those who love the State Botanical Garden and our own personal gardens anticipate the coming beauty of spring. But as I write this note, I am assessing the after-effects of 72 hours of frigid temperatures this winter, including many hours well down into the single digits.
As I walked around our farm, I noticed a particularly brown bush. I knew what it was: a bush that can’t be killed, a bush that you take your life into your hands just to prune. Our Georgia state flower, my Cherokee rose, was dead. I was sad. My friend Karen Radde, an excellent rosarian, advised me to cut it back. It likely will grow back. At this writing, there is no sign of life. And it is not alone, as other plants around my home appear dead. But they could come back—hope springs eternal in the spring!
Every year the Friends of the Garden ask each department to submit a list of needs and wishes that the Friends may play some role in providing.
Upon first seeing this year’s list, I smiled outwardly and laughed inwardly as it reminded me of the list prepared by my son the Christmas he was 9 years old. He had gone through the Sears toy catalog and made a list of everything he wanted, including page number, cost and how many. Santa couldn’t provide it all, but Santa certainly wanted to try! Similarly, the Friends will carefully consider the list from the garden departments and decide what we are best positioned to provide. You can help by joining the Friends, not only to enjoy the membership benefits but to contribute to projects such as those on the list and to volunteer for interesting tasks with wonderful fellow volunteers. In the current year, the Friends will have given $1 million to the garden. Just imagine what that can be in the years to come. Just realize what can be done with such outstanding support.
Join us in supporting the curators, staff and volunteers who work hard to make the State Botanical Garden a spectacular showplace through all seasons. From Winter WonderLights to daffodils and tulips of spring, through the blazing colors of summer and the harvest hues of fall, the garden is a never-ending surprise of seasonal drama. Join us!
Eileen H. Hale, president, Friends of the Garden
JOIN THE FRIENDS
Joining our membership support group, Friends of the Garden, is the easiest way to become more involved in the activities of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This charitable organization allows its members to support the garden’s work and mission while gaining a closer connection to the people who make it grow. Friends receive discounts on the majority of events and programs offered at the garden as well as special invitations to advance plant sales, horticultural talks and trips to other regional attractions.
The Friends’ newsletter provides additional information about upcoming garden events and features current articles by our knowledgeable garden staff.
Visit botgarden.uga.edu for more information.
PRESIDENT
Eileen Hale
VICE PRESIDENT
Karen Radde
TREASURER
John Graham
RECORDING SECRETARY
Kay Petroff
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Lynn Bryant
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Pat Brussack
ENDOWMENT TRUSTEES
Mercer Brockenbrough
James LaBoon III
John Quackenbush
Tom Wilfong
Ellen Wilkens Wiley
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Merry Anderson
Nancy Black
Patti Causey
Shirley Cook
Mary Denney
Betsy Ellison
Lisa Feiber
Juli Fields
Andrea Fischer
Celia Fowler
B.J. Garrett
Susie Haggard
Rosemary Maulden
Mary Mills
Teresa Morrison
Beverly Morton
Marsha Mulderig
Karen Radde
Anne Shenk
Mike Sikes
Rosemary Stancil
William Tonks
Anne Walker
Bill Walker
Dot Williams
Carleton Wood
State Botanical Garden at UGA encourages planting for pollinators
Laurel Clark, communications coordinator
With so many options available, it can be challenging to know what plants to add to your home garden that will look beautiful and help the environment. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia is helping gardeners by selecting four Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year.
The program, a collaboration between the State Botanical Garden, UGA Extension and green industry partners, began in 2020. The program annually promotes four top-performing landscape plants that support pollinators. Plants are chosen for the following categories: spring bloomer, summer bloomer, fall bloomer and Georgia native.
The pollinator plant of the year program was designed to encourage the use of high-impact plants that support pollinators in private and commercial gardens. It is funded in part by the Vaughn-Jordan Foundation.
“Our audience has been very receptive to the program,” said Heather Alley, the garden’s conservation horticulturist. “These plants always sell beautifully at our plant sales. One of our partner growers has enjoyed highlighting these plants, and their customers are excited about them.”
The 2023 plants in the four categories of the program are:
Spring bloomer
Blue wild indigo
Baptisia australis
About: Blue wild indigo is a 4-foot-tall perennial wildflower in the pea family. In spring, this plant has tall spikes of eye-catching cobalt blue flowers. Conservation value: Supports many native bees and other pollinators.
Summer bloomer Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa
About: Wild bergamot is a perennial in the mint family that grows 4 to 5 feet tall, with longlasting white, lavender or magenta summer blooms that attract many different pollinators. Conservation value: Supports many native bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
AROMATIC ASTER
Fall bloomer
Aromatic aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
About: Aromatic aster is a perennial wildflower in the sunflower family that grows 3 to 4 feet tall with purple flowers in the fall.
Conservation value: Supports many native bees, butterflies, hover flies and wasps.
Georgia native Coastal plain Joe Pye weed
Eutrochium dubium
About: Coastal plain Joe Pye weed is a perennial wildflower in the sunflower family that grows 3 to 5 feet tall with profuse but tiny mauve flowers that bloom from July through September.
Conservation value: Supports bumble bees, small bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
Alley said all the plants selected this year complement each other with cool, blue undertones. They are also easy to maintain.
The plants are nominated by gardeners, horticulturists, entomologists, ecologists and green industry professionals throughout Georgia and selected by a committee. The committee announces the plants a year in advance to give growers time to increase the stock of the plants for the public.
Becky Griffin is the community and school garden coordinator for UGA Extension and serves on the pollinator plants of the year committee. She is also the coordinator of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a citizen science project created by UGA designed for everyone to participate and make a difference in pollinator conservation.
Griffin said serving on the committee and talking about the nominated plants is a great way to get pollinator plants to the public. She also helps market
the pollinator plants to people who want to start pollinator gardens and encourages those who wish to participate in the pollinator census to plant them in their home gardens.
“Planting plants that attract pollinators is a conservation action that we can all do,” said Griffin. “Research has shown that if you build the habitat, they will come. Planting pollinator plants directly impacts our pollinators, which are important for our food crops in Georgia.”
Griffin said you can add the pollinator plants of the year to your space, whether that’s a farm, subdivision or apartment complex.
Although new plants are selected each year, Alley said the goal is to continue promoting all the pollinator plants of the year selections over time. All the plants can work together for a beautiful collection of pollinator favorites that can be added to yearly.
The State Botanical Garden, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach, sells the pollinator plants of the year at its spring and fall plant sales and in the garden’s gift shop, and works with growers and retailers in Georgia to produce and market the plants.
For more information about the pollinator plants of the year program and a directory of native plant nurseries, visit https://t.uga.edu/649. For more information about the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, visit https:// gsepc.org/.
Flower Garden wins second place in annual Landscape Design Challenge
All-America Selections Landscape Design Challenge
Nora Gellona-Wagoner, Learning by Leading student leader
The All-America Selections Landscape Design Challenge is an annual event that showcases highly tested and well-performing AAS winner seeds. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia was awarded second place for 2022, competing in a category of gardens where annual visitors exceed 100,000.
The theme for 2022 was “Games in the Garden.” Jim Moneyhun, Flower Garden curator, and Nora GellonaWagoner, a senior landscape architecture student and Learning by Leading student leader, led the design effort. In April 2022, Gellona-Wagoner organized and facilitated a design charrette with students, volunteers and garden staff to discuss ideas for this year’s theme. The final design represents a game spinner. GellonaWagoner also designed a new sign displaying “What’s in Bloom.”
AAS is a nonprofit organization that tests and evaluates new plant varieties. The competition is open to a wide range of gardens, from large and small botanical gardens or arboretums to community gardens, public parks and university gardens. Each year, AAS announces a theme for the design challenge and provides participating gardens with seeds of recent AAS winners.
Moneyhun and Gellona-Wagoner are busy planning for the next Landscape Design Challenge. The theme for 2023 is “Whimsy in the Garden.”
BOARD OF ADVISORS
2022-2023
Tootsie Adams, Athens
Cyndae Arrendale, Atlanta
Betty Balentine, Atlanta
Diana Barrow, Savannah
Betsy Birkholz, Marietta
Mary Bishop, Sea Island
Dottie Blitch, Atlanta
Mark Callaway, Atlanta
Sherri Callaway, Hamilton
Pat Carlock, Atlanta
Natalie Coghill, Augusta
Jeff Cole, Athens
Geri Coleman, Atlanta
Amy Cowsert, Athens
Linda Cravey, Atlanta
Andrew Crawford, Atlanta
Jenny Crisp, Desoto
Martha Deméré, Sea Island
Betty DeVore, Athens
Evelyn Dukes, Athens
Susan Duncan, Highlands
Cindy Edwards, Savannah
Betsy Ellison, Athens
Susan Fant, Sea Island
James Farmer, Perry
Ann Frierson, Athens
Jim Gatewood, Americus
Sylvia Gibson, Athens
Cynthia Glover, Atlanta
Kelly Grow, Athens
Lynwood Hall, Moultrie
Robert Hallock, Savannah
Catherine Hardman, Athens
Mary Hardman, Athens
Francie Hargrove, Cashiers
Georgia Hatcher, Macon
Margaret Hefner, Macon
Paula Hennessy, Atlanta
Melba Hill, Atlanta
Ken Hodges, Albany
Maudie Huff, Columbus
Karen Hull, Augusta
Holley Jaakkola, Savannah
Truett Jarrard, Atlanta
Jimmy Jeter, Moultrie
Sally Jobe, Atlanta
Dori Jones, Columbus
Sally Jones, Sea Island
Gena Knox, Athens
Merry Jo Kurrie, Valdosta
Mimsie Lanier, Sea Island
Kathy Lanigan, Thomasville
Sissy Lawson, Gainesville
Betsy Leebern, Columbus
Peggy Lientz, Atlanta
Brenda Magill, Athens
Alden Maier, Rome
Polly Mattox, LaGrange
Marianne McConnel, Atlanta
Marilyn McNeely, Clarkesville
Jim Miller, Atlanta
Farolyn Mobley, Moultrie
Cindy Moore, Savannah
Caroline Morris, Augusta
Felton Norwood, Atlanta
Colleen Nunn, Atlanta
Penny Nunnally, Atlanta
Alannah O’Quinn, St. Simons Island
Sandra Paris, Atlanta
Alex Patterson, Athens
Hart Payne, Gainesville
Doreen Poitevint, Bainbridge
Mark Preisinger, Sea Island
Kathy Rainer, Atlanta
Stephen Reichert, Macon
Georgia Ritchie, Atlanta
Adrian Robinson, Atlanta
Margaret Robinson, Sea Island
Riley Sams, Sea Island
Victoria Simms, Sea Island
Henrietta Singletary, Albany
Lacy Sinkwich, Athens
Jane Skinner, Atlanta
Eileen Small, Atlanta
Betty Sponcler, Dalton
Colleen Sullivan, Albany
Nancy Tarbutton, Sandersville
Nancy Thomas, Screven
Elizabeth Townley, Bogart
Sandy Turbidy, Sea Island
Ruth Wellborn, Greensboro
Joel Wernick, Greensboro
Tom Wight, Macon
Cynthia Willett, Bluffton
Robert Winthrop, Athens
Kathy Young, Marietta
17,138 cups of hot chocolate sold
Thank you for another great year of Winter WonderLights. Stay tuned for more information about this year’s show on our website and in our fall/winter newsletter. by the numbers
56,021ticketssold marriage proposals
34% increase in attendance from 2021
12 sold out nights
Leave a legacy at the State Botanical Garden through a planned gift in your will or estate plans. A planned gift may enable you to make a larger gift than you thought possible. There are favorable financial and tax benefits as well.
Please contact Johnathon Barrett, director of development, at (912) 398-9750 or Johnathon.barrett@uga.edu to learn more about giving opportunities.
706.542.1244 . botgarden.uga.edu . garden@uga.edu
When it’s hot outside, but the garden is calling, we’ve got you covered. The garden shop has a large selection of sun hats to keep you cool and protected. Our Tula hats have long been a favorite with our staff and visitors. They offer UPF 50+ protection and are made from 100 percent natural palm that is harvested sustainably. You’re sure to find a style and size that suits you. Don’t forget to add a State Botanical Garden water bottle to help keep you hydrated, and you are ready for whatever the summer weather has in store.
