Georgia Garden 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
Susana Alverado Tina Christie
Laurel Clark Kimberly Futrell
Sean Ledbetter Lisa Nation
Adam Stewart Shené Stroud
Heather Schwartz
DEVELOPMENT
Johnathon Barrett
Kathy Adams
EDUCATION
Cora Keber
Audrey Mitchell
Emory Perry
HORTICULTURE
Jason Young
Alex Ankirskiy Ken Duffey
Emily James Sheldon Jones
Katie McCollum Carolyn McKeen
Eli McKinney Jim Moneyhun
Brian Santos
SCIENCE & CONSERVATION
Heather Alley Jennifer Ceska
Melanie Flood Emily Laske
Will Rogers Zachary Wood
VISITOR SERVICES & FACILITIES
Daun Fest
Andrea Fischer Noel Fortunato
Oliver Hirt Dan Hudson
Adam Lowe Grace Moorman
Deirdre Peters
FROM THE DIRECTOR
A new look
One of the remarkable realities of working at a botanical garden is that the garden has a new look nearly every day. Whether it is a new blossom in the Flower Garden, a pollinator cloud that has descended on a mountain mint in the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden, or a spectacular orchid display placed on exhibit in the Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center and Conservatory, there is truly something new to see every day at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. We are so excited to share the new look of our website and Georgia Garden Magazine with you.
The new website and this issue of Georgia Garden Magazine primarily focus on our horticultural expertise, mainly how we contribute to conservation horticulture in a big way. We feature beautiful and colorful photographs that illustrate our gardens and work in horticulture. We continue to highlight our volunteers and valuable information about stewarding plant resources such as herbs from the garden. The section on classes and events lists opportunities for you to participate in training at the botanical garden led by our experts.
We are working hard to provide resources to our federal and private partners to propagate native seeds for restoration. This has resulted in significant funding for the Georgia Native Seed Network, a project that builds on decades of work to develop native plants for research and conservation. When you continue your support of the botanical garden and Friends of the State Botanical Garden, you are propagating our Georgia Garden initiative across the state.
Finally, we invite you to simply continue to be a part of how we grow. To grow is to be part of a new look. We are delighted to offer a new season of Winter WonderLights. How exciting to offer a new look when the garden glows with lights and delights during December and Disco Nights in January.
Be a Friend and a part of what we do at the State Botanical Garden. We can’t imagine a better look!
Jennifer Cruse-Sanders, director
SCIENCE & CONSERVATION
State Botanical Garden at UGA receives $1.6 MILLION FOR NATIVE SEED GRANT
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia recently received $1.6 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to create a native seed network for restoration projects in Georgia.
During a visit to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in April, Joan Mooney, principal deputy assistant secretary for policy, management and budget for the U.S. Department of the Interior, highlighted the collaborative partnership between the botanical garden, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Southeastern Grasslands Institute, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in establishing the Georgia Native Seed Network to produce locally adapted seeds and other plant materials across much of the Southeast.
“I could never fix a problem if I couldn’t see it on the ground.” said Mooney. “There’s no substitute for being with and learning from the people who are leading and doing this work.”
“Not everyone knows or understands this work, but it’s critical for our country and for Georgia.”
When a natural disaster occurs, such as a wildfire, replanting the vegetation may be necessary. The State Botanical Garden’s grasslands coordinator, Zach Wood, said restoration work aims to return an area to its original state using native species.
“All of our wildlife fit into this big system, so if you bring plant species in that’s not part of the system, it doesn’t help them.” said Wood. “Native wildlife needs native species.”
The University of Georgia’s land-grant and sea-grant mission is focused on providing critical research and service to our state, and this grant supports the work of the State Botanical Garden to collect and conserve native plant species specific to our region.
“The University of Georgia is honored to be selected for a site visit from the U. S. Department of the Interior leadership to see first-hand the vital contribution we are making in research and conservation of native seeds,” said S. Jack Hu, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.
“The work represents one of the many ways the University of Georgia is fulfilling its responsibility to serve Georgia and its citizens, both now and in the future.”
When the State Botanical Garden and partners try to tackle restoration projects in Georgia, they can’t purchase the native plant material they need. The grant for the Georgia Native Seed Network will address this need by supporting new positions at the State Botanical Garden for conservation experts to collect seeds from the different ecoregions of Georgia.
LEFT: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget for the U.S. Department of the Interior Joan Mooney visits the State Botanical Garden of Georgia to highlight the collaborative partnership in establishing the Georgia Native Seed Network.
The collected seeds will be propagated and farmed for critical restoration projects. Native
Laurel Clark, communications coordinator
ABOVE: The Georgia Native Seed Network is a collaborative partnership between the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Southeastern Grasslands Institute and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Pictured are Georgia Native Seed Network partners, University of Georgia Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost S. Jack Hu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget for the U.S. Department of the Interior Joan Mooney.
RIGHT: Zach Wood, grasslands coordinator at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, collects seeds in the prairie at the State Botanical Garden.
plants provide green infrastructure that is critical for emergency preparedness, food security and to mitigate the effects of natural disasters such as large storms, floods and fire. The plants grown will also be put into trade for commercial producers to grow and sell these native plants as well.
“This grant will help create a new market for agricultural producers,” said Wood. “It’s expensive to start the market, so if we can create a demand and support growers, we can help until the demand catches up.”
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a unit of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia, is a hub for plant conservation and native species production. The garden is the headquarters for the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, a network of more than 50 institutions, agencies and organizations committed to ecological land management, native plant conservation, and protection of rare and endangered plants.
In 2023, the State Botanical Garden, with the help of volunteers and partners, collected seeds of 40 native
species across three different ecoregions in Georgia. Of the species collected, 24 are already in production for restoration projects.
“We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the support that will help us provide for this critical need in Georgia and across the southeastern U.S.,” said State Botanical Garden Director Jenny Cruse-Sanders. “This project represents more than a decade of research and evaluation at the State Botanical Garden to develop native plant materials for conservation. It will have a profound impact on restoration and conservation throughout the region.”
For more information about the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, visit botgarden.uga.edu.
Certificate in Native Plants: The next generation of content experts
Emory Perry, adult program coordinator
The Certificate in Native Plants at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a handson, comprehensive series of courses in the identification, cultivation, propagation, ecology and conservation of Georgia native plants. The program launched in the fall of 2007 as a conservation and education initiative and has continuously grown and developed.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program shifted to a new format, and we began offering virtual classes. Thanks to the dedication of our core class instructors, like Sabrina Sewell, who started teaching classes in 2020, and Jennifer Ceska, conservation coordinator at the garden, who has been teaching classes since the program began, all of our core classes are currently held in a virtual or hybrid format.
We now also offer elective courses across Georgia with statewide partners, including Chattahoochee Nature Center, Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center, Gaskins Forest Education Center, Medicine Bow Wilderness School and Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve.
Our content experts and partners are at the foundation of the certificate program and have evolved alongside it.
“Teaching classes in the garden’s Certificate in Native Plants program is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things I’ve done in my career as a conservation botanist,” said Linda Chafin, who has taught classes for the program since its inception.
Chafin’s first class was Winter Tree Identification in February 2008. In addition, she has taught Spring Wildflowers, WarmSeason Grasses, Summer Tree Identification and Fall Wildflowers throughout the years.
She specifically enjoyed Winter Tree Identification the most because people don’t often consider how beautiful and interesting trees are in winter.
After many years of contributing to the program, Chafin is now stepping back to focus more on her retirement and the Nature Ramblers, a group of nature enthusiasts who explore the garden property each Thursday. When asked what advice she would give these future instructors, she emphasized the points of getting outside, teaching to your audience, encouraging participation and including as much ecology and natural history as possible.
Members from our conservation team at the garden are now teaching elective courses, including Zach Wood, grasslands coordinator, who is currently teaching Summer Tree Identification and Warm Season Grasses, and Melanie Flood, conservation field botanist.
Flood took over teaching Spring Wildflowers for Chafin, who, in her words, is “a Botanist who [she’s] looked up to for a long time and whose field guide taught [her] so much as a young plant lover.” She also developed a new elective, Introduction to Graminoid Identification, which came from her passion for the intricacies of grasses, sedges and rushes.
Flood’s favorite part of teaching is watching someone become genuinely intrigued by a specific plant or group of plants. Her primary goal is to spread admiration and understanding of our natural world. For her, the certificate participants make facing her fear of public speaking rewarding and worthwhile.
Will Rogers, conservation research professional at the garden, also just taught his first class for
the program, Carnivorous Plants. He has been at the garden since 2017 and has partnered with the education department many times before, but this was his first experience teaching a program of this length–four times longer than his typical public presentations.
“I really liked the interest and enthusiasm from the students and see[ing] their inner child during the live feeding portion of the class,” Rogers said. He also appreciated how students shared their own knowledge and experience.
As the program constantly evolves, we are forever grateful to the content experts and partners who have continuously taught with us and to the ones just beginning their teaching journey.
How to store fresh herbs
Carol McKeen, tropical collection and herb and physic garden curator
Imagine stepping out of your door and using the plants you grew to spice up your dishes! Growing and harvesting fresh herbs from your garden invokes a feeling of wonder and gratitude.
If you’re lucky, your garden will have provided you with an abundance of goodies to eat, share and save for the colder seasons. Although fruits and vegetables can usually be kept in the fridge to extend their flavor and vitality, it may be tricky to use all of your herbs before they go bad.
So, how do you store fresh herbs so they’ll last until you need them again?
Herbs can be divided into two main categories: soft herbs and hard herbs.
• Soft herbs have tender stems and leaves, such as basil, cilantro, parsley and mint. They love moisture and should be treated like a bunch of flowers.
• Hard herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano have woody stems and firmer leaves. They prefer a slightly different storage method.
If you want to use the herbs fresh, meaning in the next week or two, you can prepare the fresh cuttings to live in the refrigerator.
STORING SOFT HERBS IN THE FRIDGE
Storing soft herbs like basil and cilantro is like putting together a tiny herb bouquet.
First, fill a glass or jar with a little (1-2 inches) water.
Next, trim the ends of the herb stems and cut off the lower leaves so they do not touch the water.
Stand the herbs up in the glass or jar, just like flowers in a vase.
Finally, loosely cover the herbs with a plastic bag and put them in your fridge.
This method is easy and keeps the herbs fresh and alive for up to two weeks.
STORING HARD HERBS IN THE FRIDGE
The method for storing hard herbs in the fridge differs from that for soft herbs. These herbs include rosemary, thyme and oregano, which have woody stems and firmer leaves.
First, wrap your hard herbs loosely in a slightly damp paper towel. This will help to provide a humid environment for them.
Next, place the wrapped herbs in a resealable plastic bag. Do not seal the bag completely; rather, seal it with a small opening for air circulation.
And finally, place them in the warmest part of your fridge, which is usually the inner side of the door. Your hard herbs should stay fresh for about two to three
Remember to always check your herbs before you use them. If they’re slimy, discolored or smell bad, it’s time to toss them out!
If you can’t use up your herbs in time, hang-drying them is a great way to preserve them!
Gather your herbs into small bunches and tie the stems together with string.
Hang the bunches upside down in a warm, dry, wellventilated area out of direct sunlight.
Let the herbs dry until the leaves are crumbly, which usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the herb.
Once dry, store the herbs in airtight containers away from light and heat.
Dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so you’ll need less of them in your recipes compared to fresh herbs.
Hang-dried herbs can last for up to a year!
HOW TO FREEZE FRESH HERBS
Freezing fresh herbs is a simple and effective way to preserve their flavor.
1. First, wash your fresh herbs thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt or debris. Then, dry them thoroughly. You can do this by patting them dry with a towel or using a salad spinner.
2. This step is optional, but chopping the herbs can make it easier to use them later. Simply remove the leaves from the stems and chop them finely.
3. Place your chopped (or whole) herbs into freezer-safe bags. Try to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn.
4. Lay the bags flat in the freezer. You can stack the bags once the herbs are frozen to save space.
Growing your own herbs and veggies is so rewarding.
Now that you know a few herb storage techniques, you can save the abundance from your garden and incorporate your homegrown flavors into your recipes.
Cheri Crowley
Cheri Crowley and her husband, Jack, moved to Athens in 2018. Crowley has loved gardening for as long as she can remember, so once they settled in Athens, they joined the Friends of the Garden and took advantage of almost every garden offering. She met Carol McKeen, curator of the Conservatory and Herb and Physic Garden, during an Orchid Madness class and soon signed up to volunteer with her. “It has been one of the best things I have done since moving to Athens,” Crowley said.
The botanical garden is her happy place, and she has learned much more about gardening by helping in the herb garden. “Carol is the main reason I keep coming back to work in the herb garden, regardless of the weather,” said Crowley. “She is a bright, intelligent, caring woman, and it has been a delight to have met her. Thanks for making me feel so welcome and a part of your amazing volunteer family.”
Crowley volunteered during Winter WonderLights and was part of the team to decorate the conservatory for the holidays. She also volunteers at plant sales and is a tremendous help with the Gardens of the World Ball flower preparation.
Crowley will become vice president of the Rose and Dahlia Garden Club of Athens this year and serves on the Friends of the Garden Board as the Azalea District representative for the Garden Clubs of Georgia. All this has come from volunteering at the garden and learning more about gardening opportunities in Athens.
We are all inspired by Crowley’s energy and love of the garden and are incredibly grateful that she has joined our volunteer family!
Volunteer opportunities are available for many positions. Please contact Andrea Fischer for more information at 706-542-6195 or afischer@uga.edu.
Garden of Georgia
Tips and Tricks
Common questions when storing herbs:
Can dried herbs go bad?
Dried herbs don’t really spoil, but they do lose their flavor over time. If your dried herbs have lost their aroma and don’t add much flavor to your dishes, it’s probably time to replace them.
How can I tell if my stored herbs have gone bad?
If your stored herbs have become slimy, discolored or have a bad smell, they’ve gone bad and should be discarded.
Should I wash my herbs before storing them?
It’s usually best to wait and wash your herbs right before you’re going to use them. If you wash them before storing them, the extra moisture can cause them to go bad faster. However, if your herbs are really dirty, you can gently rinse and pat them dry before storing
Can I store different herbs together?
Yes! You can store different herbs together, but it’s essential to store soft herbs with soft herbs and hard herbs with hard herbs, as they require different storage conditions.
Classes & Events
ADULT CLASSES
LIVING WITH TREES
Thursday, Sept. 12
6-7:30 p.m.
Kathryn Kolb, executive director and master naturalist, EcoAddendum
Edward Morrow, consulting arborist, EcoAddendum Fee: $20
https://t.uga.edu/9PC
Mature trees are beautiful and make us healthy, but some may be at risk of falling. Most trees tell you they are sick long before they fall–if you know what signs to look for. Join EcoAddendum Executive Director and Master Naturalist Kathryn Kolb and Consulting Arborist Edward Morrow for this program to learn about the health of trees in your yard and neighborhoods. This program will be an online presentation to showcase simple steps you can take to determine whether a tree is healthy or potentially hazardous so you can reduce the risk to your home. The presentation also includes interesting facts about tree character, tree ages and how best to work with the trees in our yards and landscapes to ensure their best health.
HOLIDAY
DÉCOR: WREATHS AND MORE!
See State Botanical Garden of Georgia website for date, time and location
Carol Dyer, curator, Herb and Physic Garden Fee: $30; swag is a $15 add-on
This workshop will teach you how to embrace the coming winter season by bringing the colors of the holidays into your home. You will learn to craft a festive wreath or swag with greenery collected from the garden. Wreaths will be constructed with freshly cut, traditional holiday greenery and arranged on a wire frame. Door swags (a vertical decoration) will be constructed with greenery and tied with wire or ribbon. Holiday greenery, wire frames and wires will be provided, but feel free to bring any trinkets, ornaments or dried materials to incorporate into your designs. No prior experience is necessary–embrace your creativity and bring a festive touch of nature back home!
All participants will need to bring the following materials for this class: (1) ribbon to construct bows, (2) a pair of gardening shears, pruners or clippers and (3) a pair of garden gloves (if you have sensitive hands).
ATHENS BEGINNERS BEEKEEPING SEMINAR
Saturday, Feb. 1
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
In partnership with Eastern Piedmont Beekeepers Association and UGA Bee Lab Fee: $65 (includes lunch)
Beekeeping is a complex and fascinating pursuit with plenty to learn and sweet rewards! If you are interested in becoming a beekeeper, this comprehensive seminar featuring Georgia Master Beekeepers and industry professionals will prepare you to create a successful hive. This workshop will guide you through understanding the honey bee and the steps to obtain your bees, tools and hives. This program will also cover harvesting, various hive products and how to use them. Participants will also learn about proper care and some of the common challenges facing beekeepers today.
Each participant will receive a box lunch, a copy of “First Lessons in Beekeeping” and a one-year membership to the Eastern Piedmont Beekeepers Association. As a bonus, all participants will have the opportunity to participate in a follow-up, hands-on class at a nearby apiary on a separate date.
CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMS
FIELD TRIPS AT THE GARDEN Tuesdays-Fridays
9:30-11:30 a.m.
State Botanical Garden education staff
Children’s classroom, gardens and trails
Fee: Varies with program, $5-$8 per student
Age: Varies with program, preK-grade 12
Bring your students to the garden to learn about natural ecosystems near and far. Each field trip program includes hands-on learning through our gardens and trails and a chance to connect with nature. For more information, please contact sbgeduc@uga.edu.
VOLUNTEER TRAINING FOR SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS
Friday, Aug. 23
9 a.m.-noon
State Botanical Garden Visitor Center, children’s classroom Free, pre-registration required https://givepul.se/prt8zu
Are you interested in encouraging a love for nature in future generations? Consider being a volunteer for our botanical garden field trips. Our education team will review guidelines and expectations, run through a typical program and do some hands-on training with the puppets. Meet in the children’s classroom in the education wing of the visitor’s center. For more information, please contact sbgeduc@uga.edu.
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.
Saturday, Sept. 28
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fee: $5 per person, $20 per family
SWEET PEA CLUB
Every Thursday, through Oct. 31 10:15-11 a.m.
Theater-in-the-Woods
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.
One of our largest and most well-known festivals–Insectival–will return to the garden this year! Participants will meet and interact with various entomological experts and their buggy friends. Activities include presenter booths, a puppet show and the popular butterfly release on the Flower Garden lawn. Join garden staff and partners as we celebrate our beloved six-legged neighbors. Insectival is sponsored by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, UGA Lund Club, UGA Department of Entomology and Georgia Museum of Natural History.
PLANTS & POLLINATORS SPECIALIZATION
The garden has expanded its successful Certificate in Native Plants program to include a Plants and Pollinators Specialization designed for anyone ready to take an interest in protecting our native plants and pollinators! The specialization is open to people currently enrolled in or graduated from the CNP program and those who have not yet participated but are looking for an opportunity to get involved in pollinator protection in their area.
MONARCHS & BEYOND: POLLINATOR STEWARDSHIP
Saturday, Sept. 21
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Susan Meyers, monarch watch conservation specialist, Monarchs Across Georgia Visitor Center, classroom 2
https://t.uga.edu/6g4
This class will take an in-depth look at the biology and ecology of the monarch butterfly in North America, its migration, species status assessment and conservation efforts. With an overall decline of 90% in the population in the past 20 years, the monarch has become the poster child for pollinators and the subject of much research, monitoring and educational endeavors. Participants will utilize habitat assessment tools, practice a variety of community science projects and plan their own pollinator enhancement activities to become pollinator stewards. Class time will be spent both indoors and outside hiking in the garden.
FULL MOON HIKES
Monday, Aug. 19
8-9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
8-9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17
8-9:30 p.m.
State Botanical Garden education staff
Meet at the fountain in front of the Visitor Center
See the garden come alive at night! Join our monthly Full Moon Hikes to enjoy the State Botanical Garden after hours and hear discussions on nocturnal plants and animals, the changing seasons and moon folklore. Be prepared to hike up to 2 miles on our wooded trails and in the garden, where visibility may be low at times. If you have young children or infants, a backpack carrier is suggested. Pre-registration is required.
NATURE RAMBLERS
Thursdays through Nov. 21
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.
FALL BIRD RAMBLES
8 a.m.
See State Botanical Garden of Georgia website for dates Oconee Rivers Audubon Society Upper Parking Lot Free and open to the public
Come join the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society for a morning bird walk in the garden. Look and listen for our fall migrants. First time birding? No problem. ORAS members will help you spot and identify the feathery creatures. All birding levels are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. For more information, visit www. oconeeriversaudubon.org.
GROW YOUR OWN PRAIRIE IN NORTH GEORGIA
Saturday, Oct. 12
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Karin Hicks, Georgia master gardener and master naturalist Visitor Center, classroom 2 https://t.uga.edu/6gf
Prairies, meadows, savannas and woodlands were once integral to Georgia’s Piedmont and mountain ecoregions. These habitats have nearly disappeared but are now being restored and re-created by gardeners, ecologists and landscapers. This class will teach you the basics of creating a prairie on your property, including site analysis, species selection and habitat management. Class time will be divided between a classroom lecture and a field trip to the prairie at the State Botanical Garden. Hicks will share her experience cultivating and managing 10 acres of meadow, forest and natural garden in North Georgia, where she encourages wildlife to come and live.
THE RANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND
Sept. 17
7 p.m.
$24 for adults
$20 for Friends of the Garden members
$12 for children ages 5-16
Children under 5 are admitted free
Thank you to this year’s Sunflower Concert Series sponsors!
Join us for the final Sunflower Concert of the summer on Sept. 17, featuring the Randall Bramblett Band! Concert tickets include beverages, and people are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic suppers to enjoy in the garden. The concert will be held inside the Visitor Center and Conservatory if weather necessitates.
Members of the Friends of the Garden can purchase tickets for $20 using the discount code “sunflowerfriends.” For more information and to purchase tickets, visit botgarden.uga.edu.
Native Plant Sale
Oct. 9 Friends Only Sale 2-6 p.m.
Oct. 10-12
Thursday and Friday, 2-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
13th annual
Join garden professionals at the Mimsie Lanier Center for on-site plant shopping. Experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space, from large gardens to pots. See details and a plant list at botgarden.uga.edu.
CERTIFICATE IN NATIVE PLANTS
For more information and a complete course listing, visit botgarden.uga.edu/education/adult-programs/.
Core
BASIC BOTANY: THE LIVES OF THE PLANTS
Online course content available Oct. 30
Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m. lab session (limited to 15 each)
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6-7 p.m. Zoom Q & A
Sabrina Sewell, botanist Hybrid program; see our website for more information https://t.uga.edu/6lB
Explore the biology of plants in this introduction to general plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution and development. This course presents the fundamental information about plants upon which other courses in the native plant certificate program will build, particularly Plant Taxonomy. With an emphasis on relating form to function, it surveys the origins of plants along with their basic forms and life processes. Students will become acquainted with plant tissues and structures, as well as their roles in the life of plants.
Course learning objectives and outline (topics covered will include):
• Origins of plants and their basic groups
• Brief history and fundamentals of the science of botany
• Plant structures (internal and external) - their forms, functions and development
• Plant life cycles and reproduction
• Introduction to basic plant genetics
• Evolutionary adaptations of plants
Course structure:
• This class consists of three elements: a series of pre-recorded introductory videos, in-person or at-home lab exercises exploring plant anatomy and a wrap-up discussion session through Zoom.
Part 1 – Introductory Video Lectures – content released Oct. 30
Part 2 – Exploratory Lab Exercises – self-paced at home OR in-person session Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m.
Part 3 – Online Discussion Session – through Zoom Nov. 12, 6-7 p.m.
Participants who sign up for the online lab session will be provided instructions for conducting their own activities at home.
Electives
FALL WILDFLOWERS OF THE GEORGIA PIEDMONT
Saturday, Sept. 7
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Linda Chafin, botanist
State Botanical Garden Visitor Center, classroom 2 https://t.uga.edu/79Z
Our gardens, roadsides and meadows are aglow with color in the fall. In this class, students will learn to recognize the most common fallblooming wildflowers in the Georgia Piedmont and be introduced to the basic botanical terminology used in identifying and describing fallflowering plants, with an emphasis on plants in the Aster (composite) family. We will then apply that knowledge to plants in the field, learning to recognize families, genera and species based on characteristics readily observable in the field.
NATIVE FERNS OF THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAIN REGIONS
Saturday, Sept. 14
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Connie Gray, native plant specialist, Georgia Native Plant Society – Athens Chapter State Botanical Garden Visitor Center, classroom 2
https://t.uga.edu/9AS
This course will focus on the most common ferns in the Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley, Cumberland Plateau, Brevard Fault zone and upper areas of the Piedmont. Many of these are also found farther south, but some species are very uncommon or not present in the Piedmont. The class will begin with an introduction to the biology and morphology of the ferns, especially those features that will help you identify the different species. The natural habitats of these different ferns will also be discussed. We will examine each of these ferns through slides, an outdoor venture to see many of these plants in person in the Dunson Native Flora Garden, and we will examine samples under magnification when we return indoors. The primary focus of the class is to learn to recognize and appreciate these beautiful and fascinating native plants. There will be some discussion about using them in gardens as well.
Georgia Symphyotrichum
FALL WILDFLOWERS OF THE GRANITE OUTCROPS OF GEORGIA
Georgia is home to 90% of the Southeastern Piedmont’s granite outcrops, one of the most endangered and botanically interesting natural communities in the U.S. Students will be introduced to the ecology, habitats and plant communities of the granite outcrop ecosystem during an interpretive hike. Yellow daisies and fall wildflowers dominate the outcrops in September, and we’ll take in the grand showing to celebrate fall wildflowers on the outcrop. We will discuss and observe much about their life histories, adaptations and resiliency to survive on the rock. This will be an entirely field-based course on a multihour hike. Please note that this class is located outside of the Athens area.
Callicarpa
MANAGING INVASIVE PLANTS
Saturday, Sept. 28
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Heather Brasell, environmental educator
Gaskins Forest Education Center, Alapaha, GA
https://t.uga.edu/6g5
Whether you are managing your home garden, a public outdoor center or natural ecosystems, you will need to deal with invasive plants. Once you have learned to identify these plants, deciding which plants to target with limited time and resources is challenging. Management considerations include general strategies for early detection, treatment and post-treatment monitoring. Strategies for targeting individual species depend on the ecosystem, the plant growth and behavior, the phenology of flowering and fruiting, and weather and environmental considerations. Bring your own concerns about problem species to the course (along with a list of native species present) so you can develop your own action plan. Please note that this class is located outside of the Athens area.
PLANTS WE LOVE TO HATE: IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING NON-NATIVE INVASIVE PEST PLANTS
Saturday, Oct. 5
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Gary Crider, naturalist and invasive plant control specialist
State Botanical Garden Visitor Center, classroom 2
https://t.uga.edu/6g5
This workshop is an introduction to the identification and control of invasive, non-native pest plants. Students will learn about the major “offenders” in the Georgia Piedmont and how these plants cause ecological harm to native plant communities and wildlife. The class will also focus on habitat restoration through the management and control of invasive plants. Various control methods will be outlined, including a description of tools, techniques and detailed strategies for some high-priority species. The lecture portion of this class will last until 12:30 p.m., followed by a break and an outdoor field study.
WARM-SEASON GRASSES OF THE GEORGIA PIEDMONT
Saturday, Oct. 19
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Zach Wood, grasslands coordinator, State Botanical Garden of Georgia State Botanical Garden Visitor Center, classroom 2
https://t.uga.edu/7a1
Grasses are the most economically and ecologically important plant family, but most of us know very little about them, and fewer still know how to identify grasses. In this class, we will learn to recognize common fallflowering grass species of the Georgia Piedmont. During the first half of the class, we will dissect grass plants to learn the basic structures that are useful for identification in the field. The last two hours of the class will be spent in the field, examining a variety of native and exotic grasses. Be sure to bring a hand lens if you have one.
GROUNDCOVER
RESTORATION
Saturday, Nov. 2
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Heather Brasell, environmental educator
Gaskins Forest Education Center, Alapaha, GA
https://t.uga.edu/8sg
This class will visit various sites to compare and contrast different groundcover restoration projects and management practices. With an emphasis on management decisions rather than identifying specific plants, this course will discuss common challenges, successes and landscape restoration strategies while managing invasive plant species. The types of restoration sites and projects surveyed in this class will include minimum understory management (thin and burn), economy understory restoration (thin and burn with limited use of supplemental seeds), high-quality seed mix for pollinator gardens, conversion from turf grass to meadow and wetland rehabilitation. Please note that this class is located outside of the Athens area.
GOT PRIVET? STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING THREE OF THE WORST INVASIVE PLANTS OF GEORGIA
Saturday, Nov. 16
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gary Crider, naturalist and invasive plant control specialist
Virtual program, see our website for more information
https://t.uga.edu/9B4
Chinese Privet, English Ivy and Japanese Stiltgrass have extensively invaded Georgia’s natural areas, creating environmental havoc. With the right strategies, tools and techniques, these invasive plants can be controlled, reducing their impacts and improving the ecological function of affected sites. This class will take a close look at the life cycle of each of these plants and provide a detailed outline of safe, practical and effective control methods for each.
FRIENDS FIRST FRIDAY
FRIENDS FIRST FRIDAY
First Friday each month
9–10:30 a.m.
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.
Sept. 6–Behind the scenes in the garden’s greenhouses
Please join us for a behind-the-scenes open house of the production greenhouses at the State Botanical Garden. From 9-11 a.m., the greenhouses will be open to Friends
First Friday guests for an open house event. Greenhouse manager Eli McKinney and other horticulture staff will be on hand to explain plant production, the orchid collection and the facility’s functionality. A continental breakfast will be available, so grab a plate and stroll through the facility, where you can get a first look at the fall annual plants before they are put out into the gardens.
McKinney is responsible for producing plants for the curated garden spaces, grounds restoration, plant sales and plant collections. Before working at the garden, he spent many years as a farm manager at a Winterville farm, producing fresh food and cut flowers for local markets and restaurants. He has also worked at Costa Farms as the trial garden manager and at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden as a grounds foreman. McKinney was born and raised in Athens, Ga., and holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the University of Georgia.
Oct. 4–Container gardening and more with Sheldon Jones
As the curator of seasonal color, Sheldon Jones is responsible for the Visitor Center patio water feature, multiple containers around the gardens, multiple annual and permanent beds, native grass plantings on the entrance drive and the maintenance and care of the conifer collection at the Callaway Administration Building. He also cares for the orchid collection housed in the horticulture complex greenhouse.
Jones has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the University of Georgia. He worked as the greenhouse manager at the State Botanical Garden before becoming the head horticulturist at Vines Botanical Garden in Loganville, Ga. His interest in plant propagation led him to manage the nursery at PS Landscapes and Nursery. He then decided to establish his own business of a similar nature, Dogtrot Plant Nursery. Within that time, he was offered an opportunity to return to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia as a part-time assistant, eventually becoming the curator of seasonal color which he has enjoyed since 2011.
Nov. 1–The shady side of gardening
Sara Henderson recently retired as garden director at Oakland Cemetery, where she served for almost 15 years. Henderson is passionate about shade plants and committed to finding the right plant for the right place. She’s also committed to gardening in a way that considers our time limits and our decreasing flexibility, energy and strength as we grow older. She is credited with transforming Oakland’s gardens into the fabulous treasure they are now, restoring and expanding the garden throughout its 20 acres.
Henderson also established Oakland’s now-famous plant sale as a fundraiser. Thanks to her efforts, the plant sale became a revenue generator that many gardening enthusiasts and community members look forward to each year. Henderson is also a past president of the Georgia Perennial Plant Association.
Dec. 6–Pining for spring with Cliff Brock
Join Cliff Brock as he describes what you can be doing and planning to prepare for a new year of gardening. Winter is the season for longing and daydreaming about all the fun gardening you’ll do in the next few months. In this talk, Brock will describe his experience picking plants and preparing his garden for the warmer months. He’ll also showcase his favorite winter-blooming species.
Originally from Monticello, Ga., Brock has a degree in horticulture from UGA and was the curator of the flower garden for four years. He has also worked at the New England Wildflower Society and Plant Delights Nursery. His interests include heirloom plants, perennials, wildflowers and shrubs and trees. He currently works as an organist and music director at Newnan Presbyterian Church. He also enjoys writing on his blog, cliffordbrock. com.
FRIENDS
Dear Friends,
I hope you had a fun-filled summer enjoying vacation, family and garden time! Our wonderful garden staff have been staying busy providing beautiful gardens to enjoy, wonderful summer camps for your children and grandchildren and great programming for Friends members to enjoy.
The Friends organization has been busy providing additional opportunities to enjoy the garden during the past few months, including very well-attended Friends First Fridays and supporting the Ballew Concert. We were honored to help provide half of the award to the outstanding garden Employee of the Year, Will Rogers!
The Sunflower Concerts were a great success, with a great turnout of appreciative and enthusiastic audiences for the first three concerts. The final concert will feature the very popular Randall Bramblett Band–a great conclusion to the series on Sept. 17. Bring a chair and a blanket, and enjoy some great fun and entertainment.
First Fridays this fall will feature a tour of the garden’s greenhouses, information about creating beautiful container plantings, Sara Henderson from the garden at the Oakland Cemetery and Cliff Brock teasing us with gardening ideas for spring. These get-togethers are a wonderful opportunity to learn so much about interesting garden topics, meet new gardening friends and visit the garden as it turns on its fall finery!
A popular fall event is the Native Plant Sale. As Friends members, you can shop early and receive a discount on the very special natives offered.
The garden always appreciates their Friends members volunteers–leading tours, welcoming guests, helping in the gardens and with Winter WonderLights. Please consider sharing a bit of your time to volunteer to help keep the garden growing and shining!
Happy fall to you all–and thank you for your continued support!
Karen Radde, 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. Georgia Garden provides additional information about upcoming garden events and features current articles by our knowledgeable garden staff. Join the Friends of the Garden to receive Georgia Garden in your mailbox three times a year. Visit botgarden.uga.edu for more information.
Radde
Bracken
Dennis Calbos Recording Secretary Kay Petroff
Membership Services
Lynn Bryant
Immediate Past President
Eileen Hale
Endowment Trustees
Mercer Brockenbrough
James LaBoon III
John Quackenbush
Tom Wilfong
Ellen Wilkens Wiley
Board of Directors
Merry Anderson
Shirley Berry
Nancy Black
Barbara Bourque
Cheryl Briscoe
Cheri Crowley
Betsy Ellison
Juli Fields
Andrea Fischer
Celia Fowler
B.J. Garrett
Susie Haggard
Rosemary Maulden
Mary Mills
Teresa Morrison
Beverly Morton
Marsha Mulderig
Shelly Prescott
Mike Sikes
Rosemary Stancil
Gale Thomas
Barbra Turner
Bill Walker Dot Williams
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, 7 A.M.-7 P.M.
VISITOR CENTER GIFT SHOP PORCELAIN AND DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM TUES. -SAT. 9 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
Sign up for the garden’s monthly e-newsletter, The Garden Buzz!
John Abbot: Celebrating the history of Georgia flora and fauna
Horticulture and conservation education have long been primary and important objectives of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. In 2021 when the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum was inaugurated as the newest state-of-the-art institution within the garden, there arose exciting new pathways to further educate on and to celebrate nature.
The museum became a place to further the mission of the garden. While the art in the museum reminds us of the beauty and majesty of nature worldwide, objects also hold valuable historical narratives that teach us about the horticultural and natural history of Georgia and the world.
This sentiment is particularly evident in the Georgia Room, a gallery dedicated to Georgian art and its connection to nature. Among them, watercolors and prints of butterflies and flora by John Abbot hang on the wall and in a custom mahogany room divider.
Shortly after he arrived in the colonies, the Revolutionary War and Abbot’s dependence on British commissions prompted him to move away from the growing tensions in Virginia. He moved to St. George Parish (now Burke County), where his love of science and art came to their fullest fruition.
Abbot, born in London in 1751, dedicated much of his life to cataloging and creating scientifically accurate illustrations of Georgia flora and fauna. He developed a love of nature during childhood and collected and bred insects while simultaneously receiving art lessons.
In 1773, Abbot left England for the colony of Virginia, intent on working as a collector and tradesman of scientific specimens. He was the agent for a British jeweler for the sale of specimens and illustrations, and he also had commissions from several collectors and scientists.
In 1797, a two-volume set entitled “The Natural History of the Rarer Lepidopterous Insects of Georgia… Collected from the Observations of Mr. John Abbot” was published, and it was the first significant work on North American insects. It contained etchings of watercolors that Abbot had made of butterflies near his home for over 16 years.
Such dedication to careful and accurate scientific illustration of species cemented Abbot’s legacy. His work enabled other scientists to identify closely related species, and his art was even studied by Charles Darwin. Abbot died in Georgia around 1840, but his legacy lives on through the two species of spider and one moth named in his honor and through the Southern Lepidopterists’ Society’s John Abbot Award.
Abbot is perhaps the perfect spokesperson to affirm the connection between the rebranded Georgia Garden Magazine and the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. His pursuit of scientific accuracy and advancement and his devotion to Georgia’s nature echoes the boundless work of the garden’s curators, conservationists, botanists and horticulturalists, and the museum is proud to display his work in a location where it can be appreciated both for its artistic excellence and its scientific merit.
Grace Moorman, Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum curator
GARDENS OF THE WORLD BALL 2024
The 39th annual Gardens of the World Ball, “From Tractors to Tuxedos: Let’s Celebrate Georgia Grown,” was held Saturday, May 4 at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. More than 170 guests enjoyed the beautifully decorated plaza and conservatory, which showcased Georgia agricultural products, native plants and flowers, and a menu featuring the delicious fare of our great state.
Accolades and thanks are extended to the event’s tri-chairs, Andrew Crawford, Paula Hennessy and Farolyn Mobley, for their vision, dedication and commitment to making the ball such a tremendous success. A special thank you is also extended to this year’s honorary chairs, Jimmy and Rosalind Jeter, for their longstanding support and ambassadorship of the garden.
The Gardens of the World Ball has been a premier fundraiser for the State Botanical Garden for decades. Proceeds from the evening will help fund a beautifully designed and much-needed expansion of the garden entrance to improve safety and accessibility for the hundreds of thousands of guests who visit the garden each year.
Thank you To our Gardens of The World Ball sponsors
Presenting
Crawford Investment Counsel
Paula & Mark Hennessy
Rosalind & Jimmy Jeter
Jim Miller
Farolyn & Patrick Mobley
DiamonD
Deen Day & Jim Sanders
Sally & David Tyndall
Platinum
Susan Braselton Fant
Parties to Die For
Cynthia Willett golD
Blossoms Wholesale
Malcolm Burgess
Callaway Blue Spring Water
Georgia Trend
Brenda & Ham Magill
Marianne McConnel
Cindy & Richard Moore
Doreen & Alec Poitevint
Lyndy & Joel Wernick
Tom Wight
Wilheit Family Foundation
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM AT STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN AT UGA WINS NATIONAL AWARD
Laurel Clark, communications coordinator
The Learning by Leading™ program at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia recently won the Program Excellence Award from the American Public Gardens Association.
The State Botanical Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, along with 600 other public gardens in North America and internationally. The Program Excellence Award is given to association members who display innovation in the development of an original and completed program, according to the American Public Gardens Association.
The State Botanical Garden was awarded Program Excellence for Learning by Leading along with the other partners on the project, including the UC Davis Public Garden and Arboretum, Cornell Botanic Gardens and University of Central Florida Arboretum.
Learning by Leading at the University of Georgia is a hands-on program developed for the botanical garden to increase leadership skills through a comprehensive experiential learning program. Students progress through a leadership ladder, gaining technical, human and conceptual skills while working alongside staff mentors at the State Botanical Garden.
“This award gives the program additional credibility,”,said Cora Keber, the State Botanical
Garden’s director of education. “For Learning by Leading to be acknowledged in this way is excellent; it demonstrates that we are making an impact with our students.”
Since it was brought to UGA in 2018, 182 students have joined the program, contributing nearly 22,000 hours to furthering the State Botanical Garden’s mission. Learning by Leading is an approved program for Service, Leadership and Intern experiential learning credits, a university requirement for all undergraduate students.
Students work on teams, ranging from horticulture, environmental education, conservation, visitor services
The Learning by Leading™ program was recently given the Program Excellence award at the American Public Gardens Association annual conference. Pictured on the left are partners on the project representing different institutions, including the UC Davis Public Garden and Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Cornell Botanic Gardens and University of Central Florida Arboretum.
and more. A staff mentor guides them, and students can become student leaders in their teams as they progress through the program.
The idea for introducing Learning by Leading to UGA began when the garden’s director, Jenny Cruse-Sanders, learned about the program at UC Davis Public Garden and Arboretum while attending the American Public Gardens Association’s annual conference in 2017.
“Learning by Leading encourages students to participate in experiential learning at the
garden,” said Cruse-Sanders. “The program has engaged more university students in our work, and we are honored to receive this recognition.”
Students have contributed to projects including mapping the garden collections, heirloom apple production, plant propagation, and creating education programming, curriculum and environmental interpretation materials.
“The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is one of two founding partners in our international Learning by Leading Community of Practice,” said Kathleen Socolofsky, assistant vice chancellor and director of UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. “We’ve been thrilled to see how the State Botanical Garden team has adopted Learning by Leading and developed innovations that contribute so much to our Community of Practice of gardens across North America.”
Since its inception at UGA, Learning by Leading has continued to grow and evolve to serve the needs of students, student leaders, interns and staff mentors. Initial funding support came from UGA’s Office of Experiential Learning through an Innovation Grant. Later, support has come from the Friends of the Garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the UGA Parents Leadership Council.
ABOVE LEFT: Imani Andwele presents at the annual Learning by Leading™ showcase, which allows students to share the projects they’ve been working on throughout the year.
ABOVE CENTER: Isa Pruitt collects seeds as part of her work with the Conservation Learning by Leading™ team.
ABOVE RIGHT: Learning by Leading™ student Daniela Delgada educates the public about water conservation at the garden’s annual spring family festival, Questival.
GARDEN STAFF NEWS
Employee of the Year: Will Rogers
Will Rogers was named this year’s Employee of the Year! He works tirelessly as a conservation research professional to study rare and endangered species. This requires diverse skills, as Rogers must grow and maintain rare plant species, do fieldwork and conduct genetics-centric lab work. He presents around the state to promote the Georgia Grassland’s Initiative iNaturalist project and share his expertise on carnivorous plants.
Rogers also goes beyond his job description to assist students, participate in the garden’s educational events and stand in for his colleagues in times of need. In his free time, Rogers is a poet. His future goal is to be a full-time grower of “strange and awe-inspiring plant species.” His favorite parts of working at the garden are figuring out how to make difficult-to-grow species “happy” and interacting with the public. Please join us in congratulating Rogers for being nominated and named Garden Employee of the Year!
KATHY ADAMS
Kathy Adams recently joined the State Botanical Garden staff as the Development and Stewardship Associate. Adams is a native Georgian with a background in event planning, communication and promotions. She brings three years of experience from the University of Georgia and 18 years from Montana State University. Adams loves dogs, hiking, spending time with her family, land conservation, Masterpiece Theatre and live music.
OLIVER HIRT
Oliver Hirt recently joined the garden’s staff as the Facilities Coordinator. Hirt is originally from Detroit and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Antioch College and a master’s degree in planning from the University of Michigan. Before working at the garden, he was a project manager for CBRE. He enjoys swimming, biking and working in the yard.
DAN HUDSON
The State Botanical Garden recently welcomed Dan Hudson as the Winter WonderLights Manager. Hudson has a Hospitality Management degree from Syracuse University. He worked for UGA Athletics in Football Nutrition in his most recent position. While living in New York, Hudson worked for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Hudson enjoys the outdoors, including fishing and hiking, and cooking.
Please join us in congratulating Will Rogers and Kimberly Futrell for their recent PSO Employee Spotlight recognition! Thank you both for your hard work and dedication to the garden!
RETIREMENTS
Henrietta Arnold
Around the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, she is often simply referred to as “The Boss.”
On her lunch breaks, she can be seen in the Visitor Center offering any number of her fellow coworkers sage advice, acting as our own Lucy from Peanuts in her psychiatric booth, missing only a sign reading “The doctor is IN.”
By day, she is a mild-mannered custodian, the glue that has held the garden together for nearly 30 years. There is only one Henrietta Arnold.
Henrietta launched her career at UGA in 1995. When she started, many of the gardens we enjoy today had not even been thought of, nor had the Garden Club of Georgia building or the Horticulture Complex been built. When asked what the largest change has been in the last thirty years, she gestures toward a large tour group, “There are a lot more visitors now than when I started,” she said.
Lisa Nation
After 20 years, Lisa Nation, the garden’s graphic designer, will retire this fall. Lisa started working at the garden on Aug. 2, 2004. “I’ve been pulling down this driveway for 20 years,” said Lisa. “I’ve had a lot of life experiences throughout those 20 years.”
When asked what made her decide to take this job, she said, “After coming here and interviewing and seeing everything, I couldn’t turn that down.”
Lisa said her favorite part of her job has been the opportunity to continue learning. Whenever she creates materials for different garden departments, she learns something new about plants that she can take home and implement in her own garden.
Her favorite memories at the garden include events where the staff had fun together. She’s going to miss the people the most.
Henrietta’s favorite thing about the garden is the people. The earlier Lucy comparison is not hyperbole. If you need a great sounding board or just an ear to listen, it’s hard to beat her for company. She also has the greatest historical knowledge about the garden of anyone currently on staff, so she is often asked how certain events ran in the past or where some obscure old garden artifact might be found. She says the secret to doing one thing for so long is to love what you do and have good people to be around while you do it.
Now, she is retiring, and we are all bracing for life without her constant smile and reassuring presence. She is looking forward to sharing more time with family and maybe sneaking in a cruise in the near future. We here wish her all the best and thank her for all of her time, talent and advice. The garden will certainly not be the same without her!
“Everybody is family,” said Lisa. “We work so closely together. You see your coworkers more than your spouse it seems like. So that will be different.”
Lisa is looking forward to spending more time at home and outdoors. She plans to see her parents more, garden and read. After a nice long break, she’ll probably find a part-time job doing something she enjoys.
While we are excited for Lisa and the new adventures she has ahead, she will be sorely missed. She has served in a critical role, developing materials to support all garden departments, and the next designer has some huge shoes to fill!
We will satisfy one of her final requests while she’s still at the garden by ending this article with a “Go Dawgs!”
ART AT THE GARDEN
Tiny Wonders
Aug. 18-Nov. 12
Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of small wonders right here in Athens, Georgia. “Tiny Wonders” will introduce you to the captivating world of tiny creatures and plants as seen through the lenses of six talented local artists: Heather Larkin, Don Hunter, Diego Huet, Bill Sheehan, Sandy Shaul and Rosemary Woodel.
“Tiny Wonders” celebrates the remarkable beauty and diversity of the little critters that share our city. From the tiniest jumping spiders to the biggest of Athens’ moths, this exhibition magnifies the often-overlooked details of our natural surroundings. Through the art of macro photography, these six artists will reveal the hidden treasures of our community, showcasing the intricate relationships between these small creatures and their environment. The primary goal of this exhibit is to introduce viewers to the intricate beauty of local nature. We aim to foster a greater appreciation and curiosity for the environment outside our doorstep by presenting close-ups of local bugs or other critters.
BOARD OF ADVISORS 2024-2025
Tootsie Adams, Athens
Cyndae Arrendale, Atlanta
Betty Balentine, Atlanta
Diana Barrow, Savannah
Lisa Bell, Savannah
Malinda Bergen, Savannah
Betsy Birkholz, Marietta
Mary Bishop, Sea Island
Dottie Blitch, Athens
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
Martha Deméré, Sea Island
Betty DeVore, Athens
Evelyn Dukes, Athens
Susan Duncan, Highlands
Cindy Edwards, Savannah
Betsy Ellison, Athens
Susan Braselton Fant, Sea Island
James Farmer, Perry
Melissa Fontaine, Athens
Ann Frierson, Athens
Jim Gatewood, Americus
Sylvia Gibson, Athens
Kelly Grow, Athens
Lynwood Hall, Moultrie
Robert Hallock, Savannah
Catherine Hardman, Athens
Mary Hardman, Athens
Francie Hargrove, Cashiers
Georgia Hatcher, 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
Carrie Lovein, Atlanta
Brenda Magill, Athens
Alden Maier, Rome
Polly Mattox, LaGrange
Marianne McConnel, Atlanta
Tavia McCuean, 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 Schley Ritchie, Atlanta
Hart Roberts, Athens
Adrian Robinson, Atlanta
Margaret Robinson, Sea Island
Riley Sams, Sea Island
Deen Day Sanders, Atlanta
Victoria Simms, Sea Island
Henrietta Singletary, Albany
Lacy Sinkwich, Athens
Janie Skinner, Atlanta
Eileen Small, Atlanta
Betty Sponcler, Dalton Haynes Studstill, Lakeland
Colleen Sullivan, Albany
Nancy Tarbutton, Sandersville
Nancy Thomas, Screven
Elizabeth Townley, Bogart
Sally Tyndall, Atlanta
Ruth Wellborn, Greensboro
Joel Wernick, Greensboro
Tom Wight, Macon
Cynthia Willett, Bluffton
Robert Winthrop, Athens
Kathy Young, Marietta
Volunteer!
For the fourth year, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia will transform into a sparkling wonderland of lights this winter.
We will need volunteers each night to make the magic happen! Volunteer positions include entrance greeter, wayfinding and s’mores station monitors.
For more information, contact Andrea Fischer at sbgvol@uga. edu or 706-542-6195.
706.542.1244 . botgarden.uga.edu . garden@uga.edu
Georgia in the fall is truly a beautiful time; the same can be said about the State Botanical Garden.
The botanical garden is a great place to study or relax during the fall semester. The gift shop has a variety of notebooks, sketchpads and planners to help you stay organized.
This time of year brings us many more opportunities to gather and celebrate. We have festive trays, table decor and serving boards that are perfect for entertaining, as well as festive tea towels and cocktail napkins.
The gift shop has something for everyone in every season. We hope you’ll stop by and take a piece home with you!
